London Social Hiking

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This hike is now FULL.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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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!); 20:00 London, Hammersmith.

TRANSPORT

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

FOOD

There will be a variety of nice cafés, tearooms and restaurants in Cheddar village to have lunch. However, feel free to bring your own packed lunch.

SAFETY

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

BOOKING

Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Cheddar):

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.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

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

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 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
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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.

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Travel in a small group (max 14 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain!

A small number of private rooms at the hotel is available for £35 extra – let us know if you would like an upgrade.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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This weekend we're off to the Gower Peninsula in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿! Once seen, it is obvious why it was chosen as Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Famous for its beautiful coastline, impressive limestone cliffs and stunningly beautiful sandy beaches, it's a favourite destination for walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers.

Departing from London early on Saturday morning, we'll head to the most iconic part of the peninsula, which includes the three miles of golden sands of Rhossili Bay Beach, regularly voted one of the world's best beaches! We'll scramble over rocks out to the spectacular promontory of Worm's Head, which is shaped like a giant sea serpent and marks the most westerly tip of the Gower (aka Gower's ‘Land's End’). This narrow, tidal island can only be accessed at 2.5 hours either side of low tide (yes, we've checked the tide tables). After the hike, we'll drive to our hotel in Llanelli, where we'll have dinner and rest.

On Sunday, we'll continue our beautiful walk along the Wales Coast Path. The highlights include the Three Cliffs Bay, a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of golden sand and wooded cliffs at Oxwich Bay, the ruins of the 12th-century Pennard Castle, and Port Eynon, with its popular sandy beach. After the hike, we'll have a delicious Sunday lunch at a local pub. Then head to the gorgeous Caswell Bay Beach, which holds a prestigious Blue Flag award. A great opportunity for a refreshing dip into the sea before departing to London!

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
12:30-17:30 Hike to Rhossili Beach and the tidal island of Worm's Head (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 13km, ascent: 370m). Low tide at 15:11.
18:30 Check-in at Premier Inn Llanelli Central East Hotel, dinner and free time

Sunday:

07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Departure
08:45­-13:15 Hike from Port Eynon to the Three Cliffs Bay (difficulty: Easy, distance: 14km, ascent: 300m)
13:30-15:00 Sunday lunch at a local pub
15:30-16:30 Free time for swimming at Caswell Bay Beach. Low tide at 15:51 – it's the best time to head to the beach!
21:00 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

Please note that this trip requires a good level of fitness. Suitable hiking boots are essential.

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

Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Gower):

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.

THE PRICE OF £258 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)
• 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)
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Swimwear
• Comfortable clothes to change after the hike
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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.

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This hike is now FULL. If you missed the trip, final places are available on 25-29 September! Sign up via the link:
https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/306678758/

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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We're going to Scotland! This 5-day tour is the highlight of our 2025 hiking calendar and can truly be called the ‘Ultimate Scotland Bucket List Adventure’! You'll discover the Scottish Highlands, the magical Isle of Skye, climb the highest British mountain – Ben Nevis, and experience Scotland's untamed natural beauty and amazing traditional food. We have worked very hard to secure accommodation during summer in the top locations – Portree (the capital of the Isle of Skye), Ratagan (stunning remote location on the shores of Loch Duich) and Glasgow City Centre. Our group size will be limited to only 14 participants for the maximum flexibility and a fantastic small-group experience!

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
• Venture into the heart of the Black Cuillin Mountains – some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in Britain
• Enjoy amazing 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
• Spend an evening in Glasgow and experience its vibrant and historic city centre
• Relax 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

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Wednesday:

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
14:00-14:45 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
17:00 Check in at Sandyford Hotel (a short walk from Glasgow City Centre)
17:30 Free time to explore Glasgow and dinner. Recommended to visit: George Square (the principal square in Glasgow), Buchanan Street (the main shopping street in Glasgow), Glasgow Cathedral.

