🌍 SPRING EQUINOX: International Social Hike & Spanglish Exchange 🦌🌸**1 FREE HIKE FOR EVERY 6\*❗**Walk and talk in **London's wild heart** on a relaxed 12km social hike through Richmond Park. Chat, laugh and **switch between languages naturally**. Escape the **city grind** for your dose of **nature and real conversation**.
🌸 **SPRING CELEBRATION: NATURE IN BLOOM:** the real explosion of **rhododendrons and azaleas** is happening in April. We’ll definitely be there for the full show! 🌺✨ 🌸
**COSMOPOLITAN** **LANGUAGES + SPANGLISH SOCIAL HIKE: WELLNESS FOR YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL!**
Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring! Longer days, warmer light, and a park bursting back into life — the perfect moment to walk, talk, and reconnect outdoors.
"🦅 **THE AVALANX DIFFERENCE:** This is not just a walk. This is a curated experience designed by a **Special Forces Veteran** with over 20 years of expedition experience in the UK & Spain. Safety, logistics, and flow are handled professionally so you can just focus on the conversation and the bloom." 🥾🛡️
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**QUICK INFO: SPRING EDITION**
* **Meeting Point:** Richmond Station (Main Entrance - by the taxis)
(Oyster zone 6)
* ⏰ **Time:** 10:30 am (Arrive 15 mins early!)
* **Distance:** Approx\. 12 km \| ⚖️ **Difficulty:** Easy–Moderate
* **Price:** £10 \| **Early Bird:** Only **£5** for the first 5 spots!
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**\*LOYALTY PROMO 2026!**
* Hike 6 times with us and your **7th is FREE!**
* 11 times... and your **12th is ALSO FREE!**
* Walk, socialise, and earn free adventures!
* (Valid until June 30th, 2026).
* *Contact 07447 162 666 to confirm your loyalty card.*
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**HIGHLIGHTS: WHAT WE’LL SEE**
* 🚻 **Toilets available** at several stop
* 🏰 **Richmond Palace** remains
* 🏞️ **Tamsin Trail** & deer-roaming areas
* 🌿 **Expansive landscapes** of Richmond Park
* 🦌 **Free-roaming deer** in their natural habitat
* 🌺 **Isabella Plantation** (seasonal colours & ponds)
* 🦜 **Ring-necked parakeets**
* 🍰 **Pembroke Lodge** (coffee, cake & views)
* ✨ **Henry VIII’s Mound** (views of St Paul’s Cathedral)
* 🌅 **RICHMOND HILL -** England’s only protected view
**THE PLAN: VIEWS & SOCIAL FINALE**
Our route is carefully planned to finish at the magnificent **Richmond Hill viewpoint**. With good weather and steady pacing, we aim to enjoy the sunset **twilight colours** over the valley (not guaranteed, depending on groups pace). Afterwards, we'll descend to Richmond. Anyone who fancies it is invited to join for a drink at a **local pub**.
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**BECOME PART OF OUR COMMUNITY**
**This is not a one-off event.** We host **regular International Languages + Spanglish hikes and social adventures** as your first step towards deeper connections and our **immersive trips to Spain**. Start your journey with us here, and discover where your next Spanish conversation could take you.
Perfect if you’re thinking about joining our **Spain trips** ❗
**MORE THAN LANGUAGES or SPANGLISH**
**We’ll go ahead rain or shine!** This is not a language class; it’s a **cosmopolitan social walk** where chats happen organically between expats, internationals, and locals.
* **No Pressure:** All levels welcome. Just good company and great scenery.
* **Organic Flow:** Naturally exchange English, Spanish, or any other as we walk. ✨
**Perfect if you want to:**
• Practise languages or Spanish in **real, everyday situations**
• Meet **friendly, like-minded people**
• **Shake off the winter blues** with fresh air and gentle exercise
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**SPAIN TRIPS & GETAWAYS**
Curious about Spain? **Secrets of Spain** is the UK branch of our established community, **Secretos de España**. Join us to find travel buddies for our **"off the beaten path"** nature getaways led by **Qualified Mountain Leaders**.
**Reviews & Community:** [Secretos de España](https://www.meetup.com/es-es/secretos-de-espana/) (Meetup) ️
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**YOUR GUIDE:** [Edward David Handley](https://www.meetup.com/members/132608412/)
From a Spanish Boy Scout to the **Elite Royal Marines Special Forces**, Edward combines military precision with outdoor soul. Certified in Mountain Leadership and First Aid, he doesn't just lead hikes, **he builds teams**. Safe, included, and inspired. ️
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**️MANDATORY GEAR**
* **Footwear:** Sturdy trainers (Parks) or Hiking boots (Mountains).
* **Clothing:** Waterproof jacket and warm layers (Essential).
* **Hydration:** 1.5–2L Water minimum.
**EXTRAS:**
Lunch & Snacks \| Charged Phone \| Power bank \| Camera \| Good Energy\!
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**BOOKING & RESERVATIONS**
Your place is only secured once payment is received.
1️⃣ **PAYPAL (Fastest):**
Pay £15 (or **£12 Early Bird for the first 10**)
* CLICK PAGE "ATTEND" BUTTON
* Follow instructions.
2️⃣ **[MONZO](https://monzo.me/edwardhandley9/10.00?d=Richmond%20Park%20Hike%2008%2F03%2F2026&h=stvw2v) < CLICK TO PAY**
Pay £12 (or **£10 Early Bird for the first 10**)
**3️⃣**🏦**BANK TRANSFER:**
Pay £12 (or **£10 Early Bird for the first 10**)
* **Short Code:** 09-01-27
* **Account:** 25360709
* **Bank:** Santander
* **Name:** MR E D HANDLEY
**Once paid:** WhatsApp / Message / Call: Edward on **07447 162 666** for details. **Send a screenshot** to confirm.
*(Send Meetup user name if different form payment name).*
**Once paid: Send a screenshot via WhatsApp (07447 162 666) with your Meetup Name. 🦅 We will manually approve your 'Warrior Status' in the group within 1 hour.**
Once paid, check the **Event Chat comments** to join the **WhatsApp group** for this hike.
(*Should you wish to*).
***ONLY ATTENDEES CAN SEE THAT COMMENT.***
**💯 LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT GUARANTEE**
If you join a hike and don't enjoy it for any reason, let us know within 24h and we'll refund 100% of your ticket. No questions asked.
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**⚠️ IMPORTANT INFO**
* **Safety:** You are responsible for your own safety. Confirm you are fit for a 12km walk.
* **Wildlife:** Keep 50m distance from deer.
* **Refunds:** Net refund only if the event is **Sold Out**. No refunds if the hike is not full.
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**CANCELLING / REFUNDS**
If you can't join, update your RSVP to 'Not going'. To claim a net refund (if sold out), email [handleyed@gmail.com](http://handleyed@gmail.com%2A%2A/)
after the event with your transaction ID.
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Join us for an unforgettable experience\. Let’s discover the hidden gems together\! — The AVALANX \| Secrets of Spain Team\."
**JOIN THE TRIBE — ¡UH, UH, UH - NOW!** ️
***