Outdooraholics London Hiking & Adventure Travel 25 to 49ish

LONG WEEKEND Snowshoeing Adventure in Rila Mountains Bulgaria FOREIGN TRIP

27 feb 2026 13:50 GMT

Sofia International Airport, Terminal 1, Christopher Columbus Blvd., 1540 Sofia, Sofia, BG

Whilst the trip had filled, Vesna cannot make it, please see the comments section below for her contact details and to buy her space (female only due to single gender rooms)

We've now added our 2027 date which still has spaces - secure your spot now for this exciting adventure:
https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/312971297

Discover a winter wonderland where soft snow covers rugged peaks, glacial lakes lie frozen and ancient forests hum with quiet serenity. Welcome to the majestic Rila Mountains – the highest and most breathtaking range in the entire Balkan peninsula. Dotted with glacial lakes, icy waterfalls, and soaring summits, Rila is a place of raw, untamed beauty just waiting to be explored.

On this snowshoeing journey, we will immerse ourselves in the serenity of this unique landscape. Wander through deep conifer forests, marvel at frozen waterfalls and explore the mystical Seven Rila Lakes - a cluster of glacial jewels nestled high in the mountains. With an experienced guide leading the way, we’ll learn snowshoeing techniques while embracing the tranquility of nature, punctuated only by the crunch of snow beneath our feet in this crisp and awe inspiring landscape.

Join us and follow the paths once walked by ancient Thracian tribes, immersing yourself in a landscape that has stood timeless for millennia.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Just 2 days off work for a 3-night winter escape
• No winter mountain experience required - perfect for anyone who has never snowshoed before
• Marvel at the frozen cascades of Skakavitsa Waterfall, the highest in the Rila Mountains at 1,750m
• Snowshoe across the vast Rila National Park – Europe's sixth-highest mountain range and Bulgaria's most spectacular winter wilderness, covered in snow from November to April/May
• Hike past the frozen glacial Seven Rila Lakes, each with its own legendary story
• Learn snowshoeing with experienced English-speaking local guide.
• Discover Sofia’s vibrant history and culture, from Roman ruins to modern boulevards.
• Small group adventure, limited to just 8 participants
• Stay in cozy hotels - with twin bedded en suite rooms
• Rest in the mountain resort of Panichishte at 1,350 meters offering breathtaking views of Rila National Park
• Flexible itinerary: Relax at a mineral spa if weather impacts hiking plans

HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION

The Rila Mountains – Bulgaria’s crown jewel and the sixth-highest mountain range in Europe – offer a winter landscape unlike any other. Glacial peaks, icy cascades, and centuries-old pine forests create a serene and otherworldly setting for our adventure.

On this trip, we’ll snowshoe across spectacular, crisp snowy trails in Rila National Park, where ancient legends and breathtaking scenery converge. Admire frozen waterfalls tumbling from rugged cliffs, traverse snowy ridges with panoramic views, and discover the mystical Seven Rila Lakes, frozen into a shimmering wonderland. Guided by an experienced local mountain guide, we’ll learn to snowshoe with confidence while soaking in snow-covered wilderness and the peaceful stillness of winter. Our frozen magic concludes in Sofia, Bulgaria’s historic and cultural heart, where vibrant streets, ancient ruins, and cozy cafes invite you to explore at your own pace.

From the thundering Skakavitsa Waterfall to the mythical Seven Rila Lakes, we'll experience a winter wonderland that few travelers ever get to see.

Important Notes

This trip is ideal for beginners to snowshoeing with a good level of fitness and some experience of mountain hikes. Hiking boots with ankle protection and proper winter clothing are essential. Snowshoes require hiking boots to attach securely.

ITINERARY

Friday

Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to Panichishte – a peaceful mountain resort nestled at 1,350m on the edge of Rila National Park. Surrounded by ancient pine woods and dramatic landscapes, our mountain hotel offers stunning views of the snowy peaks. After check-in, enjoy a warm traditional Bulgarian dinner and relax before the winter magic begins.

