FFW: Evening Summer Solstice 'Sunset Hike' - Chesterton Windmill (7-miles)

On the official longest day of 2026, first-timers and regulars - quickly add your name to the attendees list for this one-off summer-solstice evening-hike special, as we revisit one of our most popular hiking routes to take in the incredible sunset view and acknowledge the official date of the peak of summer 2026 : June the 21st.

Starting at 6pm we'll walk the full 7 miles of the Friendly Faces Chesterton route, aiming to reach the highlight of the route near the end - the view of the windmill, to watch the sun go down behind it as it sets at approximately 9.30pm.
Timing will be everything, so we need to be efficient in our pace and not dragging our heels as we go round, and if we time it just right it will be the photo opportunity of the year!
And with the cars then just 5 minutes further, we'll be driving off well before it gets dark.

Many previous attendees would agree that the route is pretty amazing any day of the year! But if you haven't experienced it before then check out the description below from our most recent visit there...

What are the details for this hike?
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 distant 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 along the well-trodden paths and walkways.

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. The Friendly Faces group is for people aged between 25 and 55. 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 1pm. 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 will leave without you.
In the past, several people have discovered how disappointing it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks online first thing on the morning.

3. To attend this hiking event (respecting the group age-limits) you must be physically active, hike-fit, free from injury, and have experience of covering this amount of miles 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. This is a hiking event, and all attendees are expected to wear proper hiking footwear that is both waterproof and covers your ankles. No matter how confident/familiar you feel about walking in the countryside - due to the uneven terrain on this route, ankle-protecting footwear is compulsory.
If you do not currently own any - please invest in a pair in advance, preparing you for this and many more Friendly Faces hikes in the future. The many local Mountain Warehouse stores offer an excellent selection, so there is no excuse to not be equipped for this event.
Trainers will not protect you from what could be a nasty injury - which would bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone.
(* 2026 UPDATE *) To ensure that all attendees sensibly follow this request respectfully of everyone else : Anyone who injures themselves and is not wearing ankle-protecting hiking footwear will be removed from the group.