About us
Free, volunteer-led day hikes for fit and confident walkers across London and the surrounding counties.
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🥾 What to expect
We are a London-based hiking group exploring day hikes across London and the surrounding counties, from scenic woodlands and rolling hills to the occasional muddy field. Our hikes are typically 20 to 25 km (12 to 15 miles) at a moderate to brisk pace, best suited to fit and confident walkers. All hikes are free and led by experienced volunteer organisers, usually starting around 10:00 and finishing mid to late afternoon. Most routes are accessible by train, with optional group travel from central London or the option to meet directly at the hike start point. The group is open to adults aged 21 and over who enjoy longer, more challenging walks in a friendly, well organised community that values fresh air, adventure, and good company.
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🌱 About Us
Founded in April 2025, we are a lively group that values fresh air, good conversation, and shared adventure. Hiking is about people as much as distance, and we aim to create a friendly, supportive atmosphere on every walk. Beginners and experienced hikers are welcome, as long as the event matches your fitness level.
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🤝 How We’re Run
The group is run by a small team of experienced volunteer organisers. We plan and lead walks as peers, not professionals. We organise UK day hikes only. We do not run or promote overseas trips, multi-day hikes, paid events, or activities involving travel providers.
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✅ Who Can Join
- Adults aged 21 and over
- No children or pets
- Routes can be long and demanding
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💰 Cost
- All hikes are free
- Optional group rail tickets may be arranged to reduce costs
- Participants using group tickets must travel on the same train and contribute their share
- Any optional social events may require a venue or accommodation deposit
- Organisers do not profit from any payments
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💪 Fitness and Walk Difficulty
Most hikes cover around 20 to 25 km (12 to 15 miles) at an average pace of 4.5 to 5.5 km/h (2.8 to 3.4 mph), over hilly and varied terrain. These are not slow or casual walks. Our routes explore classic English countryside, including woodland paths, rolling hills, open ridgelines, and farm tracks. Underfoot conditions can change quickly and may include mud, chalk paths, uneven ground, and occasional steeper sections. After wet weather, standing water and large puddles may be encountered, sometimes reaching above the ankle of standard walking shoes. If you are new to longer hikes, we recommend starting with an easier event and building up gradually.
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🗺️ Hike Difficulty Levels
- Easy: Up to 12 km, mostly flat
- Easy to Moderate: Up to 15 km, some slopes
- Moderate: Up to 20 km, mixed terrain
- Moderate to Strenuous: Up to 30 km, steep sections
- Strenuous: 30+ km, rough terrain
- 👉 Full grading reference available HERE.
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👨👩👧👦 Travel and Meeting Points
- Most hikes are accessible by train
- Buy your own ticket unless using an organised group option
- Some hikes offer two meeting points: a London station or the hike start
- Please arrive on time. The group cannot wait for late arrivals
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🎒 What to Bring (Essential)
- Packed lunch, snacks, at least 2L water
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers, waterproofs, warm layer
- Sun protection
- Personal medication and blister plasters
- Fully charged phone and head torch
- Offline maps or GPS app
- Some cash or bank card
Recommended: Walking poles, power bank, whistle, dry bags, navigation apps such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS and know how to use them.
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🚻 Facilities
Toilets may be limited or unavailable on rural routes. Be prepared for basic conditions
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👣 Group Size and Pace
The overall pace of the walk will not be adjusted significantly for individuals, so please choose events carefully. We generally aim for group sizes of around 25 to 50 participants. Larger groups are the exception and may require additional organisers and advance route sharing to ensure the group can be safely supported if it becomes spread out.
A dedicated back marker is not always present. Participants should stay within sight of others and keep an organiser in view where possible. If you fall behind or need to slow significantly, you must inform an organiser as early as possible.
Participants are responsible for keeping up with the group lead. If you are walking behind someone who is significantly slowing the pace, please move past them to remain with the main group. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may pause at key points to allow the group to regroup.
We make reasonable efforts not to leave anyone behind. However, it is not reasonable or safe for a large group to repeatedly stop or wait for individuals who are unable to maintain the stated pace. If someone continues independently without informing an organiser, they will be assumed to be managing their own route and safety.
If you are unsure about the expected pace, please speak to an organiser at the start of the walk.
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⏰ Typical Schedule
Every hike is a little different, but a day usually follows a familiar rhythm.
Some people choose to meet in central London and travel out together by train, while others make their own way to the start point and join the group there.
