GO London Hiking

GRADE: Beginner – c.18km / 11 miles circular walk through beautiful and historic Hampshire downland (around 4.5 hours of walking time) with a couple of hills, plus additional distance if you choose to explore the Christmas market afterwards.

We start the hike in historic Winchester, founded by the Romans near a major Iron Age fort, rising to capital city status of Alfred the Great’s Saxon kingdom of Wessex, and home of the resplendent Winchester Cathedral, the last resting place of may notable figures including author Jane Austen. Leaving the city's picturesque streets, we follow the beautiful River Itchen and climb up to St Catherine’s Hill, the Iron Age hillfort, which offers sweeping views back over the city.

The route then takes us across Hampshire downland before descending into ancient watermeadows. Making our way back up onto the downs with distant views of the Cathedral, we then descend past the ancient Hospital of St Cross, an area said to have inspired John Keat's 'Ode to Autumn', along the watermeadows past Winchester College and to the bright lights of the famous Winchester Cathedal Christmas market. We'll finish at around 16:30 and you'll be free to explore the market with some warming mulled wine in hand (closes 20:00) or head home.

COST: £10 organiser fee paid on RSVP

MEETING POINT and TIME: Waterloo station ***Windrush memorial statue near platform 18*** on the main concourse (to avoid confusion with other groups travelling at the same time!). Meet at 08:30 for the 09:05 train.

TRAVEL: 09:05am train from London Waterloo arriving at Winchester at 10:04, journey time 59 minutes.

HIKE STARTS: 10:10 from Winchester station. If you're meeting us at Winchester station, please be sure to PM me beforehand so that we don't miss you.

Return tickets from London to Winchester get more expensive closer to the travel time – advance return tickets cost £24.70 as of 13 October.

RETURN: There are 3 trains an hour from Winchester back to London on 20 December, leaving at 18, 48 and 53 minutes past the hour.

LUNCH: Packed lunch

HIKE FINISHES: approximately at 16:30 at Winchester Christmas market, a 12-minute walk from the station. Finish times always depend on pace of the group on the day and are a rough estimate.

HIKE LEADER: Natalie

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• Meeting: 09:15 – London Victoria Station, near platform 12 (info booth)
• Train: 09:45 to Hassocks, arrives 10:42 (57 mins)
• Tickets: Return to Lewes (£22 approx, buy in advance via Trainline)
• Hike Start: 10:45 – Hassocks Station
• Lunch: Pack lunch
• Finish: 17:30 – Lewes Station

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📍 Hike Overview

• Grade: Beginner🥾 / Intermediate🥾🥾
• Distance: 20km / 13 miles
• Ascent: 470m
• Walking Time: 5 hrs 30 mins + 1 hr breaks
• Terrain: Undulating hills, woodland & downland trails
• Pace: Steady with regular breaks
• Leader: Gary – 📧 golondongary@hotmail.co.uk 📱 07968585224

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🎒 What to Bring
✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Layers & waterproof jacket
✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water
✅ Travelcard or contactless

💬 What to Expect
A social and friendly hike – most join solo and leave with new friends.

🧭 Qualified, insured GO London hike leaders ensure your safety and a great experience.

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📲 Stay Connected:
🌐 GO London Website
📸 Instagram: @golondonhiking
👍 Facebook Page
👥 Facebook Group
📜 Terms & Conditions

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🥾 Christmas Eve Walk & Social – South Bank, Royal Parks & Kensington Gardens and post walk Drinks 🍷
Celebrate the festive season with a joyful Christmas Eve social walk through some of London’s most iconic landmarks and royal parks. Starting from Waterloo Station, we’ll follow the South Bank past the Thames’ festive lights before crossing Westminster Bridge to admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
From here, we wander through St James’s Park, one of London’s oldest royal parks, home to pelicans, lakes, and stunning palace views. Continuing west, our path leads into Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, where we’ll pass the glittering Kensington Palace — the residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
We’ll finish at Paddington Station (Lancaster Gate side), where you can join us for optional festive drinks at The Mad Bishop & Bear, a traditional pub perched above the station — the perfect place to toast the holidays with fellow hikers and new friends.

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🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info
Meeting time: 13:00 Waterloo Station at the Windrush Statue
Distance: 10 km
Duration: approx. 3 hrs (finishing around 16:00)
Ends: Paddington Station (Lancaster Gate side)
Optional social: Drinks at The Mad Bishop & Bear
Price: This is free walk but donations to our chosen Christmas charity Jaya Mental Health would be greatly appreciated please donate via the JustGiving page 🙏
[https://www.justgiving.com/charity/jayamentalhealth](💰 Cost. suggested donation £5

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📍 Walk Overview
Grade: Beginner / Social 🥾
Terrain: Urban paths and park trails
Pace: Relaxed, social walk – plenty of photo stops and festive cheer

This year, we’re proud to walk in support of Jaya Mental Health, a UK charity improving access to mental health care across South Asia — including Nepal’s remote Mustang region, where we’ve had the privilege to hike and connect with local communities. Your donations help fund training for health professionals and bring vital mental health support to underserved communities.
Support our fundraising efforts via JustGiving 👉 [https://www.justgiving.com/charity/jayamentalhealth ] where we’ve had the privilege to hike and connect with local communities.

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🎒 What to Bring
✅ Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
✅ Warm layers and waterproof jacket
✅ Water and light snacks
✅ Oyster/Contactless card for London travel
✅ Festive hat or jumper optional 🎅

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💬 What to Expect
Our hikes are friendly, inclusive, and social, the perfect way to enjoy London’s parks, sights, and community spirit. Most people join solo and leave with new friends. Expect laughter, festive vibes, and a relaxed pace, a perfect Christmas Eve escape before the big day!

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🧭 Qualified, Insured Hike Leaders
All GO London events are led by qualified, experienced, and fully insured hike leaders trained in outdoor safety and group management.

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✅ RSVP Now
Spaces are limited – RSVP “Yes” to join our Christmas Eve Walk & Social!

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📲 Stay Connected
📱 WhatsApp: 07968585224
📩 Mailing List: Go London
🌐 Website: www.golondonhiking.co.uk
🎟️ Eventbrite Page: GO London Events
📸 Instagram: @golondonhiking
👍 Facebook Page: Go London Adventure
👥 Facebook Group: Go London Hiking

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