London Social Hiking

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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 in the top locations – Portree (the capital of the Isle of Skye), Ratagan (stunning remote location on the shores of Loch Duich) and next to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. 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
• Relax and enjoy a waterfront dining experience 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
• Spend the morning in Glasgow and experience its vibrant and historic city centre

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Thursday:

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
16:30 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton, leave our luggage
17:30 Depart to the scenic village of Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond
18:00-19:45 Dinner at Colquhoun’s Restaurant by Loch Lomond
20:15 Back to our hotel, free time

Day 2 – Friday:

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
08:00 Depart
10:30-17:30 Climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 17km, ascent: 1340m)
17:45-19:30 Free time for dinner and to explore souvenir shops in Fort William
21:00 Check in at Ratagan Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Duich

Day 3 – Saturday:

08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Depart
11:00-15:00 Hike to the spectacular Coire Lagan and a small lochan in the heart of the Black Cuillins Mountains (see here)
15:15-16:45 An easy walk to the Fairy Pools, with an option to swim
17:30 Check in at Portree Youth Hostel, in the capital of the Isle of Skye
18:30 Dinner and free time in Portree. Please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out (recommended: Sea Breezes seafood restaurant).

Day 4 – Sunday:

08:00 Breakfast in Portree
09:00 Depart
09:15-11:00 Hike to the Old Man of Storr (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 5km, ascent: 320m)
11:15 Photo stop at Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
12:00-13:30 Lunch at Sligachan Hotel, with views towards the Cuillin Mountains
14:30 Photo stop next to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles
14:45-19:00 A scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands
19:00-20:30 Dinner at the Village Inn, on the the shores of Loch Long in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
21:15 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton

Day 5 – Monday:

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
09:00 Depart
09:30-12:00 Free time in Glasgow. Recommended to visit: George Square (the principal square in Glasgow), Buchanan Street (the main shopping street in Glasgow), Glasgow Cathedral, Necropolis (a beautiful Victorian cemetery on a hill, one of the best viewpoints of Glasgow).
12:00 Depart to London
14:30-15:15 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
21:45 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 (July 25, 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 the hotel 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 for groups during the peak 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 (July 25, 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 July 25 and wish to cancel, our standard refund policy (link) will apply.

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Travel in a small group (max 14 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain! This is our last trip to the Lake District in 2025.

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

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The Lake District is England's largest national park and by far the most popular in the UK. Every year, some 19 million people pitch up to explore the region's mountains and countryside, and it's not hard to see why. Its postcard panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes has been stirring the imaginations of visitors for centuries. In 2017, the Lake District was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining the likes of the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon on the illustrious list. It was the UK’s first national park to be given such status.

Departing from London early on Saturday morning, we'll head to Coniston village, at the foot of the Old Man of Coniston – one of the most famous Lakeland peaks, rising to 803 metres above sea level. We'll summit this mountain, taking in fantastic views of dramatic crags, hidden tarns, superb ridges and some of the highest fells in the Lake District. The return route is via the atmospheric Coppermines Valley, with its mining and quarrying scars and beautiful waterfalls. Mining for copper in the valley dates back to the 16th century, and at its peak in the 19th century, around 600 people were employed in the extraction, preparation and transportation of copper ore. After the hike, we'll drive to our hotel in Barrow-in-Furness, where we'll have dinner and rest.

Sunday will be much more relaxing. After an early breakfast, we'll depart to Ambleside, undoubtedly one of the most popular towns in the Lake District National Park. It sits at the northern end of Windermere, England's largest lake at over 10 miles long. Starting from the town centre, we'll take a wooded path to the spectacular 70-foot high Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. From there, we'll continue uphill to the summit of Wansfell Pike, which has superb views over Ambleside, Windermere and the surrounding fells. We'll then descend to Troutbeck and return via the ancient woodland of Skelghyll, passing the magnificent viewpoint at Jenkin Crag. After the hike, you'll have free time for a peaceful lunch by Windermere Lake, or, you may choose to head to the bustling Ambleside town centre, which has a great selection of cafés and souvenir shops.

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
13:30-19:00 Hike to the Old Man of Coniston (803m) via the peaks of Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 12km, ascent: 760m)
20:00 Check-in at Premier Inn Barrow-in-Furness Hotel, dinner and free time

Sunday:

07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Departure
09:00-13:00 Hike to Wansfell Pike (482m) from Ambleside via Stock Ghyll Force waterfall, Jenkin Crag and Windermere Lake (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 11km, ascent: 530m)
13:00-14:45 Free time for lunch next to Windermere Lake or Ambleside town centre
14:45 Departure
21:00 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

Please note that this trip requires a good level of fitness. Good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential (see the ‘What to bring’ section for more details).

TRANSPORT

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

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 £30 extra – let us know if you would like an upgrade!

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 Lake District):

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 £268 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)
• 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 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 15 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain!

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

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Come and join us on a hike to Corfe Castle – one of England's most majestic ruins! The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid more than 1,000 years ago and since then it has been at the centre of battles, plots and mysteries. It has been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence and family home. On this one-day hike, we'll discover this iconic medieval skyscraper standing 21 metres tall, on the top of a 55-metre-high hill. Corfe Castle dominates the skyline of the Purbecks for miles around and the views are simply breathtaking.

Our trail will follow the Purbeck Way, taking in the eastern end of the 95-mile long Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit the iconic chalk formations, known as Old Harry Rocks, and admire stunning panoramic views of Studland Bay, Poole Harbour and the Dorset coast.

This hike is suitable for BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult trips! 🤩

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk on the golden sands of Studland Bay and Knoll Beach
• Visit the famous chalk formations, known as Old Harry Rocks. According to legend, the 65 million-year-old chalk outcrops were named Old Harry as a euphemism for the devil, who allegedly used to nap on the rocks. Another story tells of the pirate and smuggler, Harry Paye, who attacked many merchant ships as they left Poole Harbour, storing his spoils nearby.
• Enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Coastline, the seaside towns of Poole and Swanage, and the Isle of Wight
• See the ruins of the thousand-year-old Corfe Castle and visit the picturesque village of Corfe Castle
• Discover how Studland Bay was used for military operations during the Second World War and visit Fort Henry World War Two observation bunker

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 9 miles (14km).
Ascent: 350m.
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; 11:30-16:15 hike from Studland Bay to Corfe Castle, past Old Harry Rocks; 16:15-17:00 drinks and refreshments in the picturesque village of Corfe Castle; 17:00 departure; 20:00 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 Corfe Castle):

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 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)

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)
• 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.

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Travel in a small group (max 15 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain!

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

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

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 Ollie (07907651656, 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)
• 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.