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 routes across London and the surrounding counties, from scenic woodlands and rolling hills to the occasional muddy stretch. Our hikes are typically 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) at a moderate to brisk pace and are best suited to walkers comfortable with longer distances over mixed terrain.
All hikes are free and led by experienced volunteer organisers. Walks usually start around 10:00 and finish 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 and more challenging walks in a friendly and 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 and supportive atmosphere on every walk. While many of our hikes are longer and more challenging, those newer to long-distance hiking are welcome, provided the event matches their fitness level.
You finish a weekend in the hills tired, muddy, maybe a little achy, but smiling. The fresh air, the miles, the laughter, the challenge, the conversations, the new friendships, and the views stay with you long after the hike is over. By Monday you're recovering, by Tuesday you're already looking for the next adventure.
We call it the hiker's high.
At Hike Together, what matters most is that we get out there and hike together. The route brings us together, but it is the connection with nature, the shared experiences, and the people we meet along the way that make each day memorable.
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👋 First Time Joining a Hike
If this is your first hike with the group, welcome.
We encourage newcomers to introduce themselves to the organiser at the start of the walk. Many members join their first event without knowing anyone, and we aim to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Please make sure you are comfortable with the distance and pace described in the event before joining. If you are unsure, feel free to ask questions in the event comments.
During the hike, stay aware of the group and avoid becoming separated, particularly at junctions or in remote areas.
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🏛️ How We’re Run
The group is run by a small team of volunteer organisers. We plan and lead walks as peers rather than professionals. We organise UK day hikes only and do not run or promote activities involving travel providers.
Our event hosts and organisers volunteer their personal time to plan, organise, and lead events for the benefit of the community. They do this freely because they enjoy helping people get outdoors, meet new people, and explore nature together.
By attending our events, members acknowledge that organisers volunteer their time and organise activities in good faith. While we always aim to provide a great experience, not everything will go exactly as planned. Flexibility, understanding, and a positive attitude are appreciated.
Hike Together is first and foremost a social community. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where people can make new friends, enjoy the outdoors, and share memorable experiences.
To maintain a positive atmosphere, we ask all members to treat others with courtesy, respect, and consideration. We are committed to maintaining a respectful and welcoming community. Members whose actions negatively impact the group, its organisers, or other attendees may be removed from events and, where appropriate, from the group.
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✅ Who Can Join
Participation is limited to adults aged 21 and over. Children and pets are not permitted, as routes can be long and physically demanding.
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🔒 Group Independence
This group is dedicated to free, volunteer-led UK day hikes. External trips, paid events, or other organisations should not be promoted through group channels.
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💰 Cost
All hikes are free to attend. In some cases, organisers may arrange optional group rail tickets to help reduce travel costs, and participants using these must travel on the same train and contribute their share. Optional social events may sometimes require a venue or accommodation deposit. Organisers do not profit from any payments.
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💪 Walk Distance and Conditions
Most hikes cover around 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) across hilly and varied terrain.
Typical moving pace is around 4.5 to 5.5 km/h, depending on terrain and conditions. These are not slow or casual walks, and pace may vary slightly between events.
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. On rare occasions short scrambles up steeper sections may require using your hands.
If you are new to longer hikes, we recommend starting with an easier event and building up gradually.
Breaks are limited, and the group maintains a steady forward pace throughout the day. We typically pause for a couple of minutes at junctions to allow everyone to catch up, take a drink, or use the toilet if needed. Longer stops are generally limited to lunch and any planned refreshment stops. As each event is different, please review the event page for specific details.
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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. Participants should buy their own ticket unless using an organised group option. Some hikes may offer two meeting points, either at a London station or at the hike start. Please arrive on time, as the group cannot wait for late arrivals.
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👥 Group Size
Most hikes typically have between 25 and 50 participants, depending on the event and conditions, with larger groups being less common. As we move as one group, staying with the leader is important.
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🎒 What to Bring (Essential)
- Packed lunch, snacks, at least 2L water
- Proper hiking footwear is essential. Trainers are not suitable for most of our routes, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
- 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
Facilities can be limited or unavailable on rural routes.
Mobile signal may be unreliable in remote areas.
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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, stop and remain where you are if it is safe to do so, and contact the host so we can assist in reconnecting you.
If you are unable to contact the host, make safe and sensible decisions using your own judgement and available resources.
