
What we’re about
Welcome to the FREE hiking, outdoor fitness, and social activities Group!
About Us - Get ready for new adventures! I’m Amit, the main organiser of this group, and I usually lead the hikes. I was born in India and moved to the UK over two decades ago, where I studied and built my professional career in the legal and financial sectors. I also served in the reserve forces of the British Army’s Royal Military Police and enjoy giving back through community volunteering.
Hiking has always been a deep passion of mine, one I’ve pursued for many years. I founded this group in August 2021 to continue my love for hiking and fitness while connecting with like-minded individuals. Together, we will explore the countryside, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden gems across the UK, with occasional trips abroad. Whether on weekdays or weekends, you'll be part of a friendly, fun, and adventurous community.
What We Offer In addition to hiking, various outdoor and social activities such as running, fitness events, and group trips are organised. Some events include local and international travel. If you're interested, please communicate directly with me.
Who Can Join? Everyone is welcome! People of all age groups are encouraged to join — our participants range from 18 to 75 years old. All you need is an open mind and a friendly, kind attitude towards others. Please be polite, respectful, and courteous to fellow participants and the organiser.
A Note on Spirit and Intention: This group is run entirely voluntarily and driven by a spirit of community, generosity, and shared well-being. I organise and lead these events out of a genuine love for hiking and a charitable instinct to create something positive and inclusive for others. I kindly ask that members approach this group with the same spirit — with kindness, openness, and consideration for others. Please avoid self-centred or entitled behaviour, as it goes against the values on which this community is built. When we each give a little of ourselves, we all gain so much more in return.
What the Group Is About - This group is not only for those who already enjoy staying active but also for anyone looking to start or get back into an active lifestyle. The aim is to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors by exploring scenic countryside trails, tackling hills, and discovering hidden gems across the UK and beyond. Hiking offers more than just physical benefits — it builds mental resilience, encourages a positive mindset, and helps clear the mind. Whether you’re climbing a steep hill or pushing through a long-distance trail, these challenges can strengthen your focus, discipline, and confidence. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting, you'll find a supportive community to grow with — physically, mentally, and socially.
Important Guidelines
· Responsibility: Participants are responsible for their safety; the organiser / event host does not accept any liability. The group provides route guidance and event organisation only.
· Risk Acknowledgement: By joining, participants agree to take full responsibility for any risks, including accidents, injuries, transport, insurance, and accommodation costs, etc. In committing/signing up for the hikes/events, you agree to undertake sole ownership of all and any risks associated.
· Location: Events take place in and around London, across the UK, and occasionally abroad.
· Weather: Events will not be cancelled due to bad weather; however, participation is at your own risk.
· Rules: Please read and follow the group rules to ensure a welcoming and friendly environment for everyone. Hikes and events are usually led by me.
· Pets & Children: No pets or underage children are allowed unless express permission is granted by the organiser. Once permission is granted, they may attend all other similar events. Dogs aren’t automatically allowed on hikes, but I’m happy to consider it on a case-by-case basis. Please send me a picture of your dog on WhatsApp first. If approved, you’re welcome to bring your dog on future hikes, provided they’re kept on a lead at all times. The dog must be friendly and well-behaved to ensure other hikers feel comfortable. For longer or more challenging hikes, please bring a suitable dog carrier in case your dog gets tired or needs support along the way. Once the dog is approved, you're free to bring them along on future hikes without asking again or until the permission is withdrawn due to an issue during a hike.
· Pace & Difficulty: Most hikes will be at a medium to fast pace and may not be suitable for those who prefer a much slower pace. Longer hikes (20 km+) require a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to keep up with the group. Regular short breaks will be provided to catch up, take pics, and recover. Shorter days (e.g. during winter or evening/night hikes, etc.) can also contribute to the pace of the hikes. Those who struggle with endurance or medium/fast-paced hiking may find some longer hikes challenging.
Safety Note: I carry a first aid kit on all hikes, so feel free to ask if you ever need it.
Group Etiquette
· Event Sign-Up: Signing up in advance is compulsory, and those who turn up without signing up may be removed from future events or the group or banned.
· Commitment: The events are posted mostly in advance so that you can plan your time. Repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows may lead to being placed on the waitlist or removed from the event/group.
· Respect and Group Conduct Guidelines: The group is built on the principles of mutual respect, inclusion, and shared enjoyment of the outdoors. We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where everyone feels genuinely seen, valued, and comfortable participating. Our shared experiences are most fulfilling when each member contributes positively to the group dynamic by treating one another with kindness, patience, and consideration—both online and in person.
