What we’re about
Hey there! Welcome to my hiking group!
This group is for people 18 years old and over.
I set up this group in January 2023. My aim is to organise day hikes so that people can get together and enjoy nature. Beautiful locations such as the Chiltern Hills, Surrey Hills, North and South Downs, Kent, and even the coast, etc are easily reachable from London in a day by train (or car if preferred). Hiking together in the rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and across dramatic and stunning coastlines with a bunch of like-minded people can be a splendid way to make new friends, have fun, explore new places, and improve your fitness.
I’m passionate about the outdoors. I love travelling and hiking – it’s my hobby. I’ve been hiking in Europe, Canada and all over the UK across many years and I’m always looking for the next thrilling adventure.
If you’re alone, don’t worry!
Many hikers turn up by themselves and it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Hikes:
Hikes will vary in distance and ascent. They will typically be in the 14 - 20 km range but some may be shorter or longer. My personal preference is for hikes around the 14 - 16 km range (around 9 - 10 miles) but this is not always possible. I have also introduced leisurely walks in London aimed at exploring and getting to know the city better - these will be shorter in length and duration to my hikes outside London.
There is usually some ascent as when you're in the countryside you are bound to encounter hilly terrain! Some hikes will be more hilly than others - the ascent will be made clear in the hike description. While the hikes should be suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit, please ensure you are comfortable with the distance and ascent; some hikes may not be suitable for beginners.
The hiking time can vary – it would typically be around 4 to 6 hours but it’s very difficult to be specific as it would depend on the specific details of the hike (length/ascent), weather, pace of the group, and duration of our breaks. Some of the longer and challenging hikes will take more time. There could sometimes be the option to grab some refreshments after a hike (e.g. a pub) – this would be optional and may increase the overall duration of the event.
Pace:
We will NOT be marching along the trails - this is not a race to the finish line. We will hike at a reasonable and moderate pace; there will be breaks. If you're a fast walker, this group may not be for you. My aim is to give everyone the opportunity to soak in the views, enjoy nature, wildlife, take pictures and enjoy each other’s company.
So if you're fun, friendly, polite and respectful and looking to make friends and discover new places then please sign up - I look forward to welcoming you!!
RSVP:
Please maintain proper etiquette when signing up to events. Don't just sign up knowing you may change your mind later; in doing so you're taking up space and potentially preventing someone else from coming along. Please sign up only if you're sure you will definitely attend.
Of course sometimes things happen outside your control and so if you need to drop out please remember to change your RSVP immediately. I do not want members in this group who sign up but don't show up or who sign up and regularly drop out by changing their RSVP - you may be removed from my group if I see this type of inconsiderate behaviour.
I do not allow any pets/dogs on group events.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By agreeing to join my group and participate in events, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking and essentially all outdoor activities within this group can be risky; there is a risk of personal injury and even death. All participants must be aware of the risks and accept the risks – participants are responsible for their own safety and actions. I, the organiser, am not responsible or liable in any way. All participants agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- The Devils Punch Bowl and Hindhead Common, 15kmHaslemere Station, Haslemere GU27 2PE£4.00
Immerse yourself in nature at Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punch Bowl, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The area has many trails and comprises shady woods and open heathland with grazing cattle and wild ponies; it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who created Sherlock Holmes, lived in Hindhead from 1897 to 1907; it is said that he used Hindhead as the inspiration for his novel ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.
The huge natural basin that is the Devil’s Punch Bowl is a true wildnerness. Legend has it that the Devil would jump from hill to hill at the Devil’s Jumps, three small hills near Churt, and angered Thor, the God of Thunder, who lived nearby – they got in a fight and one of them scooped up a handful of earth and flung it at the other, leaving the great depression that we see today (there appears to be conflicting reports online in relation to who threw the earth – I’ve seen it written both ways!). In any case, the reality is that springs caused erosion backwards into the soft sandstones, creating the bowl-like shape.
We will summit Gibbet Hill, which is the second highest point in Surrey, offering stunning panoramic views. Discover the Celtic Cross here, erected to raise local spirits and banish fears and superstitions around Gibbet hill. The Cross is now a Grade II listed monument. The café at Devil’s Punch Bowl is where we will take a short break.
Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
Start time: 10:00am
Start location: Haslemere station, GU27 2PE (my mobile: 07951673142)
End location: Haslemere station
Length: 15km
Ascent: 395m
Time: approx 6 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.
Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable moderate pace; we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun, friendly day. You need to be reasonably fit; there are some hills and a moderate level of ascent.
Transport (train): The 9:00am direct train from London Waterloo reaches Haslemere station at 9:53am. Check the trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.
