London Social Hiking

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

#################

We’re going to Scotland! This 5-day tour is the highlight of our 2026 hiking calendar and truly deserves the title “The Ultimate Scotland Bucket List Adventure”. You’ll explore the dramatic Scottish Highlands, experience the magic of the Isle of Skye and climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in Scotland’s wild, untamed landscapes and enjoy its outstanding traditional cuisine. We’ve worked hard to secure accommodation in top locations: Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Ratagan in a breathtakingly remote setting on the shores of Loch Duich, and Balmaha, a picturesque village overlooking Loch Lomond. To ensure maximum flexibility and a truly personal experience, the group will be limited to just 13 participants.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Isle of Skye – Scotland's most Instagrammable and famous destination
• Climb Ben Nevis (1345m) – the highest mountain in Britain
• Spend the night in Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, and enjoy its picturesque harbour and jolly, colourful houses
• Hike to the iconic rock pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr
• See Black Cuillin Mountains – some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in Britain
• Enjoy delicious local specialities and fresh seafood
• Spend the night in a stunning remote location on the shores of Loch Duich (see the picture), with views of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range from the living room
• Walk to the magical Fairy Pools and enjoy a refreshing wild swim in the crystal-clear waters
• Relax in the popular village of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond – the largest lake in Britain
• See the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. It's one of the most famous castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other.
• Enjoy a breathtaking drive through the Scottish Highlands and Glencoe Valley
• Take a cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands, or climb Conic Hill (361m), which offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Loch Lomond

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Thursday (10/09):

06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
07:00 Sharp departure
13:00-13:45 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
19:30 Arrive in Fort William and stop at the supermarket for breakfast, packed lunches and water for Friday (there are fridges at our accommodation)
19:45 Check in at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel at the foot of Ben Nevis
20:00 Dinner at Glen Nevis Restaurant

Day 2 – Friday (11/09):

07:00-07:45 Self-catered breakfast at the hostel
08:00-16:30 Climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 17km, ascent: 1340m)
17:00-19:00 Free time for dinner and to explore souvenir shops in Fort William
20:30 Check in at Ratagan Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Duich

Day 3 – Saturday (12/09):

08:30 Depart
09:00-10:30 Breakfast at Hectors Bothy near the Skye Bridge, buy packed lunches
11:30-13:00 An easy walk to the Fairy Pools, with an option to swim
14:00-17:00 Hike to the Old Man of Storr (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 5km, ascent: 320m)
17:30 Check in at Portree Youth Hostel, in the capital of the Isle of Skye
18:00 Dinner and free time in Portree. Recommended for dinner: Sea Breezes seafood restaurant (please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out).

Day 4 – Sunday (13/09):

08:00 Breakfast in Portree
09:15 Depart
09:45-09:55 Photo stop next to the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
10:15-11:15 A short walk to the Quiraing – a vast, surreal landscape of jagged cliffs, crumpled hills and dramatic rock pinnacles
11:45-12:45 A short walk to Fairy Glen and Castle Ewen
13:30-15:00 Lunch at Sligachan Hotel, with views towards the Cuillin Mountains
16:00-16:45 Photo stop next to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles
16:45-21:30 A scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands
21:30 Check in at Birchwood Guest Lodge in the picturesque village of Balmaha, on the shores of Loch Lomond

Day 5 – Monday (14/09):

07:30 Breakfast and free time in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. There are a few fantastic options for how to spend the morning (see below). Everyone can choose what suits them best, as all activities start in Balmaha village, where we’re staying, so no driving is required.
09:00-12:00 Climb Conic Hill (361m) – one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Loch Lomond (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 6km, ascent: 350m), or
10:45-12:15 Take a 90-minute boat cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands (£19)
12:30 Depart to London
14:00-14:45 Stop for lunch at Cairn Lodge Services Farmshop and Kitchen
14:45 Drive to London, with 2 stops at services (15 minutes)
22:00 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

Please note that this trip requires a very good level of fitness, particularly if you would like to climb Ben Nevis. However, on each day, your guide will be able to offer easier alternatives. Good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential.

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

LUGGAGE

You may bring two bags with you: one cabin-size personal item bag (maximum 10kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm) and one hiking backpack. Please note that luggage space is limited, so suitcases larger than cabin size cannot be accommodated. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£55 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Scotland). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. Please allow up to 24 hours for the payment to arrive. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £798 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Two experienced, professional PSV minibus drivers
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Three nights’ accommodation in excellent, well-reviewed hostels in prime locations, with single-gender rooms reserved exclusively for our group (maximum of four people per room). During peak season on the Isle of Skye, group hotel accommodation is extremely limited and frequently exceeds £500 per room per night, making hostels the most practical and appropriate option.
• One night's accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Gloves/hat/cap
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

#################

Join us for a very special trip to Dorset to discover one of the world's most breathtaking coastlines – the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site! Stretching 95 miles between Old Harry Rocks and Orcombe Point, the Jurassic Coast – England’s first Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site – is the most geologically diverse coastline in the world. The exposed cliff sections allow us to look back across 185 million years; dinosaur remains have been found here, and it’s a fossil-hunter’s paradise.

On this magnificent coastal hike, we'll visit the iconic natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and the famous scallop-shaped Lulworth Cove with its white pebble beach and crystal clear waters. On our way, we'll see many lovely bays and beaches and enjoy excellent views of the Isle of Portland, which was host of the sailing events of the 2012 Olympics. Most of the route follows the cliff-top trail, with stunning panoramic views of sweeping bays, folded cliffs and the sea. There will be a few steep ascents and descents, but all of your efforts will be well rewarded by the jaw-dropping beauty around you!