Once everyone has arrived, the organiser will do a quick check-in and give a short, informal briefing covering the route, any key safety points, and what to expect on the day.
Most hikes get underway at around 10:00, although this can vary depending on travel and conditions. We walk at a steady pace, taking short rest stops as needed, with a longer lunch break of around 30 to 45 minutes.
Walks typically finish mid to late afternoon, often around 16:00, depending on pace and conditions. When there’s time and a suitable venue nearby, there’s often an optional pub stop close to the finish or the train station.
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📋 RSVP etiquette
If your plans change, update your RSVP as early as possible so organisers can plan safely and fairly. Repeated no-shows, without prior notice, may result in removal from the group or limits on attending future events.
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🌿 Safety and Responsibility
You take part at your own risk. Hiking involves hazards such as weather, terrain, and injury.
- Be honest about your fitness
- Bring suitable kit, food, and water
- Keep your phone charged and maps offline
- Leaders may refuse participation if safety is a concern and will explain their decision where possible.
Organisers are volunteers and are not liable for injury, accidents, or loss of personal items.
If you need to leave a hike early, you must be able to navigate independently to a safe exit point. The organiser can help identify a route but cannot leave the group.
Organisers may carry basic first aid knowledge but are not medical professionals. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services will need to be contacted where appropriate. Response times in rural areas may be delayed.
The group does not provide personal accident or travel insurance. Participants are responsible for their own cover if desired.
Organiser decisions regarding safety, pace, and participation are final on the day of the event.
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🩺 Illness
Please do not attend if you are unwell or recovering. Join again once fully fit.
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⚠️ Code of Conduct
- Be respectful and considerate to fellow members and other trail users
- Follow safety advice, laws, and organiser instructions
- No smoking, drugs unless permitted
- No music on loudspeakers. Please use headphones
- Disruptive or unsafe behaviour may result in removal
- Ask before taking close-up photos of individuals
- Conversation is encouraged but optional. Some people enjoy chatting throughout, others prefer quieter walking. Both are welcome.
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🌱 Respect for Nature
- Leave no trace
- Stay on paths
- Do not disturb wildlife
- Respect gates, signage, and landowners
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🧭 Navigation
Please read the event details carefully and bring appropriate navigation tools, such as AllTrails, GaiaGPS, or OS Maps, on your mobile device or a suitable alternative. If you become separated from the group, please stop, remain where you are, and contact the host so we can assist in reconnecting you. If you are unsure of your direction, please do not continue. If you are unable to contact the host, make safe and sensible decisions using your own judgment and the resources available to you.
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📸 Photos and Media
Group photos may be taken during hikes and shared on Meetup or social media. If an image includes you and you prefer not to appear, you may ask the organiser to remove it or replace it with a version where you are blurred or not recognisable. All requests will be respected, and choosing not to appear in photos will never affect your participation in the group.
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⛈️ Cancellations
Hikes run in most weather but may be cancelled for safety or organiser availability. Always check the event page before travelling. Walks go ahead in rain, wind, and cold. Expect wet paths, mud, and exposure at times. Comfort is your responsibility.
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🔒 Group Independence
This group is dedicated to free, volunteer-led UK day hikes only. External trips, paid events, or other organisations should not be promoted through group channels.
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📩 Contact and Concerns
You may contact the group owner privately via Meetup with any concerns. Issues involving harassment or unwanted contact should be reported directly to Meetup Trust and Safety.
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📄 Final Acknowledgement
By joining events, you confirm that you have read and agree to these guidelines and understand you participate at your own risk.
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📢 Stay Connected
Follow us on: 📸 Instagram | 🐦 X | 🎥 YouTube | 💼 LinkedIn
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🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail and sharing many great walks together.
Upcoming events
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FREE HIKE 20 km | Darent Valley Discovery - Villages, Views and Ancient History
Otford Railway Station,, Station Approach, Otford, Kent., TN14 5QY, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5, some gentle inclines
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Join us for a lively countryside adventure packed with sweeping views, hidden history, and classic Kent character. We begin in the charming village of Otford, famous for its unique village pond shaped like a map of the world. From the very start, expect a friendly, social day out with plenty of photo stops along the way.Leaving Otford, we climb gently into the peaceful woodlands of Otford Mount, following quiet trails through the former Austin Lodge Golf Club, which closed in 2024. As nature slowly reclaims the fairways, this area now feels like a secret green corridor waiting to be explored.