Respecting others—fellow members, the event organiser, and the group’s guidelines—is not optional; it is fundamental.
Community Values:
As the organiser, my responsibility is to safeguard the integrity, inclusivity, and well-being of this community. Leadership sometimes requires making difficult decisions, and while I always strive to give people opportunities to reflect and improve, persistent or serious issues cannot be ignored.
Respect & Inclusivity
Disrespectful, discriminatory, argumentative, or confrontational behaviour — whether overt or subtle — will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, racism, sexism, ageism, harassment, or any form of prejudice or exclusionary conduct. To protect the integrity and safety of our community, individuals who have engaged in such behaviour in the past have been, and will continue to be, removed from the group.
Cooperation & Group Harmony
Non-cooperative behaviour during events, including undermining the organiser or disregarding event guidelines, is equally unacceptable. It shows a lack of respect for the time and effort that goes into organising these experiences for the benefit of all.
Positive Atmosphere
While genuine friendships and connections are welcomed and encouraged, all members must prioritise maintaining a positive, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere. Please be mindful of personal boundaries, cultural sensitivity, and the impact of your words and actions on others.
Shared Responsibility
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, witness behaviour that does not align with these values, or have concerns, I encourage you to contact me directly and privately. Maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment is a collective responsibility, and your feedback plays a vital role in upholding these values.
Thank you for being part of a community that chooses kindness, respect, and accountability.
· Participation Priority: Regular attendees may receive priority if there is a waiting list. This is because of the certainty of attendance.
· Volunteer-Based: The group is run voluntarily; the organiser pays a subscription to maintain the group on this platform.
· Special / Weekend Away Events: Regular attendees may be invited or given priority for special or weekend-away events announced by the organiser. These events, which may have limited spots, might not always be posted on Meetup but instead shared via a separate WhatsApp group for regular participants. Participation in these events is based on factors such as prior participation, demonstrated commitment, and the ability to contribute to a positive group dynamic. Weekend-away trips can be both enjoyable and demanding; therefore, ensuring group cohesion and a supportive atmosphere is important. To facilitate this, regular attendees who have shown commitment, adherence to rules, and reliability may be prioritised. The organiser may set eligibility criteria and/or determine participant selection to foster a friendly, inclusive, and respectful environment, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Photography & Social Media By participating in the events, you agree to be in pictures or videos that might be taken by the event host/organiser during the event and which may be used on this and other social media platforms.
Donations The events are completely free, with no expectations. However, if you’d like to support a cause, consider donating directly to Cancer Research UK via https://donate.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/your-donation?type=single&amount= , or you may donate to any other charity you may deem fit. There is no compulsion or obligation to do so. Thank you.
Copyright Notice
All original written content (including event descriptions, poetry, and narratives, etc) and any other creative works produced by the organiser for this group and its events are protected by copyright. All rights reserved. These materials may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used in any way without the express permission of the organiser.
Got Suggestions? Let’s Talk!
We welcome your event ideas and suggestions—feel free to share them with me during an event, as I would love to hear from you. As the hike leader, I set the pace, guide, and keep the group together, which means I might not be able to interact with everyone as much as I’d like during the hike itself. However, I’m always happy to chat before we set off, during breaks, or over post-hike drinks. So please don’t hesitate to come over and say hello! You can also write to me on WhatsApp if you are new to hiking and have questions or inhibitions. You will find my number on one of the events, and I will reply to you at the earliest.
Thanks for joining us and looking forward to seeing you! Our hikes and events are completely free and run voluntarily to bring people together in nature. If you enjoyed the event and had a good time, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and a few kind words about your experience. It helps support the group and encourages others to join. Your feedback means a lot — thank you!
Join us for an adventure, stay fit, and make new friends!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- FREE HIKE - Legends of the Devil’s Punchbowl: A Haslemere Day Hike !Haslemere Railway Station, Surrey
### A Whisper of Shadows
Beneath the ancient yews and shifting mists,
Trust once walked these hills —
Only to be turned by silent blades
Into a shadow on the path.
And at the Sailor’s Stone,
Where betrayal’s whisper still clings to the air,
His tale lingers — a reminder
That even in betrayal’s wake,
The spirit endures —
Each footfall a vow
That no darkness can steal the dawn.Join us for a scenic and moderately challenging circular walk through Haslemere’s stunning landscapes, featuring panoramic views, rich history, and almost autumnal charm.