Saturday

Hike: Skakavitsa Waterfall (1750m)
Grading: Intermediate
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

After breakfast, we strap on our snowshoes and begin our journey into the magical winter landscape, following the gentle flow of the Skakavitsa River. We trek through ancient conifer forests, feeling the snow crunch beneath our feet as sunlight filters through frosted branches, the air crisp and filled with the soothing sound of running water.

Our destination is the majestic Skakavitsa Waterfall thundering 70 meters through a cathedral of centuries-old white pine forests. In winter, its cascading waters freeze into a stunning curtain of glistening ice, surrounded by the silence of winter – a true playground for ice climbers and a breathtaking sight for adventurers.
Return to our cozy hotel in Panichishte for a well-earned evening of relaxation and warm dinner.

Sunday

Hike: Seven Rila Lakes
Grading: Intermediate
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

Today, we set off to explore one of the most iconic places in Bulgaria – the Seven Rila Lakes. Nestled between sharp, rocky ridges at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, these stunning glacial lakes sparkle like gems in the alpine landscape. After a scenic chairlift ride with sweeping views of the snow-covered peaks, we begin our snowshoe hike through this breathtaking glacial valley.

Each lake carries a poetic name reflecting its unique character: Salzata ("The Tear") with its crystal-clear waters, Okoto ("The Eye") as the deepest cirque lake in Bulgaria, Babreka ("The Kidney") with its steep shores. In winter, these lakes transform into a frozen wonderland, their surfaces a glittering canvas of white and blue. Local legend speaks of two giants, lovers turned to stone, whose endless grief created these pristine waters – a romantic tale that adds mystical depth to our adventure.

In the evening, we'll transfer to Sofia, where our guided trip ends and you'll have a free evening to self explore Bulgaria's vibrant capital nightlife - a city where ancient Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and modern boulevards coexist in harmonious contrast.

Monday

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to self explore Sofia at your own pace - wander through ancient ruins, visit bustling markets, or admire the stunning mix of mosques, cathedrals, and modern architecture. Then take a short metro ride or taxi to the airport for your flight back home.

COST & PAYMENT

£396
Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ

START AND END TIME

Times are local time i.e. the times for Bulgaria are in Bulgarian time.

We suggest the inbound group flights below, for anyone on these flights or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 1:50pm, this collection is from TERMINAL 1 arrivals area. If you arrive later, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation. Flights are not part of the package and are suggested for convenience only - if your chosen flight is cancelled or disrupted, you remain responsible for reaching the meeting point and should ensure your travel insurance covers travel disruption..

Inbound flight 27.02.2026
1. Easyjet London Gatwick (LGW) 06:00 - Sofia Terminal 1 (SOF) 11:05
Flight EZY8755
2. Ryanair London Stansted (STN) 05:55 - Sofia Terminal 2 (SOF) 11:20
Flight FR1730
3. Wizzair London Luton (LTN) 08:20 - Sofia Terminal 1 (SOF) 13:30
Flight W64302

RETURN

The trip ends at the hotel in Sofia and you can make your own way to the airport. The cheapest way to do this is via metro (underground) and it costs about 0.80 Euros taking around 30 minutes, taxis are also cheap. Please book onward flights with a comfortable buffer, as we are not responsible for missed connections; your travel insurance should cover delays or disruption.

FOOD

Breakfast will be provided each day. We will stop by a local grocery shop where you can buy your favourite items for lunches. For dinner you can explore the local cuisine.

Vegetarian food can be catered for, vegan cannot in the mountain hotel but can be in the Sofia hotel. Some dietary requirements such as nut free and gluten free cannot be catered for.

We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us to verify if they can be catered for first: info@outdooraholics.co.uk

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 3 nights hotel accommodation in twin en suite rooms
• Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option
• Private minibus transport throughout the trip and back to Sofia
• Breakfast each day
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
• Hikes by an experienced local Mountain Guide (Outdoor First Aider)

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Flights, dinners and lunches
• Chair lift - approx 15 Euros
• Hire of snow poles and snowshoes - 20 Euros
• Metro to Sofia Airport on Monday (approx 1 Euro)

INSURANCE

It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of snowshoeing (up to 3000m in this case). Your insurance must also cover cancellation, curtailment, and travel disruption (for example if you cannot reach the start of the trip due to cancelled or delayed flights). You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.

Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this.