Our route then leads us into the picturesque village of Shoreham, known for its famous duck race on the River Darent each May. We stop here for lunch, with time to explore the village and enjoy a cosy pub if you wish.
After lunch, we head uphill for one of the day’s highlights, the Shoreham Memorial Cross, carved into the chalk hillside in 1920 to honour local men who lost their lives in the First World War. The views from above the village are well worth the climb.
From here, we wander through the tranquil landscapes of Lullingstone Country Park, enjoying a mix of woodland paths and open valley views along its peaceful walking trails. We pass by the Lullingstone Roman Villa museum along the way, offering a glimpse into the area’s deep Roman past.
As we continue, dramatic scenery awaits with views of the impressive Eynsford Viaduct, a striking 19th century railway structure that still carries trains overhead today.
Our journey ends in the postcard perfect village of Eynsford, where we explore the atmospheric ruins of Eynsford Castle, one of the best preserved Norman castles in Kent, still enclosed by its original defensive walls.
There is time at the end for optional pub visits before heading to Eynsford railway station and making our way home.
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🛑 IMPORTANT: This hike is best suited to intermediate hikers who are comfortable with sustained hill ascents and able to maintain a steady pace of around 5 to 5.5 km/h. Those new to hiking or unsure about the pace may find the terrain and elevation challenging, which could lead to separation from the group.
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN:- Adults aged 21 and over. No children. No pets.
🚗 🅿️ BY CAR:
- You can park at the Otford start location or the Eynsford end location.
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1 (London group travel):
Buy a return ticket to Otford for £11.10 with a Network Railcard discount.
AdrianB will be at the meeting point to act as a focal point for the group.- 09:15 Meet at London Bridge main ticket office
- 09:30 Leave the meeting point and board the train
- 09:38 Train departs London Bridge towards Maidstone East
- 10:10 Arrive at Otford
Get off the train, cross over the bridge, and regroup outside the main entrance.
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2 (Hike start location):
🚶 WALK STARTS:
🏁 WALK FINISHES:
- Approximately 16:30 Eynsford railway station
↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:
- 16:35 From Eynsford, optional change at Swanley for London Bridge
- 17:05 From Eynsford towards Blackfriars
Check the timetable at the station on the day.
🍔 LUNCH:
- Bring a packed lunch and snacks.
- We will stop in Shoreham, where there are pubs and cafés if you want to grab something.
💰 COST:
- Free
🚻 TOILETS:
- At the pub lunch stop.
- Nature breaks during the hike as needed.
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💪 TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:- Distance: 20 km (approximately 12.5 miles)
- Difficulty: EASY TO MODERATE
- Ascent / Descent: 300 m up / 303 m down
- Highest / Lowest point: 244 m / 39 m
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Total time: Approximately 6 hours, including stops and breaks
- Pace: 5 to 5.5 km/h. Fast enough to keep warm and steady, yet relaxed enough for conversation. We will adjust as needed, with plenty of chances to enjoy the views and keep things sociable.
- Terrain: The route follows a varied mix of village paths, woodland trails, former golf course tracks, chalk hillside footpaths, and river valley walking. Underfoot conditions range from compacted earth and grass to chalky slopes, which can be slippery after rain, particularly on the climbs above Shoreham. Woodland sections may include tree roots and uneven ground, while open areas offer well-defined but sometimes exposed paths. There are steady ascents and descents throughout the day rather than prolonged flat sections. Sturdy walking footwear is recommended, especially in wet conditions.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING:- Packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers and waterproofs
- A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
- Sun protection
- Personal medication
- Basic first aid and blister plasters
- Optional walking poles (recommended for some descents)
- Fully charged phone
- Head torch
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
- Whistle for emergencies
- Some cash or a bank card
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📅 RSVP POLICY: RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
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👣 STAYING TOGETHER: A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. If you are unable to keep up with the group, you may be asked to navigate your own way back to safety, as it would be unreasonable to hold up a large number of people who have signed up for an event that is above your current fitness level.
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📞 CONTACT: Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER: By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.
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🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.38 attendees- £13.00
🎟️ 15 FEB - Group ticket for event - Seven Sisters Grand Coastal
London Bridge Railway Station, London, SE1 9SP, GBParticipation in group travel is optional. You may attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge.
Note: Anyone who has signed up but hasn’t paid will be removed from the event as we get closer to purchasing tickets, to allow others who are ready to pay to take their place.
