Burton Dassett Loop from North End (8-mile hike)

Please read through...
I am super-chuffed to be able to bring this old favourite hiking route back after a 2-year absence, however as with the super-hilly Malverns and Broadway Tower routes that we do, this one is equally hilly and equally tough on your legs. So if you don't like hills or don't consider yourself an advanced hiker - you should certainly stay at home.
There is also uneven terrain underfoot for several sections of the route, so it's very important that you wear some sturdy hiking footwear that protects you from injury. I make no exaggerations or exceptions with this warning, so if you want to attend this event but don't own any proper hiking boots (that cover your ankles) - buy some or stay at home.

So to bring to a close this truly packed year of scenic walking/hiking routes from the insatiable Friendly Faces hikers, this last-but-one hike of 2025 will take us around a breathtakingly scenic and undulating walking route starting in the village of North End, and moving through the much-loved Burton Dassett and Holly Well, looping back to finish where we started. The dreamy remote and peaceful setting together with the outstanding views and scenery make this a superb route from start to finish.

If you're a keen and able walker/trekker (whether you're a first-timer to the group or not) then this walk is for you. Maybe you've smashed a Friendly Faces hike or two already this year, or maybe you've heard good things about the ones we've done and you want to get involved in these fantastic social occasions... step up and add this one to your list of accomplishments for 2025.
At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy afternoon out, you'll meet a warm group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections along the way.

When we're done, right next to the parking spot is the very modern Lost Pug pub where we will grab a well earned sit down, drink, and last chinwag before setting off home.

Note: There are several farmers fields that we pass through along the route containing cattle, so while well-behaved dogs are welcome - it goes without saying that they must be kept on a lead at all times.
Also bear in mind that dogs will need lifting over some (but not all) of the stiles, so large dogs may be a struggle.

If you are fit and able, this event is not one you'll want to miss or to hear about from others, so hit that big red 'Attend' button now to be kept informed.

Need a lift?...
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift to and from the starting point, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Do that now, because leaving that question until the last few days before the event is too late.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.

Where will we start?...
Use the map link below to find the meet point which is on Top Street, where there is free parking on the roadside. Please be respectful of others when parking, and where possible leave space so that others can park next to you.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS

1. To find out how to become a full Friendly Faces group member, read here... https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/
2. This event starts at 12pm. Do not be late. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we may leave without you.
3. To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, in good health, free from injury, and have experience of covering steep hills (and 8 miles distance) in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
4. Dogs ARE allowed 🐶✅ to attend this event, but must be kept on a lead at all times. No exceptions.
5. Due to the uneven terrain, you must wear (or if you don't already own - invest in) some good quality ankle-protecting waterproof footwear - for this and the varied subsequent Friendly Faces hikes. Trainers will not protect you from an injury - which could bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone, so please be sensible (and considerate to others) and bring proper footwear.