We do our best to keep everyone together, but we can’t stop frequently for individuals who are unable to maintain the pace. In these situations, you may need to continue at your own pace.
Do not rely solely on other participants for navigation.
If you choose to move ahead or leave the group structure, you’ll be considered to be continuing independently and responsible for your own route and safety. If you do so without informing an organiser, it will be assumed you’re managing independently.
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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 generally go ahead in rain, wind, and cold conditions. Expect wet paths, mud, and exposure at times. Comfort is your responsibility.
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⏰ Typical Schedule
Each hike is slightly different, but most follow a similar structure.
Some participants choose to meet in central London and travel together by train, while others make their own way directly to the starting point.
Once everyone has arrived, the organiser will give a short briefing covering the planned route, key safety points, and what to expect during the walk.
Most hikes begin at around 10:00. We walk at a steady, comfortable pace, with short rest stops along the way and a longer lunch break of approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The hike leader will guide the group throughout. All participants are expected to follow the leader at all times and must not walk ahead or fall too far behind. The leader will also provide instructions and share important information as needed during the event.
Walks typically finish in the mid to late afternoon, usually between 16:00 and 17:00, depending on distance, conditions, and pace. When possible, there may be an optional pub stop near the finish or close to the train station.
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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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🛡️ CODE OF CONDUCT
👥 Lift Sharing
Members are welcome to make their own private arrangements for lift sharing and group travel. Any lift sharing arranged between members is undertaken voluntarily, at each individual’s own discretion and entirely at their own risk. Any agreements relating to travel, insurance, costs, timing, or other related matters are strictly between the individuals involved. Once members have established a connection, please arrange privately and move any lift-sharing discussions off this platform.
🌿 Behaviour & Respect
Our events are intended to be social, safe, and welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy hiking and good company.
Members are expected to behave in a respectful, courteous, and considerate manner at all times. Please be mindful of personal boundaries and maintain appropriate personal space. Unwanted physical contact is not acceptable.
Conversations should remain friendly and respectful. Comments, jokes, or behaviour that make others uncomfortable are not appropriate.
Respect the diversity of our members and treat everyone with kindness.
Conversation on hikes is encouraged but optional. Some people enjoy chatting throughout the walk while others prefer quieter time outdoors. Both are welcome.
👤 Personal Conduct
Smoking, recreational drug use, and the use of loudspeakers are not permitted during group events.
Medications prescribed by a medical professional are permitted. If listening to music or audio, please use headphones so that others can enjoy the natural surroundings.
📝 Attendance, Waiting List and No-Show Policy
Our events often have limited spaces. When a place is taken, it may prevent someone else from joining.
As our events are free, we ask members to be mindful when RSVPing and only sign up if they genuinely plan to attend. Please also avoid booking multiple events on the same day. If your plans change, we understand that things come up, but please cancel as early as possible so your place can be offered to someone on the waitlist.
If an event has a waiting list, the event host may allocate places at their discretion, taking into account factors such as attendance reliability, previous no-shows, and overall commitment to attending. This helps make the best use of limited places.
If you are on a long waiting list and are particularly keen to attend, you are welcome to message the event host. Where appropriate, members with a reliable attendance record may be given priority if places become available. Any decision remains at the event host's discretion.
If your name is not listed as Going, please do not simply turn up and assume you will be able to join the event. Organisers reserve the right to refuse participation at their discretion.
When attending an event, it is important to locate the event host and check in using the QR code.
If you do not check in, you may inadvertently be recorded as a no-show, even if you attended.
If you are unable to attend at the last minute, we understand that unexpected situations happen. However, it is important that you let the event host know as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be recorded as a no-show.
Members who accumulate three no-shows without providing any explanation or context for their absence may be removed from the group.
Members who repeatedly sign up "just in case" and then cancel at the last minute may be deprioritised when places become available from the waiting list. Where this becomes a persistent pattern, it may also result in removal from the group.
Accounts that appear to be fake or suspicious, particularly those with no previous attendance that sign up and then no-show, may be removed much sooner at the organisers' discretion to help protect the integrity of the group.
🚶 Fitness, Pace and Group Movement
Our hikes are designed for participants who are confident they can maintain the stated group pace over the full distance and terrain.
Pace and difficulty may vary depending on terrain, elevation, and conditions. Event descriptions aim to clearly explain the distance, terrain, and difficulty so members can decide whether a hike is suitable for their fitness level.
Please ensure you read the event description and fitness requirements carefully before signing up.