We have kept the distance shorter (5 miles / 8 kilometres) to have the difficulty of this trail on the Easy/Moderate border. We'll walk at a slower pace and take many breaks on the uphill sections, as needed. This trip is therefore suitable for all reasonably fit BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult hikes! 🤩

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 5 miles (8km).
Ascent: 350m.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-14:30 Hike along the Jurassic Coast from Ringstead Bay to Durdle Door, Man O'War Beach and the chalk headland of Bat's Head; free time on Durdle Door Beach
14:30-15:00 Walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove
15:00-16:10 Free time to explore Lulworth village; (if there is time) short walks to Stair Hole (small cove with extravagantly-folded strata) and Lulworth Cove viewpoint
16:15 Departure
19:30 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Jurassic). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

#################

Come and join us on a trip to one of the UK's most famous beauty spots! At 400ft (122m) deep and three miles (4.8km) long, Cheddar Gorge is England's largest gorge, boasting subterranean caverns with impressive displays of stalactites and stalagmites. Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, known as Cheddar Man, was found here, as was some extremely rare Ice Age art.

Cheddar is also the birthplace of the world-famous Cheddar cheese. We're going to visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company – a family-owned, independent small artisan cheesemaker, that makes the only authentic Cheddar cheese in the world! Cheese is produced by hand, using traditional methods, such as using raw milk, traditional animal rennet, and a cloth wrapping. Of course, no visit would be complete without tasting the renowned authentic Cheddar cheese and purchasing some gifts for your friends and loved ones!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a cliff-top walk around the famous Cheddar Gorge, with its weathered crags and pinnacles. There will be some rocky paths and stiff climbs, but all of your efforts will be well rewarded by the jaw-dropping beauty around you!
• Explore mysterious chambers of Gough's and Cox's Caves, that are over 500,000 years old! Marvel at the incredible rock formations and the outstandingly beautiful chambers of St Paul’s Cathedral, Solomon’s Temple and Aladdin’s Cave.
• See picturesque stalagmites and stalactites inside the caves.
• Visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, and see how the only authentic Cheddar cheese is made!

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 3 miles (5km).
Ascent: 300m.
Difficulty: Easy.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-13:30 Cheddar Gorge cliff-top walk
13:30-14:30 Lunch in Cheddar village
14:30-16:30 Visit the Cheddar Caves and Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company (the only Cheddar cheese made in Cheddar!)
19:30 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

FOOD

There is a wide selection of nice cafés and tearooms in Cheddar village where you can enjoy lunch. However, you are also welcome to bring your own packed lunch if you prefer.

SAFETY

The hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Lowland Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Cheddar). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Entrance ticket to Cheddar Caves (you can buy it on the day)

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Lily (07450435289, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

#################

Join us for a stunning weekend in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales! Wales has just three national parks and while we visit Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire regularly, the Brecon Beacons is the one we rarely get to. Our last weekend here was back in 2022, so it's well overdue!

And what a place to come back to! Covering more than 1,300km², the national park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain: dramatic mountain ranges, tranquil reservoirs, hidden falls and endless trails to explore. It's a true walker's paradise and just as special after dark. The Brecon Beacons was only the fifth place in the world to be granted International Dark Sky Reserve status, so if the skies are clear, the stargazing is extraordinary.

🗓️ SATURDAY – The Beacons Circuit

Departing London early on Saturday morning, we'll head to the heart of the Brecon Beacons to tackle the Beacons Circuit – an epic, big-view mountain walk taking in the highest summits of the Brecon Beacons – all in one spectacular hike! This challenging route takes us over four of the area's iconic peaks: Pen y Fan (886m, the highest mountain in southern Britain!), Corn Du (873m), Cribyn (795m) and Fan y Big (719m). Along the way, we'll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views, dramatic glacial ridges, beautiful waterfalls and some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Wales. After the hike, we'll drive to the traditional 19th-century Aberglais Inn for a well-earned dinner together, before heading on to our hotel.

🗓️ SUNDAY – Waterfall Country

On Sunday, we'll explore Bro'r Sgydau, or Waterfall Country — one of the best places for waterfall walking in Wales, with an exceptionally high number of waterfalls packed close together. Every one is impressive, but the star is Sgwd yr Eira (“waterfall of snow”), where the path takes you right behind the curtain of falling water. 💦 Just past halfway, we'll stop for lunch in the cosy village of Pontneddfechan, where you can grab something light at the Sgwd Gwladys café or settle in for a traditional Sunday roast at the nearby Angel Inn. This walk features in the 100 Outstanding British Walks collection, chosen by a panel of experienced authors and guides – see for yourself why!

ITINERARY

Saturday:

06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
07:00 Sharp departure
11:30-18:00 The Beacons Circuit, taking in the highest peaks of the Brecon Beacons National Park (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 15km, ascent: 850m)
18:30-20:00 Dinner at the traditional 19th-century Aberglais Inn
20:45 Check in at Holiday Inn Express Newport hotel

Sunday:

07:00 Breakfast (included)
08:00 Departure
09:00-16:30 The Four Waterfalls Trail, with a lunch stop at Pontneddfechan village (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 16km, ascent: 600m)
16:30 Departure
20:30 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

Please note that this trip requires a good level of fitness. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential.

PRIVATE ROOM

The default option is a shared twin room at the hotel (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender). A small number of private rooms, for your own use, is available for £40 extra – let us know if you would like an upgrade!

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

LUGGAGE

You can bring two small bags with you: one cabin size personal item bag (up to 10kg) and one smaller hiking backpack to fit under the seat. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£20 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Brecon Beacons). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £278 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• One night's accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Full English buffet breakfast on Sunday
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Gloves/hat/cap
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.