Friendly Faces of Warwickshire

FFW: Stratford to Wootton Wawen via Edstone Aqueduct (7.5-mile hike)

Sun, Mar 29 · 12:00 PM BST

Stratford-Upon-Avon train station, Station Road, CV37 6PL, Stratford Upon Avon, GB

Whether you're new to Friendly Faces or you're a seasoned regular, click the Attend button now and take full advantage of this tried and tested hike which will get you (1) out of the house, (2) meeting new people, (3) exercising, and (4) starting 2026 determined to be successful.

At this event you'll have a fantastic afternoon out, you'll meet an outdoorsy 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.

What are the details for this hike?
Anyone disappointed at having to miss out on some of our walks this year due to the many challenging hills we take on - you'll be pleased to know that this one is flat from start to finish. However, unlike all of our previous walks, this one has a twist.. it finishes 7.5 miles away from the starting point!
Starting and ending at the Stratford Train Station Car Park we'll trek out of town and along the canal, and along the outstanding feat of engineering the Edstone Aqueduct.
If you didnt know - its the longest cast-iron aqueduct in England, allowing the canal to continue flowing (and boats to travel along it) high above a road, and two railway lines.
We'll then veer away from the canal for a spell before eventually reaching the quiet village of Wootton Wawen.

As is customary when we reach the end of a hike, we'll then call in at a pub there for a well-earned drink and a sit down / final chin-wag, before jumping on the train to take us back to our cars at the start-point.
See the map on the event page if you need sat-nav assistance to help you find the train station.
When you arrive grab yourself a parking spot and we'll meet by the paying machines.

Getting there...
If you are a driver, you will certainly attain hero/heroine status if you write a message here on the event page offering your services - stating your location and specific locations that you can collect passengers from.
If you are not a driver and would like a lift, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Leaving that question until the day before the event is probably too late. Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver as petrol prices are high at the moment.
If you need a lift (or are a driver offering lifts) : consider how appealing your meetup profile photo is. It may seem harsh, but the reality is that if you do not have a warm friendly smile or part/all of your face is hidden, then it is less likely that someone is going to want to either give you a lift or accept a lift from you.
Travel planning info for drivers :
The meet-point (Stratford Upon Avon train station) is x miles away from...
Warwick 10; Leamington 13; Kenilworth 15; Coventry 20; Rugby 29; Central Birmingham 34.

Other things to note...
- Well-behaved dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this walk, but must be kept on a short lead. Remember also that some people can be fearful of dogs and hide it well, so please be respectful of that and keep your dog under control at all times. Remember also (very important!) that your dog must be comfortable with travelling on the train to get back to the carpark.
- Bring a homemade sandwich and a drink / snacks and we'll pick a suitable spot along the route to post up for a quick break and a munch.
- Compared to other hiking routes in the huge Friendly Faces library of routes, the terrain for this one is flat and very easy-going, however there might be the odd spot that will be muddy at this time of year where rain has lingered, so ditch the trainers and don your waterproof walking boots. Ankle-protecting boots are always recommended for hiking anyway. If you intend to join more Friendly Faces hikes and dont own proper walking boots then it will be a great investment for the months ahead.

Oh and parking...
Parking is super convenient for this hike. The Stratford upon Avon train station carpark is cheap and big, and always has plenty of spaces on a Sunday afternoon.

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big red "Attend" button now to be kept in the loop, and so you dont forget.

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 12:00. Do not be late! Make sure you arrive early enough to be parked, paid for parking, and ready at the start point for this time or we may leave without you.

3. To attend this hiking event you must be active, in good health, and free from injury. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.

4. Dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this event.

5. Due to recent seasonal weather this route may be a little bit muddy in places, so bring (or invest in) some good quality ankle-protecting (and water-proof) footwear.