🌱 Respect for Nature
Please follow the Leave No Trace principle by taking all litter with you and leaving the environment as you found it. Stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect gates, signage, farmland, and landowners at all times.
🛡️ Safety and Responsibility
This is a self-supported hiking group. While we walk together, each participant is responsible for their own safety, preparation, and decision-making throughout the event.
Participation is at your own risk. Hiking involves hazards such as changing weather, uneven terrain, and the possibility of injury.
Participants should be honest about their fitness and come properly prepared with suitable equipment, clothing, food, water, and navigation tools.
Organisers are volunteers and may refuse participation if they believe there is a safety concern.
Decisions made by organisers regarding safety, pace, and participation are final on the day.
Organisers are not liable for injury, accidents, or loss of personal items. The group does not provide personal accident or travel insurance.
Leaving a hike early is not always straightforward and may involve a significant walk to the nearest exit point or station. You should only join if you are confident you can complete the full distance. An organiser may help identify an exit option but cannot leave the group.
Organisers may have basic first aid knowledge but are not medical professionals. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services may need to be contacted. Response times in rural areas may be delayed.
🩺 Illness
Please do not attend events if you are unwell or recovering from illness. You are welcome to join again once fully fit.
🚩 Reporting Concerns
If you experience behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please report it directly to Meetup through their reporting channels: Meetup Trust and Safety. Meetup may contact the organisers so that the situation can be reviewed and appropriate action taken.
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📞 Contact During Events
Each event host will provide a working mobile number at the start of the walk for use in case of separation or emergency. If you are unable to reach the event host and require urgent assistance, you may contact the Hike Together organiser, AdrianB, via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663 on the day of the event only.
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📩 Feedback and Complaints
Contact the group owner and founder (AdrianB) directly. Members are welcome to provide constructive feedback, suggestions, or comments regarding group wording, policies, organisation, or any other aspect of the group.
To help keep discussions constructive and manageable, and to avoid turning the platform into a debate forum, please share feedback privately with the organiser (AdrianB) rather than posting it publicly on the platform. This allows feedback to be considered carefully and addressed appropriately while keeping group discussions focused on hiking-related activities and events.
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☑️ Final Acknowledgement
By joining an event, you confirm that you have read and agree to these guidelines and understand that participation is at your own risk.
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📢 Stay Connected
Follow us on: Online | 📸 Instagram | 🐦 X | 🎥 YouTube | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌳 LinkTree
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🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail and sharing many great walks together.
Upcoming events
4
Rolling Hills & Weald Views: Emmetts Garden 🌺 & Chartwell | 28 km (17 mi)
Sevenoaks station, Tubs Hill, TN13 1DP, Sevenoaks, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4.5/5 (Moderate–Challenging)
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🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers: Moderately challenging
Casual walkers: Challenging
Newcomers to long-distance hiking: A very tough day because of the length, hills and sustained effort.
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Join us for a memorable 28 km circular adventure through the beautiful Kent Downs National Landscape. Starting in Sevenoaks, we’ll explore ancient woodland, rolling hills, hidden valleys, open farmland and spectacular viewpoints along the Greensand Ridge.The route takes us through French Street, Toys Hill, Ide Hill and Yorks Hill, with a visit to the historic surroundings of Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill. Expect peaceful woodland paths, quiet country lanes, classic Kent countryside and sweeping views across the Weald. There will be plenty of beautiful spots to pause, take photographs and enjoy the scenery.
Around lunchtime, we’ll stop at Emmetts Garden, where you’ll have the option to explore the gardens. Although there is no entrance barrier, visitors are expected to show a National Trust membership card or pay the admission fee.
After lunch, we’ll continue across wooded ridges and open countryside, gradually making our way back towards Sevenoaks. Depending on the time available, we may stop at the Chartwell Visitor Centre for a rest, water refill or ice cream. There may also be time for a brief pub stop in Ide Hill before we tackle the final section.
To finish the day, we’ll have the option of stopping at a pub in Sevenoaks for a well-earned drink and a chance to chat with fellow walkers and celebrate completing the route. The stop is entirely optional, and everyone is welcome to make their own onward travel arrangements.