£13 payments must be sent to the organiser by noon Tuesday 10 Feb
🥾 EVENT:
Seven Sisters Grand Coastal [LINK]📅 DATE:
15 Feb 2026📍 LONDON MEETING POINT - GROUP TRAVEL
The event host AdrianB will be at the meeting point as a focal point for group travel.08:30 - Meet at London Bridge station main ticket office
08:35 - Leave the meeting point and proceed to the platform
08:49 - Train departs London Bridge
09:52 - Arrive at Lewes and change trains, walk to Platform 2
10:08 - Board the train from Lewes to Seaford
10:27 - Arrive in Seaford❗ IMPORTANT:
Please ensure you are at the meeting point on time. If you are not there when we leave to board the train, we will go through the barrier without you.✅ THIS OFFER APPLIES TO YOU IF
- You want to pay a £13 total travel cost for the entire day
- You are happy to travel in groups of four people
- You understand that individual tickets cannot be issued
- You will be travelling from London Bridge to Seaford and back to London Bridge from Eastbourne
⚙️ HOW IT WORKS
You can pay the organiser £13 in advance. The organiser will purchase group tickets only once a full group of four people has been confirmed.If a group of four is not confirmed, your payment will be fully refunded, and you will need to arrange your own travel.
💳 PAYMENT
Please pay £13 directly to AdrianB (the organiser) using the secure payment link: https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_zvFMXQoWPEzWUQOR - BANK TRANSFER
Name: Adrian Barnett trading as Hike Together
Account type: Business
Account number: 79677613
Sort code: 04-00-05After completing the payment, send a private message to AdrianB confirming that payment has been made. Please include your transaction ID and Meetup profile name so your bank account display name can be matched to your Meetup profile.
📱 WhatsApp:
AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663🔁 REFUNDS
If a group of four is not confirmed, your payment will be fully refunded, and you will need to arrange your own travel.After tickets have been pre-purchased from National Rail, a refund is not possible.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What if I want to travel on my own?
A: You cannot. This arrangement requires all participants to travel in groups of four.Q: What if I want to leave the group and travel on my own later?
A: You cannot. You must remain with your group of four for the entire journey.Q: Will the organiser give me an individual ticket?
A: No. The ticket issued is a group ticket and is valid only for four people travelling together.Q: Will the organiser give a group of four people a ticket?
A: Yes. A group ticket will be provided as long as all four people stay together and travel together.Q: Who holds the group tickets, and how do we get through the barriers?
A: The organiser will hold and present the tickets to the train guard. We will go through the barriers together as one group.📝 NOTE:
If you with to arrange your own group travel you can buy the tickets from HERE12 attendees 
FREE HIKE 22 Km - The Seven Sisters Grand Coastal Walk
Seaford Station, Station Approach, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 2AR, GB📈 GRADE 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5 (Steep ascents and descents, moderate to intermediate)
Join us for a coastal hike that delivers big views, iconic cliffs, and legs that will definitely know they have been on an adventure. We’ll take on the classic Seven Sisters route from Seaford to Eastbourne, tackling those famous rolling ups and downs with the English Channel putting on a constant show beside us. Expect towering white chalk cliffs, fresh sea air, plenty of photo stops, and that deeply satisfying feeling of earning every view. This is a rewarding challenge for intermediate hikers who enjoy a proper walk, not a gentle beginner stroll.
As this is a Sunday event, we will take the quickest direct route into Eastbourne, finishing at the pub next to the station. This gives those who need to head back to London early a convenient option.
At the end of the hike, there is a Wetherspoons right next to the station, with an optional nearby pub stop to relax, celebrate the achievement, and enjoy a drink or chat together, particularly if you are waiting for a train home.
🌄 Highlights
- Dramatic chalk cliffs and sweeping views across the English Channel
- Iconic rolling downs with constant ups and downs that keep the walk engaging
- Some of the most photographed coastal scenery in southern England
- Wide open landscapes with a real sense of space and exposure
- Excellent opportunities to spot coastal birds along the cliffs
- Lunch stop at Birling Gap with café facilities and sea views
- A true end-to-end coastal walk from Seaford to Eastbourne
- Satisfying finish in Eastbourne after a full day of coastal hiking
📍 Meeting point option 1
10:25 - Seaford railway station main entrance📍 Meeting point option 2 (London group travel)
The event host AdrianB will be at the meeting point as a focal point for group travel.08:30 - Meet at London Bridge station main ticket office
08:35 - Leave the meeting point and proceed to the platform
08:49 - Train departs London Bridge
09:52 - Arrive at Lewes and change trains, walk to Platform 2
10:08 - Board the train from Lewes to Seaford
10:27 - Arrive in Seaford🎟️ Trains tickets from London - option 1
Optionally, to travel as a group with DaySave tickets where you only pay £13 to cover your train cost for entire day, you can sign up HERENote: This Sunday service requires travel from London Bridge, as there is no direct service available from London Victoria. DaySave tickets are valid from London Bridge.