FFW: Easter Thursday Special! : Leamington Night Out

Thu, Apr 2 · 7:30 PM BST

The White Horse, Clarendon Avenue, Leamington Spa, GB

With the Easter Weekend ready to start, what better way to get out of the house and meet more people... whether you're a first-timer or a regular, get your name down to join this mixed casual group-tour around downtown Leamington on a relaxed Thursday evening - right before the 4-day holiday starts, and we'll descend together upon its most popular bars one at a time, staying long enough for a drink or two before we all move on to the next one.

What is a Friendly Faces Monthly Social?...
Either read on for a written explanation of the format of this event, or watch this YouTube video that I put together in 2023 when we first started doing them...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st6irM814UM

To the untrained eye this event looks like a pub-crawl, but rather than being about getting drunk (as pub-crawls are) this monthly meetup event instead focuses on the social aspects : getting out and meeting new people, mingling, and expanding your social circle.
Don't waste your energy trying to find someone you know to come with you - coming alone is perfectly normal and is what 99.9% of attendees do, and by sticking with a friend - you wont meet anyone new.
The changing of venues helps encourage the mingling upon us, and typically by the end of the evening - each attendee will...
(1) have met most (if not all) of the other attendees present,
(2) feel pretty chuffed about having chatted with a group of nice friendly people and made some cool new connections,
(3) feel like they fit right in,
(4) be checking the diary to see if they can make another event!

If you're driving, or (like me) alcohol isn't your thing, then do as I and other non-drinkers do, and instead sip on a glass of cordial, coke, or zero beer. There is no pressure to buy drinks. If you decide to skip the bar and just enjoy the social occasion, you certainly wont be judged.

Big Win #1
Unlike the usual sit-down or stand-still-all-night meetups, this style of event will keep mixing us up as a group every time we change venue, and the mingling will happen automatically as we go with the flow.

Big Win #2
As a big group of people it will be great fun and a guaranteed laugh watching the bewildered faces of the non-meetup people in the bars as we all walk in the door together and fill the place, and then after an hour or so of meetup chatter - all leave together and empty it again!

Venues...
As you may know there are several cool bars in central Leamington so we wont have to walk far between venues. We'll visit around 3 or 4 venues throughout the evening, and stay close to the Parade in the town centre.

I'll keep our location-changes communicated as the evening progresses so you can join at any point along the route, but lateness is not recommended. Obviously if you're on time at the start you'll be present for introductions, and you'll get much more out of the evening.
So to start we'll gather at the very laid back "White Horse" pub at 7:30pm and let the socialising commence.
The White Horse : https://maps.app.goo.gl/yL1THf5cbDr6pk3M7

Click the 'Attend' button now so you don't forget.

There are plenty of parking options around the town including roadside parking along Beauchamp Avenue near the top of the Parade, and St Peter's Multi-Storey carpark at the bottom.
Beauchamp Avenue : https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jEPLhwP5DPtqkXy8
St Peters Multistorey : https://maps.app.goo.gl/7XuxdrbcwRodCGya8

Very Important Note...
A polite reminder that Friendly Faces events are for meeting new people, networking and expanding social circles. This means positive energy only.
The following 5 rules apply, as a way of safeguarding members from a few things. By attending this and any subsequent events, you agree to abide by them.

1. Friendly Faces events are not dating / singles events. Anyone engaging in persistent or unwelcomed attention towards others (either at an event or afterwards) may be removed from the group.

2. Having respect for others is non-negotiable. Anyone who is disrespectful to others (whether this is directed at members of the group or outsiders) may be removed from the group.

3. Drinking alcohol is normal (and optional) at these events, however our primary focus is on socialising, not on drinking to excess. Anyone being or becoming excessively drunk (or exhibiting drunken behaviour) may be removed from the group.

4. We are all Friendly Faces group ambassadors at the places we visit. Anyone misusing/abusing a venue/location (or the staff or property within it) may be removed from the group.

5. Our encouragement of others to attend more Friendly Faces events benefits us all. However anyone harvesting/sharing phone numbers to promote products, events, or other social groups may be removed from the group.