There are lots of insurers who cover snowshoeing, for example the BMC: LINK

You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Bulgaria is within the EU.

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

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TRAIN viable BEGINNERS. Isle of Wight. England's largest & sunniest island

27 feb 2026 19:00 GMT

YHA Isle of Wight Totland, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight, PO39 0HD, Totland, GB

TRIP FULL and at maximum capacity
If you've missed out we have a final few spaces remaining on our Cadair Idris trip in April:
https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/310082332/

If by the time you read this that trip is also full, then you can see all of our weekend trips here:
https://outdooraholics.co.uk/weekendtriplist.pdf

Leave mainland England behind and sail across the Solent to the Isle of Wight — England’s largest island — with a noticeably milder microclimate. The island averages nearly 5 hours of sunshine a day, and its chalk cliffs, sweeping downs and sea views have drawn visitors since Roman times. Queen Victoria loved it so much she built Osborne House here and spent over half a century visiting.

We’ll show you the island’s greatest coastal scenery, including elevated chalk ridges with panoramic sea views and the iconic Needles.

📏 Key Info
• 🌙 Nights: 2 (Fri-Sun)
• 💷 Cost: £162
• 🥾 Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate (2 hikes 4–5.5 hrs each)
• 🍽️ Meals Included: All breakfasts, all packed lunches, Sat dinner, Sat cream tea
• 🚆 Public-transport viable, both hikes start and finish at the hostel

🌟 Trip Highlights
• Explore England’s largest island with two guided coastal hikes
• Enjoy a milder microclimate and around 5 hours’ sunshine/day
• Walk the white-cliff coastline and ridge of Tennyson Down
• See the famous Needles chalk stacks and multi-coloured Alum Bay cliffs
• Explore beaches, downs and pretty villages of the west Wight AONB
• Discover why this walking paradise has 500+ miles of footpaths and hosts England’s largest walking festival
• Fully catered weekend including Saturday dinner (plus our signature post-hike cream tea)

Taster video - LINK

🥾 Trip Description
The Isle of Wight is a true gem — compact yet full of variety, with 60 miles of coastline ranging from sheltered bays to dramatic chalk cliffs. It became an island around 7,000 years ago when rising seas cut it off from mainland Britain, leaving a place that feels close yet distinctly different. The adventure begins with a ferry crossing over the Solent, giving us wide sea views before we arrive on the island.

A defining feature is the chalk ridge that runs like a backbone from east to west. From its high points you can enjoy twin views: one side dropping to white cliffs and open sea, the other stretching across rolling downs. Beneath your boots, the geology shifts — chalk, greensand, clay, limestone, and sandstone — supporting rich habitats. The Isle of Wight is one of the last British refuges of the red squirrel and home to 43 butterfly species.

We stay in an exclusively hired Edwardian hostel on the quieter western side, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hikes start right from the hostel, taking in flora-filled downs, secluded coves, and pretty villages. Nicknamed “Dinosaur Isle”, the island has yielded fossils from over 20 dinosaur species and more than 240 Bronze Age burial mounds.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Osborne House here, spending over 50 years enjoying its mild climate. The poet Lord Tennyson also lived here, inspired by the views that now bear his name. Across the weekend, we’ll walk peaceful coastal trails, enjoy sweeping cliff-top panoramas, explore quaint harbour towns, and discover the island’s unique blend of sea, scenery, and history.

📅 Itinerary

Friday – Arrival
Travel from London by train to Lymington, short ferry to Yarmouth, then a brief local bus to our exclusively hired Edwardian hostel at Totland Bay. Settle in, have a drink and get to know the group.

Driving? Several car-ferry routes serve the island, and the hostel has private off-road parking.

Saturday – Freshwater and Yarmouth coastal town
• Distance: 16km (10 miles)
• Grading: Beginner
• Ascent: 185m
• Hiking time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours

We begin hiking to Freshwater Bay, a beautiful curve of beach framed by white chalk cliffs, before following a gentle but rewarding loop. The trail takes us through leafy woodland and across a nature reserve alive with coastal birdlife. We’ll follow quiet paths to the harbour town of Yarmouth, with its cobbled streets, pretty waterfront, and historic pier — perfect for a short break to soak up the atmosphere. From here, we make our way back along scenic coastal stretches and open fields to the hostel, where freshly prepared cream teas followed by our group dinner await.