***
### 📍 Event Details
Meeting Point: Outside Haslemere Railway Station
Station Car Park Postcode - GU27 2PE
🕥 Start Time: 10:30 AM
🔁 Route Type: Circular (loop back to Haslemere Station)
📏 Distance: ~14–17 miles approx.
⛰️ Grade: Moderate to Challenging (with a bit steep, rocky, and muddy sections)***
### 🌄 Route Highlights
- Sweeping views from Gibbet Hill
- The Sailor’s Stone — a haunting memorial marking the tragic tale of an unknown sailor who was murdered on Hindhead Common in the 18th century, a story of betrayal still whispered among the trees
- The dramatic landscape of Devil’s Punchbowl
- Peaceful heathlands and farmland
- Historic St Bartholomew’s Church — rebuilt in 1871, featuring memorials and a stained-glass window of Alfred Lord Tennyson with Sir Galahad and the Holy Grail
- Potential wildlife and grazing livestock on Hindhead Common as part of conservation efforts
The Devil’s Punchbowl is a dramatic natural amphitheatre carved into the landscape of the Surrey Hills. Steeped in legend and mystery, it gets its name from folklore suggesting the Devil scooped out the earth in a fit of rage. Today, it's one of the most striking landforms in southern England — offering sweeping views across ancient woodland, heath, and deep valleys.
Once threatened by the A3 road, the area was restored after the Hindhead Tunnel opened, allowing nature to reclaim the land. It's now a haven for wildlife and a key part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
From its eerie folklore to its conservation success story, the Devil’s Punchbowl is a place where history, myth, and nature meet — and it’s one of the major highlights of this walk.***
### 📌 What to Bring:
- Proper hiking boots or shoes
- Lunch / Packed snacks, and at least 1.5L of water
- A cap/hat and sunscreen lotion
- Good vibes and your best hill-conquering attitude
***
### Important Notes:
Stay Together: Please stay with or behind the hike leader to maintain group pace and cohesion.
Rules: Please make sure to read the About Us section of the group before signing up for the events.
Safety Reminder: This is a voluntary activity, and participants are responsible for their own safety and for respecting fellow walkers, wildlife, and the environment. Please note that no risk or service is inferred or accepted by the organizer.***
📱 For any issues, you can reach me via mobile/WhatsApp at 07830374629.
- 🌿 FREE SUNDAY HIKE – Reservoir Views, Historic Lindfield & Woodland TrailsHaywards Heath train station , Haywards Heath
📍 Meeting Point: Outside Haywards Heath Station (RH16 1DJ)
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, 7th September 2025 – meet at 10:15 AM
📏 Distance & Pace: ~10 to 11 miles, intermediate with some hills. We will proceed at a medium pace and aim to finish before lunch by 2:30 pm.***
### 🌄 About the Hike
This hike combines history, nature, and stunning water views in the picturesque Sussex countryside. From Haywards Heath, we’ll head into the charming village of Lindfield, full of medieval timber-framed houses and cottages dating as far back as the 14th century.
We’ll then continue towards Ardingly Reservoir, a nature reserve where wildlife thrives and watersports buzz with activity, before winding into River Wood, a peaceful forest with oak-lined paths and fern-filled trails.
Expect a little bit of everything — historic streets, open reservoir views, and quiet woodland tracks.
We will go to a pub close to the station after the hike, where we can socialise over a drink and/or lunch.***
### 🚆 Transport
- Outbound: Direct train from London Victoria → Haywards Heath (~45 mins), arriving ~10:10 AM.
- Return: From Haywards Heath (regular fast trains back to London). Expect to be back in London late afternoon.
***
### 🥾 What to Expect
- A 10 to 11-mile intermediate hike with some hills but mostly accessible paths.
- Reservoir tracks, village lanes, and woodland sections.
- A steady, social pace with time for breaks, photos, and a relaxed lunch.
- As always, participants must stay with or behind the hike leader to keep the group together.
***
### 🎒 What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes/boots (some paths may be uneven)
- At least 1.5–2L of water
- Packed lunch & snacks
- Lightweight waterproof (just in case)
- A hat/sun protection (early September can still be warm and sunny)
***
### 📌 Important Notes
- This is a free hike, but you must book and cover your own train ticket.
- Please read the group’s “About Us” page before joining: 👉 Group Info
- These are voluntary activities — you’re responsible for your own health, safety, and insurance.
- A positive, friendly, and easygoing attitude is just as important as fitness.
***
📲 Contact / WhatsApp (if you’re late or lost): 07830 374 629
Join us for a Sunday adventure of history, woodland trails, and sparkling reservoir views in the heart of Sussex! 🌳✨