What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.Not open - Trails of Kent – Lavender fields, Castles and Lullingstone Country Park, 15kmOtford Railway Station, , TN14 5QY£4.00
Kent - the garden of England! Enjoy a day in the delightful countryside, passing cute villages, castles, and admiring amazing lavender fields!
We'll begin our adventure in the charming little village of Otford in the Sevenoaks District of Kent. It lies on the River Darent in the lush Darent Valley. It has a rich history dating back to the Romans, Saxons, and Normans. We'll travel through Lullingstone Country Park, 460 acres of ancient woodland and grassland in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our hike takes us past the Shoreham War Memorial - a cross carved into the east-facing slope of the North Downs above the village of Shoreham. It was made in 1920 in memory of those who died in the Great War.
This is the best time of the year to see lavender fields in bloom - the fields should hopefully be bursting with colour and we will stop and spend some time here where you can take in the splendour of the flowers, relax and enjoy refreshments and perhaps even do some shopping at the farm shop, which sells everything lavender! (note: we will not be going into the fields and walking among the flowers as you need to pay for this). The farm is apparently the largest producer of lavender in the UK - they have a distillery on site that enables them to extract the essential oils within hours of the crop being harvested.
We will pass by a couple of castles along the hike as well - Lullingstone Castle, one of England’s oldest family estates, and Eynsford Castle in the picturesque village of Eynsford. Eynsford castle is a rare example of an early Norman 'enclosure castle'. It was abandoned centuries ago. Eynsford was protected by an extensive curtain wall - today, parts of the wall survive to their impressive full height alongside the remains of the hall building, where the inhabitants would have lived. This is a linear hike from Otford to Eynsford.
Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
Start time: 9:40am
Start location: Otford station TN14 5QY (my mobile: 07951673142)
End location: Eynsford station
Length: 15km
Ascent: 140m
Time: approx 6 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.
Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable moderate pace; we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun, friendly day. This is an easy hike with some ascent in places and suitable for beginners.
Transport (train): The 8:55am direct train from London Victoria reaches Otford station at 9:31am. Check the trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.
What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over. - Surreys secret beaches!! Alice Holt Forest, Bourne Wood (movie location), 18kmBentley, Farnham£4.00
Hike through beautiful Alice Holt Forest, once predominantly an ancient oak forest and known in the 18th and 19th centuries for supplying timber for building Royal Navy ships. It now comprises mainly conifers and is part of South Downs National Park.
A scenic hike through the forest and fields brings us to River Wey at Frensham Manor - as we follow it, we reach Frensham Great Pond and, a bit further on, Frensham Little Pond. Marvel at Surrey’s secret sandy beaches at these Ponds (hidden treasures!). Who would have thought you'd find sandy beaches in Surrey, just outside London!? Don't let the names fool you...these ponds are more like lakes! They were originally created in the 13th century to supply fish to the Bishop of Winchester and his court while visiting Farnham Castle.
Frensham Great Pond and Common is a Green Flag Award winning site covering roughly 1,000 acres of attractive countryside and offering a sanctuary for wildlife. Aside from fishing and swimming, the Great Pond has sailing and refreshments are available at a kiosk at its sandy beach. The Common is made up of a large area of heathland and woodland. The Little Pond is in a more secluded woodland setting. There is a cafe by the water's edge. We'll take some time to enjoy the beaches ... kick your boots off, dig your toes into the sand and relax!!
Bourne Wood is a popular film location south of Farnham - it's known for the opening battle scene of Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning epic Gladiator, starring Russel Crowe. We'll walk across this site. Other movies filmed here include Harry Potter films, Transformers 3, and Netflix productions like The Crown and The Witcher. We end the hike at Farnham, a beautiful market town where we have the option to visit a local pub next to the station.
Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
Start time: 10:10am
Start location: Bentley (Hampshire) station (my mobile: 07951673142)
End location: Farnham station
Length: 18km
Ascent: 175m
Time: approx 6.5 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.
Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable moderate pace; we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun, friendly day. You need to be reasonably fit; there is a moderate level of ascent and it's a bit on the long side.
Transport (train): The 8:54am train from London Waterloo reaches Bentley (Hampshire) station at 10:02am. Check the trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket. This is a linear hike and so your return to London is from Farnham station.
Transport (car): If you're driving, there is some free parking on the side street close to Bentley station. You can take the train back from Farnham to Bentley - it takes 6 minutes.
Transport (car share): I'm driving from Ealing, West London and have space for 3 passengers. Please contact me if you'd like to car share.
What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.