Sunday – The Needles and Tennyson Down circular
• Distance: 13km (8 miles)
• Grading: Beginner/Intermediate - a few hills, but fairly short
• Ascent: 325m
• Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours

Sunday’s hike is the showpiece — arguably the finest walking route on the island. We climb gently onto the elevated chalk ridge of Tennyson Down, where panoramic sea views open up in both directions. As we follow the ridge, the landscape narrows towards the island’s most famous landmark: The Needles, a dramatic line of chalk stacks rising from the sea. Every turn feels like the next postcard-perfect view. On the return, we keep high above the coast, passing windswept grasslands and open downs, before descending back to the hostel for our farewell.

Typical finish time at the hostel: 13:45–14:45. This marks the end of the organised trip.

🚗 Transport, Accommodation & Start Time
• The trip begins and ends at YHA Totland
• Arrival is from 7pm – no access before this time
• Accessible by car or by train and ferry, with a short bus or taxi transfer. For car sharing - Lift share discussion
• Accommodation: 2 nights in single gender hostel rooms (4–6 beds)

For anyone taking the ferry:
Train from London Waterloo to Lymington Pier
Then take the Wightlink ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth
Walk a few minutes to Yarmouth Bus Station and take the Number 7 bus to Totland, getting off at Totland War Memorial. It’s then a 7-minute walk to the hostel.

🍽️ Food - All meals are included:
• Breakfast (Sat & Sun): typically cereal, porridge with fresh fruit, berries, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit salad, free range eggs, yogurt, toast and coffees, teas etc.
• Packed lunches (Sat & Sun): fruit, crisps, cereal bars and a range of options to make your own sandwiches typically tomatoes, cucumber, houmous, peanut butter, honey, jam, ham, cheese and salami.
• Dinner (Sat)
• Afternoon cream tea (Sat): Scones, jam

Meals are meat-based with vegetarian alternatives.

💷 Cost & Booking
• £162 total. Click “Attend” to pay the £30 deposit by PayPal
• Remainder due within 3 days by bank transfer - we'll email details
• Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see FAQ)

✅ Price Includes
• 2 nights hostel accommodation
• Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday
• Packed lunches on Saturday & Sunday
• Dinner on Saturday night
• Saturday cream tea
• Experienced trip host for the duration of the weekend
• 2 guided hikes with a trained hike leader
• Full financial protection under the 2018 Package Travel Regulations

❌ Price Excludes
• Transport to and from the trip

❓ Want to Know More?
• 🔍 New to Our UK Trips? – Perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”
• 🏢 About Us – Who Outdooraholics are, about us & history
• ❓ FAQs – Answers to the most common queries

🚆 Travel Note
Rail/ferry disruption is rare but outside our control; in such cases, participants would need to make their own arrangements to reach the accommodation.

🔗 Explore More & Stay Connected
UK weekend trips list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Instagram 📸

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader. As with all outdoor activities, hiking carries some inherent risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothes – including warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers. See: Clothing tips.

📄 Terms & Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to these

© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

TOUGH HIKE 26km The Hills and Valleys of the North Downs Kent

28 feb 2026 8:15 GMT

Victoria Station, Victoria Station, Victoria, London SW1E 5ND, UK, London, al, GB

Key Info:
• Distance: 16 miles (26km)
• Grading: Challenging
• Ascent: 540m
• Hiking time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
• Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub

Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & photo
• Time: Meet 8:15am, leave 8:30am for the 8:42am train
• Return: 7:30pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

Highlights
• Hike the Weald Way, Pilgrims Way and North Downs Way through the Kent Downs AONB
• Visit the remains of the lost village of Dode, wiped out by the plague, with its 1,000-year-old church
• See the Coldrum Stones long barrow — over 1,000 years older than Stonehenge
• Cross the spectacular Cobham Woods and historic Deer Park with the Darnley Mausoleum
• Explore Cobham village, linked to Charles Dickens, with medieval pubs and historic buildings
• Pass Luddesdown Court, with its Grade I listed church and oak-beamed manor

Hike Description
Our journey begins at Sole Street, where we set out across rolling fields towards Luddesdown Court with its Grade I listed manor and medieval church. The route then follows the Weald Way to the remains of the lost village of Dode, dating from Roman times but destroyed by the plague, leaving only its atmospheric Norman church and a lingering reputation for ghosts.