🎟️ Train tickets from London - option 2
You may organise your own travel. Suggested option:
Return ticket from London Bridge to Eastbourne: £29.20
Single ticket from Lewes to Seaford: £2.45
Total estimated travel cost for the day: £31.65
Ticket prices are calculated using Network Rail discount rates.🚂 Trains from Brighton
Catch the 09:50 direct train from Brighton, arriving in Seaford at 10:27.🚂 Trains from Hastings
Catch the 09:18 train from Hastings, change at Lewes, arriving in Seaford at 10:27.🚗 🅿️ Car parking
Lewes Station Car Park: What3Words
Eastbourne Station Car Park: What3Words
Seaford Station Car Park (limited spaces): What3Words
Seaford Richmond Road Car Park: What3Words
Seaford West Street Car Park: What3Words🚶 Walk starts
10:40 - Seaford railway station main entrance🍔 Lunch
Packed lunch. We will stop at Birling Gap, which has a café.🚻 Toilets
Available at Birling Gap during the lunch stop.🏁 Walk ends
Eastbourne railway station at approximately 17:00 (depending on pace and breaks)🚂 Return trains to London
17:02 - Departs Eastbourne, arrives at London Bridge at 18:28
18:02 - Departs Eastbourne, arrives at London Bridge at 19:28
19:02 - Departs Eastbourne, arrives at London Bridge at 20:28
If returning to Brighton, change trains at Lewes.
You can also travel directly from Eastbourne towards Hastings.💪 Distance, elevation, and terrain
Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
Total time: approximately 6.5 hours (around 5.5 hours walking)
Ascent / Descent: 617 m up, 617 m down
Elevation range: 1 m to 162 m
Difficulty: Moderate (intermediate)Walking pace: Moderate. We will walk at a purposeful pace, faster than a relaxed stroll but not at a high-speed endurance pace. Slower on ascents and descents, faster on the flat, with an overall average pace of around 4.5 km/h. Expect good company, plenty of encouragement on the climbs, and well-earned pauses to enjoy the views.
Terrain: A mix of grassy paths, compacted earth, and exposed sections, with repeated steep ascents and descents across rolling downs and narrow cliff-top trails. Ground can be uneven or muddy after rain, making the walk physically demanding rather than technical.
🧭 Navigation
Install AllTrails on your mobile device in case a route map needs to be shared, allowing you to navigate independently if required.✅ Who Can Join
Adults aged 21 and over. No children or pets.💰 Cost
Free📅 RSVP and Attendance
RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer attend so others can join.👣 Staying Together
You are responsible for staying with the group leader at all times. Please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions.⏱️ Waypoints and timings
10:40 - Walk begins
13:00–14:00 - Estimated lunch stop at Birling Gap
15:00 - Meet at the red telephone box and resume walking
17:00 - Approximate arrival at Eastbourne railway station🎒 What to bring
Packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water
Sturdy hiking boots
Layers and waterproofs
A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
Sun protection
Personal medication
Basic first aid and blister plasters
Optional walking poles (recommended for some descents)
Fully charged phone
Head torch
Portable phone charger or power bank
Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
Whistle for emergencies
Offline maps or GPS
Some cash or a bank card
Hat and gloves for the cold🚨 Cliff Safety Warning
This route follows exposed coastal cliffs with steep drops to the sea below. Please keep a safe distance from cliff edges at all times, as chalk cliffs can be unstable and may crumble without warning. Take extra care in windy or wet conditions, and never approach the edge for photos.🚑 Exit points due to injury
If an attendee needs to leave the walk due to injury or unexpected fatigue, it is possible to exit at Birling Gap. From here, a taxi can be arranged, or public bus services are available to nearby towns.📞 Contact
Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.⚠️ Disclaimer
By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.📢 Stay Connected
Follow us on: 📸 Instagram | 🐦 X | 🎥 YouTube | 💼 LinkedIn🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.