I feel very privileged that members of the Friendly Faces group are known for being so warm and welcoming to each other (and the expectations of first-timers are often exceeded) so good times and happy vibes naturally flow at our events.
With these rules in place and acknowledged we shouldn't need to refer back to them, but we have them and can use them if needed.
With that out of the way - lets do what we do so well, and enjoy these super-sociable group experiences and meeting new people.
If we haven't met you before we are all looking forward to meeting you, and if we have met you before - we're looking forward to seeing you again!

Finally...
Attendees new to the group are always welcome to check out their first event for free as a 'first-timer' to see how we do things, but to find out how to become a paid-subscription Friendly Faces group member so that you can attend as many as you like, read here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/

FFW: Bank Holiday Monday - Chesterton / Harbury Loop (7-mile hike)

Mon, Apr 6 · 12:00 PM BST

Chesterton Windmill, Chesterton Windmilll Windmill Lane Off the B4455 Fosse Way Chesterton CV33 9LB, chesterton, GB

Whether you're new to Friendly Faces or you're a seasoned regular, click the Attend button now and take full advantage of this tried and tested hike which will get you (1) out of the house, (2) exercising, and (3) meeting friendly, like-minded people with ease.

What are the details for this hike?
A huge thanks to Dan for 'donating' this fantastic hiking route to the group which he knew so well and had recommended we check out.
After going along with him for an initial guided tour, and then a second visit to make a few adjustments - a fantastic route was constructed for your enjoyment, and it cannot be missed...
Mostly flat with some gentle slopes, this route is incredibly scenic throughout, sweeping through some of the most remote landscape that you could possibly imagine.
Far away from the bright screens and the noise of civilisation, you can see for long distances in every direction and all you can hear is the rustling of the trees, maybe a few birds, and the occasional noise from cattle. You will surely take away a collection of amazing photos to remember the occasion by.
We'll park up in-front of St Giles church (on the grass if necessary) and set off at bang on 12pm along the well-trodden paths and walkways.
When we're done, we'll call in at a nearby pub and grab a well-earned sit down and drink to end the day.

Need a lift?...
If you are a driver, you will certainly attain hero/heroine status if you write a message here on the event page offering your services - stating your location and specific locations that you can collect passengers from.
If you are not a driver and would like a lift, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Leaving that question until the day before the event is probably too late. Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver as petrol prices are high at the moment.
If you need a lift (or are a driver offering lifts) : consider how appealing your meetup profile photo is. It may seem harsh, but the reality is that if you do not have a warm friendly smile or part/all of your face is hidden, then it is less likely that someone is going to want to either give you a lift or accept a lift from you.
Travel planning info for drivers :
Saint Giles church is X miles away from...
Warwick 7; Leamington 7; Kenilworth 13; Coventry 17; Rugby 17; Central Birmingham 39.

Where will we start?...
Use the map link below to find the meet point which is outside Saint Giles Church.
IMPORTANT : Parking-space markings are not defined so please park side-by-side (not end to end) on the grass so that we can all squeeze into the parking area.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DPF7esSAdEbYKUWAA

Other things to note...
- Unfortunately dogs are not allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event due to there being a VAST amount of sheep and assorted other livestock along the route.
- 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.

Feel free to drop me a private message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big "Attend" button now to make sure you don't forget.

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 this distance in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.

4. Dogs ARE NOT allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event. This is due to close proximity with farm animals and pathways through farmers land.

5. Due to the uneven terrain, you are advised to 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 may 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) with your choice of footwear.

FFW: Leamington Monthly Social

Fri, May 1 · 7:30 PM BST

The White Horse, Clarendon Avenue, Leamington Spa, GB

What better way to get out of the house and meet more people... whether you're a first-timer or a regular, get your name down to join this mixed casual group-tour around downtown Leamington on a relaxed Friday evening, and we'll descend together upon its most popular bars one at a time, staying long enough for a drink or two before we all move on to the next one.