Day 2 – Thursday:

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
08:00-11:30 A scenic drive with photo stops through the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and the mountain pass of Glencoe
11:45-12:45 Lunch at the Bridge Cafe in Spean Bridge village
12:45-16:00 Continue our scenic journey to the Isle of Skye, with a stop next to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles
17:15-18:45 An easy walk to the Fairy Pools, with an option to swim
19:15-20:45 Dinner at Sligachan Hotel, with views towards the Cuillin Mountains
21:00 Check in at Portree Youth Hostel, in the capital of the Isle of Skye

Day 3 – Friday:

08:00 Breakfast in Portree
09:00 Depart
10:00-13:30 Hike to the spectacular Coire Lagan and a small lochan in the heart of the Black Cuillins Mountains (see here)
14:30-15:30 Lunch at the Oyster Shed seafood café
16:30-18:15 Hike to the Old Man of Storr (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 5km, ascent: 320m)
20:15 Check in at Ratagan Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Duich

Day 4 – Saturday:

08:00 Breakfast
08:45 Depart
10:30-17:00 Climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 17km, ascent: 1340m)
17:15-19:30 Free time for dinner and to explore souvenir shops in Fort William
21:45 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton

Day 5 – Sunday:

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
09:15 Depart
09:30-11:00 Free time on the shores of Loch Lomond and to buy gifts from Scotland
11:00 Depart to London
13:30-14:15 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
18:00-18:45 Stop at services for dinner
21:30 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 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

The total cost of this trip is £698 per person. A deposit of £298 is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance paid two months before the trip (May 2, 2025). Any places not paid in full by this date will be lost, and the deposit will be non-refundable and non-transferable.

To join, please RSVP and pay the deposit (£298) by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Scotland):

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.

THE PRICE OF £698 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Two nights' accommodation at hotels in shared twin rooms with a full Scottish breakfast included (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Two nights' accommodation at hostels in single-gender rooms, booked for our group's exclusive use (most rooms for up to 4 people). Both hostels (Portree and Ratagan) are in top locations and have great reviews. Hotels are not available on the Isle of Skye during the peak summer season (prices of £500+ per night), so hostels were our best and only option!
• 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)

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 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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

As stated in the ‘Booking’ section of the event description, a deposit of £298 is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance paid two months before the trip (May 2, 2025). Any places not paid in full by this date will be lost, and the deposit will be non-refundable and non-transferable. If you have paid the full balance (£698) by May 2 and wish to cancel, our standard refund policy (link) will apply.

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We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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There are never enough colours in our happy world, this time we're going to add a bit of the pure Roman magic – Lavender! This weekend, we're visiting a family-run farm near Snowshill village (or 'Snozell' as locals say it). Apparently, it's so called because the snow can arrive here sooner, and persist longer, than anywhere else in the Cotswolds.

Lavender growing started here back in 1999. The lavender loves the free-draining limestone soils 1,000 feet above sea level, giving the best growing conditions for the purest English Lavender Essential Oils. At the peak of the summer sunshine, the lavender is harvested and distilled by traditional methods and aged for a year before use. We're going to enjoy beautiful lavender fields and wildflowers in all their glory and take many amazing pictures. Of course, no visit to the farm would be complete without purchasing some lavender gifts for your friends and loved ones, or even tasting some lavender-themed foods at the tearoom!

Beginning at the Lavender Farm, we'll then do a beautiful, undulating rural walk through pleasant woodlands and across green pastures of Cotswold valleys and hills. This circular route explores three picture-postcard villages of Snowshill, Stanton and Stanway, and climbs to the crest of the Cotswold escarpment. After the hike, you can enjoy a well-deserved pint at the traditional 15th-century Snowshill Arms Pub.

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 8 miles (12km).
Ascent: 340m.
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; 10:30-11:30 Cotswold Lavender Farm; 11:30-16:00 Snowshill Circular Walk via the Cotswold Way National Trail; 16:00-16:45 drinks and refreshments at the 15th-century Snowshill Arms Pub; 19:00 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

Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Lavender):

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.

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

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Entrance ticket to Cotswold Lavender (£7.75, 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)
• Packed lunch
• Water (min 1L)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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.