40 attendees
FREE HIKE 22 km | Gunpowder, Pilgrim Hills and Castle Views
Guildford Railway Station, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5, steep hilly ascents
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Starting in Guildford, this captivating hike flows from historic streets to the quiet waters of the River Wey, a medieval trade route that helped the town grow into a prosperous market centre. The route follows the peaceful Railway Walk before climbing sharply to the tower on Chinthurst Hill, once used as a strategic lookout point, rewarding the effort with wide-reaching views.The landscape then opens onto the wild heathland of Blackheath, a vast common shaped by centuries of grazing and historic travel across the Downs, before descending into the wooded remains of the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, where gunpowder was secretly manufactured for nearly 300 years, hidden deep in the valley for safety.
A steady climb leads to Newlands Corner, one of the finest viewpoints in the Surrey Hills and once a popular stop for horse-drawn coaches. From here, the route continues across classic North Downs terrain to St Martha’s Church, a solitary hilltop church long associated with pilgrimage and offering one of the most peaceful panoramas in the area.
The final ridge walk crosses Pewley Down, historically used as open grazing land above the town, before descending back into Guildford to finish beneath the ancient walls of Guildford Castle, a Norman stronghold that has overlooked the town for almost a thousand years.
Expect river paths, open heathland, hidden industry, sustained climbs, and far-reaching views, all woven into one memorable walk through the landscapes and history of the Surrey Hills.
We finish back in Guildford, with the option to join the group for a drink or to head off and do your own thing in town before making your way home.
🛑 IMPORTANT: This hike is best suited to intermediate hikers who are comfortable with sustained hill ascents and able to maintain a steady pace of around 5 to 5.5 km/h. Those new to hiking or unsure about the pace may find the terrain and elevation challenging, which could lead to separation from the group.
✅ WHO CAN JOIN:
- Adults aged 21 and over. No children. No pets.
🚗 🅿️ BY CAR:
- If you cannot access the station car park (which is closed at the time of writing), you may park at the shopping centre multi-storey car park.
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1 (London group travel):
Buy a return ticket from London Waterloo to Guildford (GLD), approximately £14.75
AdrianB will be at the meeting point to act as a focal point for the group.- 09:00 Meet at London Waterloo ticket office
- 09:15 Leave meeting point to board the train
- 09:30 Train departs London Waterloo
- 10:05 Train arrives at Guildford
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2 (Hike start location):
🚶 WALK STARTS:
🏁 WALK FINISHES:
- Approximately 17:00 Guildford town centre, Wetherspoons
↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:
- Regular trains run towards London. Fast and direct services include: 16:50, 17:00, 17:19, 17:50, 18:00, 18:19
🍔 LUNCH:
Please bring a packed lunch and snacks. We will stop on the trail for around 20 minutes to eat, so bring a sit-pad or something comfortable to sit on, as we may be stopping on the ground and the grass could be wet. We will also make an additional stop later in the afternoon at Newlands Corner, where there is a café and toilets, for a longer break.💰 COST:
Free🚻 TOILETS:
Natural facilities available during the walk
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💪 TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:- Distance: Approximately 22 km (13.7 miles)
- Difficulty: MODERATE
- Ascent and descent: 504 m up, 499 m down
- Elevation: High point 176 m, low point 30 m
- Walking time: Around 6.5 hours, including breaks and stops
- Pace: 5 to 5.5 km/h. Fast enough to keep warm and steady, yet relaxed enough for conversation. We will adjust as needed, with plenty of chances to enjoy the views and keep things sociable.
- Terrain: The route follows a varied mix of riverside paths, compacted railway tracks, woodland trails, open heathland, and chalk downland. Expect well-defined footpaths throughout, with some narrow woodland sections and exposed stretches across the Downs. There are several sustained climbs, including steeper ascents onto Chinthurst Hill and the North Downs ridges, with uneven surfaces, tree roots, and chalky ground that can be slippery after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wetter conditions.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
- Packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers and waterproofs
- A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
- Sun protection
- Personal medication
- Basic first aid and blister plasters
- Optional walking poles (recommended for some descents)
- Fully charged phone
- Head torch
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
- Whistle for emergencies
- Offline maps or GPS
- Some cash or a bank card
📅 RSVP POLICY: RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
👣 STAYING TOGETHER: A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. If you are unable to keep up with the group, you may be asked to navigate your own way back to safety, as it would be unreasonable to hold up a large number of people who have signed up for an event that is above your current fitness level.
📞 CONTACT: Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.
🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.
52 attendees
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