What is a Friendly Faces Monthly Social?...
Either read on for a written explanation of the format of this event, or watch this YouTube video that I put together in 2023 when we first started doing them...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st6irM814UM

To the untrained eye this event looks like a pub-crawl, but rather than being about getting drunk (as pub-crawls are) this monthly meetup event instead focuses on the social aspects : getting out and meeting new people, mingling, and expanding your social circle.
Don't waste your energy trying to find someone you know to come with you - coming alone is perfectly normal and is what 99.9% of attendees do, and by sticking with a friend - you wont meet anyone new.
The changing of venues helps encourage the mingling upon us, and typically by the end of the evening - each attendee will...
(1) have met most (if not all) of the other attendees present,
(2) feel pretty chuffed about having chatted with a group of nice friendly people and made some cool new connections,
(3) feel like they fit right in,
(4) be checking the diary to see if they can make another event!

If you're driving, or (like me) alcohol isn't your thing, then do as I and other non-drinkers do, and instead sip on a glass of cordial, coke, or zero beer. There is no pressure to buy drinks. If you decide to skip the bar and just enjoy the social occasion, you certainly wont be judged.

Big Win #1
Unlike the usual sit-down or stand-still-all-night meetups, this style of event will keep mixing us up as a group every time we change venue, and the mingling will happen automatically as we go with the flow.

Big Win #2
As a big group of people it will be great fun and a guaranteed laugh watching the bewildered faces of the non-meetup people in the bars as we all walk in the door together and fill the place, and then after an hour or so of meetup chatter - all leave together and empty it again!

Venues...
As you may know there are several cool bars in central Leamington so we wont have to walk far between venues. We'll visit around 3 or 4 venues throughout the evening, and stay close to the Parade in the town centre.

I'll keep our location-changes communicated as the evening progresses so you can join at any point along the route, but lateness is not recommended. Obviously if you're on time at the start you'll be present for introductions, and you'll get much more out of the evening.
So to start we'll gather at the very laid back "White Horse" pub at 7:30pm and let the socialising commence.
The White Horse : https://maps.app.goo.gl/yL1THf5cbDr6pk3M7

Click the 'Attend' button now so you don't forget.

There are plenty of parking options around the town including roadside parking along Beauchamp Avenue near the top of the Parade, and St Peter's Multi-Storey carpark at the bottom.
Beauchamp Avenue : https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jEPLhwP5DPtqkXy8
St Peters Multistorey : https://maps.app.goo.gl/7XuxdrbcwRodCGya8

Very Important Note...
A polite reminder that Friendly Faces events are for meeting new people, networking and expanding social circles. This means positive energy only.
The following 5 rules apply, as a way of safeguarding members from a few things. By attending this and any subsequent events, you agree to abide by them.

1. Friendly Faces events are not dating / singles events. Anyone engaging in persistent or unwelcomed attention towards others (either at an event or afterwards) may be removed from the group.

2. Having respect for others is non-negotiable. Anyone who is disrespectful to others (whether this is directed at members of the group or outsiders) may be removed from the group.

3. Drinking alcohol is normal (and optional) at these events, however our primary focus is on socialising, not on drinking to excess. Anyone being or becoming excessively drunk (or exhibiting drunken behaviour) may be removed from the group.

4. We are all Friendly Faces group ambassadors at the places we visit. Anyone misusing/abusing a venue/location (or the staff or property within it) may be removed from the group.

5. Our encouragement of others to attend more Friendly Faces events benefits us all. However anyone harvesting/sharing phone numbers to promote products, events, or other social groups may be removed from the group.

I feel very privileged that members of the Friendly Faces group are known for being so warm and welcoming to each other (and the expectations of first-timers are often exceeded) so good times and happy vibes naturally flow at our events.
With these rules in place and acknowledged we shouldn't need to refer back to them, but we have them and can use them if needed.
With that out of the way - lets do what we do so well, and enjoy these super-sociable group experiences and meeting new people.
If we haven't met you before we are all looking forward to meeting you, and if we have met you before - we're looking forward to seeing you again!

Finally...
Attendees new to the group are always welcome to check out their first event for free as a 'first-timer' to see how we do things, but to find out how to become a paid-subscription Friendly Faces group member so that you can attend as many as you like, read here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/