Mindful, social walks & hikes in countryside - dogs welcome!

I am starting this group to bring together people in Wimbledon and south-west London who enjoy walking / hiking in nature, mindfulness and good company, with countryside walks that are easy to access by public transport. Everyone is welcome, whether you live locally or further afield.

The aim is to make getting outdoors simple and enjoyable, without very early starts or travelling across London just to begin a walk.

We’ll aim to meet same day each month. Most walks will start with a 10:00 am train from Wimbledon Station (SW19), with occasional departures from nearby stations like Clapham Junction or Waterloo where they better suit the route. You’re welcome to join us from Wimbledon, from any station along the route, or meet us at the walk’s starting point.

Our walks will be relaxed and inclusive, with quiet conversation encouraged so everyone can appreciate the peace, sounds and atmosphere of nature.

Walk at the pace that suits you. We’ll naturally spread out into a loose group, with regular meeting points along the route. Faster walkers are welcome to wait or walk back to reconnect with others, while a volunteer brings up the rear so no one is left behind.

Each walk will include a 10 minute mindfulness or quiet meditation session, and we’ll begin and end with a short group check-in and check-out. We usually finish at a pub near a train station before heading home.

Walks will typically be 8–10 miles (13–16 km) (with some extended walks: some easy/ moderate, some more challenging). They will generally take around 5–6 hours, including breaks, a mindfulness session, a packed lunch and an optional pub or cafe stop at the end.

Lunch: a relaxed packed lunch break of 20-30 minutes at a scenic spot, followed by around 15 minutes of optional quiet time in nature. You might choose to take part in some forest bathing, sketch, photography, watch birds or wildlife, nap, or simply sit and enjoy the surroundings. It’s an opportunity to slow down, disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature.

As the group grows, I’d love it to become a community effort. Volunteers to help with route planning, navigation, carrying a basic first aid kit, acting as the back marker or helping organise walks are always welcome.

The long-term vision is to organise one weekend walking trip further afield each year.

A few things to know:

• This is a volunteer-run group.
• I’m not a qualified first aider, but I’ll assist if someone needs help!
• Everyone is responsible for their own safety, fitness and train tickets.
• We will aim to check routes and trail conditions online before each walk.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy nature, practise mindfulness, meet new people or simply spend more time outdoors, I’d love for you to join us.