We continue along woodland trails to the Coldrum Stones, an Early Neolithic long barrow whose name means “place of enchantments.” More than 1,000 years older than Stonehenge, this ancient monument is one of Britain’s earliest prehistoric sites, and from its summit we enjoy commanding views across the valley.

Our trail then joins the Pilgrims Way, climbing the North Downs escarpment to reach peaceful uplands and the hamlet of Upper Bush, where the surrounding countryside feels wonderfully remote. After passing through a succession of shady woods, we emerge into Cobham Woods, an ancient deer park that contains the grand Darnley Mausoleum, a striking 18th-century landmark.

The final leg of our journey brings us into the historic village of Cobham, with its 13th-century church, fine brass memorials, and half-timbered pubs once frequented by Charles Dickens. Here we pause for a well-earned rest and a drink in one of the village’s medieval inns before returning via orchards to Sole Street for the train home.

Guide:
• Leader: KEVIN
• Contact (hike day only): 07918 329854

️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)

Explore More & Stay Connected
Day hikes list
Calendar - All trips
Instagram
Facebook page & Photos group

Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions

© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

BEGINNERS HIKE 14km Fishing Towns & Nature Reserves of the Thames Estuary

28 feb 2026 8:55 GMT

London Fenchurch Street Station, Fenchurch Place, EC3M 4AJ, London, GB

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 9 miles (14km)
• Grading: Beginners with one main hill that we take gently
• Ascent: 140m
• Hiking time: 4 to 4.5 hours
• Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY before leaving home - you need to enter on the correct main entrance to the station, only this entrance leads to our meeting point, we advise allowing 10 minutes to find it: Fenchurch Street station inside the main entrance at the front of the station. Meet at the top of the escalators in front of the ticket office and the platform ticket barriers – PHOTO. Please note - you must come in the main entrance at the front of the station, not any of the other station entrances. The main entrance is on a street called "Fenchurch Place", you can see it here on this Google Maps LINK
• Time: Meet 8:55am, leave 9:15am for the 9:30am train
• Return: 5:15pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Hadleigh Country Park - one of the largest in Essex
• Hadleigh Castle - enchanting 13th-century ruins
• Estuary island of Two Tree Island Nature Reserve - a sanctuary for birdlife and marine species
• Leigh-on-Sea - often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, a historic fishing town famous for its freshly caught cockles - a local delicacy
• Sweeping views of the River Thames estuary throughout the trail
• Spot iconic bird species like herons, kestrels and peregrines, for all full list of birds you can see and seasons - LINK
• Remnants of local fishing traditions at the "Graveyard of Lost Species"

🥾 Hike Description
Our hike begins as we follow scenic trails into Hadleigh Country Park, a sprawling 387-acre area of meadows, marshes, and woodlands recognized for its natural beauty and biodiversity.

We ascend toward Hadleigh Castle, perched atop a ridge with captivating views over the Thames Estuary. Built in the 13th century, the castle was a strategic defensive position and later immortalised in a painting by John Constable. We pause to soak in the panoramic views and immerse ourselves in Essex’s medieval past that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.

Continuing along the Thames Estuary Path, we journey toward Two Tree Island, a 634-acre nature reserve surrounded by saltmarsh and tidal mudflats. This peaceful island is crucial for various bird species, providing winter refuge for migratory birds. It is a haven for birdlife, including avocets, brent geese, and Mediterranean gulls.

Finally, we arrive in Leigh-on-Sea, a charming seaside town with a proud fishing heritage that still continues today. Known for its vibrant maritime culture and delicious cockles and often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, Leigh-on-Sea offers the perfect end to our hike, we have time to explore and also enjoy a drink in a coastal pub.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: PAUL
• Contact (hike day only): 07873 221480

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)

📲 Explore More & Stay Connected
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Instagram 📸
Facebook page & Photos group

📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions

© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE