Outdooraholics London Hiking & Adventure Travel 25 to 49ish

TRIP FULL and at maximum capacity, if you've missed out, we have now added our 2026 date online and bookable:
https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/310144254

To be notified if a space becomes available on this trip due to a pullout just email us: info@outdooraholics.co.uk

To see a list of all of our foreign trips click: https://outdooraholics.co.uk/foreigntriplist.pdf

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Discover one of Albania’s great gems - the coastline that extends along the Adriatic and Ionian sea. A dreamy mix of clear blue waters and pebbly beaches, secluded bays and caves waiting to be explored in our kayaks. Join us as we discover this unique blend of coastal shores, cliffs and walks on trails parallel to the Ionian sea with some beautiful panoramic views.

Hike the stunning coastal trail, visit the 100m deep Gjipe Bay canyon, kayak along the coast to hidden bays and swim in the bright blue waters of Albania. Get a close glimpse of a different pace of life and enjoy the famous Albanian hospitality and local traditions. Albania is considered by many to be Europe's last hidden gem, now is the perfect time to visit before it becomes as busy as Croatia just along the coast.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay on the coast - the Albanian Riviera in the Sofo Hotel, Dhermi
• Enjoy a scenic hike following the White Trail to the San Andreas Bay and swim in the dazzling blue waters
• Enjoy a private speedboat trip back along the coast after our hike
• Kayak along the coast stopping in a bay for lunch
• Spend a night in the vibrant capital Tirana at the Vila e Arte Hotel, Tirana
• Private transport throughout the trip with our own group minibus
• A small group limited to just 16 with an English speaking local Albanian Guide

HOLIDAY DESCRIPTION

Nestled between the turquoise waters of Italy and northern Greece and on the same coastline as Croatia, Albania is still a relatively undiscovered gem - think Croatia many years ago. From pebble/sandy Mediterranean beaches to rugged mountains, cliffs and caves it offers a tranquil and diverse experience in nature.

No need to compromise between a mountain or a beach holiday since this trip offers the best of both worlds. We enjoy the scenery beneath the towering coastal mountains as we kayak through the stunning crystal waters to Gjipe Bay and we have a hike included too.

This trip provides a balance between tranquillity and adventure as we have planned some exciting and optional activities. Choose from bathing under the Albanian sun or hire out power boats or do other watersports on the coast. You can also self explore the area or just enjoy the beach and sea. In the evening you have the beach bars and music to enjoy - it’s quite a party atmosphere at night.

Driving - There are several hours each way to the coast and back.

ITINERARY

Friday

Transfer from Tirana airport to Dhermi coastline where we check-in at our accommodation and enjoy our first evening on the coast, with its bars and restaurants.

The beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and blue sea.

Saturday

We kayak to one of the most stunning places on the coast - Gjipe Bay canyon. Here (tide permitting - it’s not always possible) we explore the Pirate’s Cave from the inside - a cave where pirates would seek shelter. The canyon gives off a hint of a mini Grand Canyon feeling with its red walls.

This afternoon we return to the beach with a range of activities awaiting, including (optional extras): SUP, wind surf, water skiing or just a relaxing afternoon at the beach. All water activities are subject to sea conditions and availability.

Sunday

Hike: Palase’s River Delta - Bay of San Andreas
Distance: 6 miles (9km)
Grading: Moderate
Ascent: 240m
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours

This morning we start from the delta of Palase Beach, where the white beach pebbles and the turquoise waters make the perfect postcard picture. From there on we indulge in the scenery of woodlands, cliffs and the clear Ionian sea following the White Trail to San Andreas Bay. We have time to enjoy the bay and the sea before being collected by a speedboat for the ride back

We then arrive at the capital Tirana late evening where our guide departs and you can self explore this city and enjoy its nightlife.

Monday

The trip ends after breakfast in Tirana. You are welcome to extend your stay and explore the city or make your way to the airport.

COST & PAYMENT

£396. Click “Attend” and pay the £100 deposit by Paypal. The remainder is due by bank transfer within 7 days, we’ll email payment details once your booking is processed.

Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ

START AND END TIME

Times are local time i.e. the times for Albania are in Albanian time

We suggest an inbound group flight from the 2 below, for anyone on one of these flights or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 12:10pm (waiting for everyone to arrive from any of these 2 flights). If you arrive later you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (we wait for the suggested flight if delayed).

Inbound flights 26.09.2025

Wizzair 5:55am from London Luton (LTN) to Tirana (TIA) landing at 10:00am
Flight: W95002

British Airways 7:50am from London Heathrow (LHR) to Tirana (TIA) landing at 11:50am
Flight: BA928

RETURN

The trip ends in Tirana on Monday after breakfast and you are welcome to make your own arrangements to the airport (bus or taxi) or if holiday permits you can extend your stay for a night and explore this city.

FOOD

Breakfast will be provided each day, and 2 picnic lunches on Saturday and Sunday. You are welcome to explore the local cuisine for dinner each evening. The local cuisine is Mediterranean with influences from Italian, Greek and Turkish cooking. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food can be catered for. Some dietary requirements such as nut free cannot be catered for.

We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us first to check if they can be catered for: info@outdooraholics.co.uk

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 2 nights' accommodation in twin en-suite rooms near Dhermi
• 1 night accommodation in twin en-suite rooms in the capital Tirana
• Breakfast daily and 2 picnic lunches
• Boat ride from San Andreas/Grama Bay
• Kayaking - instruction and also kayak hire and kit hire
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
• Complimentary airport transfer at the start for everyone taking the suggested flight option
• Private minibus transport throughout the trip and back to our hotel in Tirana

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Flights
• Transfer to Tirana airport on the last day (taxis are cheap and there is a bus too)
• Dinner on Saturday and Sunday (Typically £10-£15 excluding drinks)
• Optional extra activities - (as available, at cost - you pay the provider): SUP, wind surf, water skiing
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Travel insurance

INSURANCE

It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of kayaking (Level 1) and hiking. It is also recommended that this covers illness, cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.

Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this.
There are lots of insurers who cover kayaking and hiking, for example the BMC: LINK

You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Albania is NOT within the EU.

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

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📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 17 miles (27km)
• Grading: Challenging
• Ascent: 760m
• Hiking time: 7 to 8.5 hours
• Cost: £33 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the trains, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
• Time: Meet 8am, leave 8:20am for the 8:41am train
• Return: 7:45pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Conquer the three highest peaks in Surrey — Box Hill (224m), Leith Hill (294m) & Holmbury Hill (261m)
• Hike through the Surrey Hills AONB, one of England’s most beautiful landscapes
• Walk through Denbies Wine Estate — the largest vineyard in England
• See the historic Leith Hill Tower with its sweeping panoramas
• A superb training hike for major challenges (Yorkshire Three Peaks, National Three Peaks, Kilimanjaro, Toubkal, Everest Base Camp etc)

🥾 Hike Description
This is Outdooraholics’ toughest day hike from London — a formidable challenge often called the Yorkshire cousins as it rivals the Yorkshire Three Peaks in length and ascent. We take on the three highest points in Surrey: Box Hill, Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill, following ancient sandy trails and woodland ridges across the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrey is the most wooded county in England, and this route showcases its very best trails.

Starting from Holmwood, our route climbs first to Leith Hill (294m), the highest point in the South East of England. Here the summit is crowned by the 18th-century gothic Leith Hill Tower, offering some of the most far-reaching views of any of our hikes — south to the sea and the South Downs, and north as far as central London landmarks on a clear day.

From there, we continue along sandy trails and woodland ridges to Holmbury Hill (261m), where the remains of an Iron Age fort overlook the forested Weald below. Our final peak is the iconic Box Hill (224m), renowned for its chalk slopes, sweeping views over the North Downs, and challenging ascents that make it a classic hiking destination close to London.

The trail also takes us through the Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in England, before completing our circuit. Due to the length and intensity of the route, we usually do not have time for an end-of-hike pub stop — though if timing allows, we may fit a brief one in.

Toughness (Please Read):
This is a very tough, long, and hilly hike with over 700m of total ascent — comparable to climbing "Mount" Snowdon. Expect steep sections, some loose ground, and a short section where you need to use your hands it's so steep. The pace will average 4.2–4.6 km/h and the hike will not be slowed down or cut short.