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HIGHLIGHTS
🥾 28 km circular route from Sevenoaks
🌳 Kent Downs National Landscape and Greensand Ridge
🌲 Ancient woodland, rolling hills and hidden valleys
🌄 Panoramic views across the Weald
🗺️ French Street, Toys Hill, Ide Hill and Yorks Hill
🏛️ Possible ice cream and water stop at Chartwell Visitor Centre
🌺 Optional visit to Emmetts Garden
🍻 Optional pub stop in Ide Hill
🍻 Optional post-hike drink in Sevenoaks
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OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 28 km (≈17.5 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
📈📉 Elevation: 583 m ascent / descent
🚶 Pace: 4.5 to 5.5 km/h (steady throughout; not a race, but not a leisurely stroll)
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TERRAIN
This circular route follows a varied mix of countryside trails, woodland paths, sections of the Greensand Way, tracks alongside crop fields, and quiet country lanes. The walk includes several climbs and undulating terrain typical of the Greensand Ridge. Some paths may be narrow, uneven, or seasonally overgrown with nettles and brambles. Suitable walking footwear is essential, particularly after wet weather when sections can become muddy.During periods of hot summer weather, some exposed sections can feel particularly demanding and energy-sapping, so walkers should carry sufficient water and be prepared for the conditions. The route features a number of hills, ranging from short, steep ascents to longer sustained climbs that can continue for close to a kilometre. While none of the climbs are technically difficult, the cumulative elevation gain can make the route feel more challenging than the distance alone might suggest.
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 09:10 – Meet at the Sevenoaks railway station ticket office [What3Words], next to Costa Coffee.
▶️ Hike starts once check-in is complete.
🏁 17:30–18:00 – Expected finish at Sevenoaks railway station.
⏱️ Estimated moving time: 7 hours.
🕒 Estimated total duration: 8 hours, including breaks and regrouping stops.Times are approximate and may vary depending on pace, breaks, and conditions.
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TRAINS
Buy a return ticket to Sevenoaks, costing approximately £11.10 with a Network Railcard. Catch the 08:43 train from London Bridge, or the 08:34 service from Charing Cross, arriving at Sevenoaks at 09:06.📍 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
08:15 Meet at London Bridge station ticket office
08:30 Walk to platform
08:43 Depart London Bridge
09:06 Arrive at Sevenoaks
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🚗 BY CAR
Parking is available at Sevenoaks railway station (What3Words) - Car Park A Sevenoaks Station
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FOOD AND FACILITIES
🍔 Lunch: Bring a packed lunch
🚻 Facilities: Café, toilets and refreshments are available at Emmetts Garden (9 km). Chartwell Centre (14 km) has toilets and a café, while Ide Hill (18 km) has toilets at the pub.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Packed lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water (more during hot weather)
Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
Weather-appropriate layers and waterproofs
Sun protection
Fully charged phone
Personal medication and basic first aid
Optional trekking poles
A smile, good vibes, and a sense of adventure
More snacks than you think you need
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
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📅 RSVP & ATTENDANCE
Please only sign up if you genuinely 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 shortly before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group. Reliable regular members who find themselves on the waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and we ask everyone to stay with the group rather than rushing ahead or falling behind. Please keep the group in sight and remain within a reasonable distance, as a back marker may not always be present. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may stop at suitable points for regrouping. If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and responsible for your own route and safety. By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
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EXIT POINTS
Emmetts Garden, approximately 9 km from the start
Chartwell Visitor Centre, approximately 13 km from the start
Ide Hill, approximately 18 km from the start
Each exit point will require you to call a taxi or walk to the nearest bus stop and check the bus timetable.
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📞 CONTACT: For questions, please message the event host via Meetup. On the day of the walk, you may contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
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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.53 attendees
Shere Delights, Heathland & River Wey Views | Free Hike | 25 km (15.5 mi)
Horsley train station, Horsley, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5 (Easy to Moderate)
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🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers → Comfortable to moderately challenging
Casual walkers → Moderately challenging because of the distance
Newcomers → Challenging
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Join us for a scenic Sunday walk from Horsley to Guildford, passing through woodland, open countryside, heathland and historic Surrey villages.The route begins at Horsley railway station and heads through the surrounding countryside towards West Horsley and Sheepleas, an attractive area of woodland and open heathland. We then continue through the Surrey Hills National Landscape and Hurtwood before descending towards the historic village of Shere.
Shere was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and is known for its historic streets, timber-framed cottages, traditional buildings and attractive riverside setting. We will take an extended lunch break here, giving you time to explore the village, enjoy a picnic beside the river, visit a pub, café or cake shop, use the local facilities and, most importantly, enjoy some tasty ice cream.
After lunch, the route continues through woodland and across Blackheath Common, part of which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its rare heathland habitat and wildlife. We then make our way through the Surrey countryside towards Shalford, passing through the peaceful Shalford Water Meadows before joining the River Wey.
The walk finishes in Guildford town centre, where regular direct trains run to London Waterloo. Those who wish to stay longer can enjoy a quick drink in one of the town’s local pubs.
Although the route is not particularly hilly, it does include some gradual climbs and descents. The walk is not especially strenuous, but the distance and varied terrain require a reasonable level of fitness.
This is a steady 25 km walk through varied terrain, including woodland paths, heathland, fields, village lanes and riverside trails.
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OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 25 km (approximately 15.5 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📈📉 Elevation: Approximately 328 m ascent and descent
🚶 Pace: 4.5 to 5.5 km/h. This is a steady pace, not a race but not a leisurely stroll.
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 09:40 at the entrance to Horsley railway station (W3W: ///gear.change.forms)
▶️ The hike will start once check-in is complete.
Finish: approximately 16:30 in Guildford town centre
⏱️ Estimated moving time: 5.5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: 6.5 hours, including breaks and regrouping stops
Times are approximate and may vary depending on the group’s pace, breaks and trail conditions.
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📍 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
08:00 – Meet at the London Waterloo ticket office
08:15 – Walk to the platform
08:32 – Train departs London Waterloo
09:27 – Arrive at HorsleyYou can purchase a return ticket from London Waterloo to Guildford via Horsley. The fare is approximately £12.05 with a Network Railcard or group discount, or £18.10 without a discount.
For the return journey, direct trains run from Guildford to London Waterloo approximately every 30 minutes.
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🚗 BY CAR
Parking is available at Horsley station and Guildford station. Please check parking restrictions and charges before travelling.
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🍽️ FOOD AND FACILITIES
We expect to reach Shere at approximately 11:30–12:00.
The village has pubs, cafés, shops, public toilets and other facilities. Please bring a packed lunch, as the extended break will take place in or around the village.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING- Packed lunch and snacks
- At least two litres of water, or more in hot weather
- Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
- Weather-appropriate layers and waterproofs
- Sun protection
- A fully charged phone
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Optional trekking poles
- A smile, good vibes and a sense of adventure
- More snacks than you think you need
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN- Adults aged 21 and over
- No children
- No pets
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📅 RSVP AND ATTENDANCE
Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. If you can no longer make it, cancel as early as possible so that someone else can join.A no-show means that you RSVP but do not attend, or cancel shortly before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.
The organiser may prioritise members with a reliable attendance history when allocating places from the waitlist. Members with a history of no-shows or frequent last-minute cancellations may receive lower priority.
If you are on the waitlist and genuinely intend to attend, you may confirm this in writing directly with the event host.
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👣 GROUP PACE AND PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and everyone is expected to stay with the group rather than rushing ahead or falling behind.Please keep the group in sight and remain within a reasonable distance, as a back marker may not always be present. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may stop at suitable points for regrouping.
If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and will be responsible for your own route and safety.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
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🚪 EXIT POINTS
Shere: Call a taxi or catch a bus. Gomshall railway station is approximately a 20-minute walk away.
Around 15 km: Leave the route and walk to Chilworth railway station.
Around 19 km: Leave the route and walk to Shalford railway station.
Please check transport availability before relying on an exit point.
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📞 CONTACT
For questions, please message the event host via Meetup.
On the day of the walk, you may contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER
By joining this event, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page.
You are responsible for your own safety. Neither the host nor the group can be held liable for any injury, loss or damage.61 attendees
Apple Orchards & Medieval Kent 🍎🏰 | Free Hike 23 km (14.4 mi)
Borough Green & Wrotham station, Station Approach, off Wrotham Road, Borough Green, TN15 8BG, Kent, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5 (Moderate)
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🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers: Comfortable
Casual walkers: Moderately challenging
Newcomers: Challenging due to the distance
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Join us for a mini adventure through Kent’s beautiful apple country, following sections of the Wealdway and Greensand Way through traditional orchards, meadows, woodland, quiet country lanes and gravel tracks. With seasonal colours developing and apples potentially still hanging on the trees, it is a wonderful time to explore the Kent countryside.Starting and finishing at Borough Green & Wrotham, we’ll make a short visit to Old Soar Manor, a rare surviving section of a medieval stone manor house built around 1290. Originally the private residence of the influential Culpeper family, it included living quarters, a chapel, storage cellars and a medieval latrine.
Around lunchtime, we’ll stop at Shipbourne village, where the large village green provides an ideal place for a picnic. There will also be the option to visit the local pub for refreshments and toilet facilities.
After lunch, we’ll continue to Ightham Mote and visit the visitor centre. Although we will not enter the property itself, there may be an opportunity to use the facilities, refill water bottles and enjoy an ice cream, subject to opening times and availability. We’ll then loop back through more of Kent’s beautiful countryside and orchards.
Once back at Borough Green & Wrotham, those who wish to stay behind can enjoy a drink and some informal socialising at a local pub before catching the train home.
This is not a fast-paced or strenuous hike, but the 23 km distance and gentle undulations require a reasonable level of fitness. The walk will be steady and social, with a few planned stops along the way, but it will not be a slow, leisurely stroll.
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HIGHLIGHTS
🍎 Traditional Kentish apple orchards
🌳 Meadows, woodland and quiet country lanes
🥾 Sections of the Wealdway and Greensand Way
🏰 Visit to 13th-century Old Soar Manor
🧺 Picnic stop on Shipbourne village green
🍺 Optional pub visit for refreshments and facilities
🍦 Facilities and ice cream at the Ightham Mote visitor centre
🚆 Start and finish at Borough Green & Wrotham
🤝 A relaxed day of walking and socialising with fellow hikers
📏 23 km of steady walking through beautiful Kent countryside
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OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 23 km (approximately 14.4 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate, Level 3/5
📈 Elevation: Approximately 357 m ascent and 357 m descent
🚶 Pace: Approximately 5 km/h (3.1 mph)
This is not a race, but neither is it a slow leisurely stroll.
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📍 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
Meet at the London Victoria ticket office at 08:30. We’ll leave the meeting point at approximately 08:40 to board the train.
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OUTBOUND TRAINS
From London: Catch the 08:55 train from London Victoria towards Ashford International (usually platform 2), arriving at Borough Green & Wrotham at 09:42. The fare is £12.50 with a Network Railcard or £15.80 without.From Ashford: Catch the 08:56 train from Ashford International towards London Victoria, arriving at Borough Green & Wrotham at 09:45. The fare is £13.25 with a Network Railcard or £14.50 without.
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RETURN TRAINS
Trains run towards London Victoria (16:45, 17:45)
Trains run towards London Charing Cross (16:29, 17:29)
Trains run towards Ashford International. Please check the latest return times before travelling or during the hike.
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📍 MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
▶️ Start: Borough Green & Wrotham railway station, 09:50 (W3W)
🏁 Finish: Borough Green & Wrotham railway station, approximately 16:30
⏱️ Estimated walking time: 5.5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: Approximately 6.5 hours, including breaks and stops
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🚗 BY CAR
Parking is available at Borough Green & Wrotham railway station. Please check the latest parking arrangements and charges before travelling.
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FOOD AND FACILITIES
🍔 Lunch: Bring a packed lunch, snacks and sufficient water.
🚻 Facilities: Pub refreshments and toilet facilities are available in Shipbourne, approximately 12 km into the hike. Additional facilities may be available at Ightham Mote later in the route, subject to opening times and availability.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Packed lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water, and more in hot weather
Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
Weather-appropriate clothing and waterproofs
Sun protection
A fully charged phone
Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
Optional trekking poles
More snacks than you think you need
A smile, good vibes and a sense of adventure
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
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📅 RSVP & ATTENDANCE
Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. If you can no longer come, cancel as early as possible so someone else can take your place.A no-show means RSVPing but not attending, or cancelling shortly before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.
Reliable regular members who find themselves on the waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and everyone is expected to stay reasonably connected with the group rather than rushing far ahead or falling behind.Please keep the group in sight and remain within a reasonable distance, as a back marker may not always be present. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may stop at suitable points to allow the group to regroup.
If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and will be responsible for your own route and safety.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
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EXIT POINTS
The easiest exit point is approximately 12 km into the walk, around lunchtime in Shipbourne. It is close to a main road, making it relatively easy for a taxi to collect you if necessary.
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📞 CONTACT: For questions, please message the event host via Meetup. On the day of the walk, you may contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
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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.60 attendees
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