It is not suitable for beginners or intermediate hikers. Only experienced and fit walkers should join. If a participant is unable to keep pace or complete the hike, there are places they can arrange a taxi to leave the hike. If you have any doubts about your ability, we recommend choosing one of our less demanding hikes instead.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch and hike snacks, it's a long hike
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)

📲 Stay Connected
Instagram 📸
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Facebook page & Photos group

📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions

© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2025 E & OE

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 11 miles (17km)
• Grading: Intermediate
• Ascent: 485m
• Hiking time: 4 to 4.5 hours
• Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the trains, mid afternoon at the cafe, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
• Time: Meet 8:05am, leave 8:25am for the 8:41am train
• Return: 5:45pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Hike through the Surrey Hills AONB (422 km²) — one of England’s most beautiful landscapes
• Visit the famous Box Hill viewpoint with far-reaching views over Surrey and Sussex
• Enjoy varied hiking across woodland, downs and the River Mole
• Visit Denbies Wine Estate — England’s largest vineyard and award winner
• Cross the iconic Stepping Stones on the River Mole
• See the twisting Olympic cycle race roads (2012)

🥾 Hike Description
For centuries, the beauty of Box Hill has inspired artists, writers and musicians. Jane Austen set a scene from Emma here, George Lambert painted it in 1733 (now in Tate Britain), and it has even featured in modern songs. The poet Keats and G.K. Chesterton also drew inspiration from these hills, showing how this corner of Surrey has long captured creative imaginations.

Our hike begins in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with woodland and rolling trails through Norbury Park before joining the twisting roads used in the 2012 Olympic cycling race. From here, we climb to the summit of Box Hill, where the Salomons Memorial viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas across the Weald and as far as Devil’s Dyke by the South Coast. On the way we also encounter traces of history, including a late 19th-century fort built to defend against French invasion and the semi-ruined folly tower from 1815.

After soaking up the views, we descend to the River Mole and cross its famous Stepping Stones, a much-loved landmark of the area. The trail then continues through open chalk downland and woodland before reaching Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in England, winner of international awards including Best Rosé in the World at the 2010 International Wine Challenge.

A wonderfully varied hike that blends chalk downs, riverside beauty, iconic views and layers of history — all within easy reach of London.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: LYUBAVA
• Contact (hike day only): 07883 405294

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)

📲 Stay Connected
Instagram 📸
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Facebook page & Photos group

📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions

© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2025 E & OE

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
• Grading: Beginners - with a few hills that we take gently
• Ascent: 240m
• Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hours
• Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the trains, only woods/bushes during hike, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Waterloo station. Meet under the main central clock - MAP & photo of the clock
• Time: Meet 8:25am, leave 8:45am for the 9am train
• Return: 4:14pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Explore the Surrey Hills AONB, one of England’s most beautiful landscapes
• Admire far-reaching views from St Martha’s Hill and its historic 12th-century church
• Visit Guildford, Surrey’s most significant ancient town with Bronze Age roots
• Follow the tranquil River Wey past willow trees and boathouses
• See the ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel, painted by Turner in 1807–08
• Walk along part of the North Downs Way — a classic long-distance route
• Pass Guildford Castle, dating back nearly 1,000 years

🥾 Hike Description
This is a shorter and gentler version of our North Downs hikes, ideal for beginners or those who want to enjoy a day outdoors and still return to London by late afternoon. At just 11km, it is the shortest hike Outdooraholics runs — perfect if you want a manageable day of exercise, scenery and socialising, with your evening free to enjoy afterwards.

Our hike begins in the historic town of Guildford, whose history stretches back to the Bronze Age and the Norman castle at its heart. Famous past and present residents include Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland; codebreaker Alan Turing; model Jodie Kidd; Monty Python writer Terry Jones; and actress Yvonne Arnaud. The artist William Turner also visited to paint St Catherine’s Chapel in 1807 and 1808, works now displayed in the Tate Gallery.

We start along the River Wey, a peaceful waterway lined with boathouses and willow trees, leading us to the evocative ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel. From here the trail rises gently through woodland, joining the North Downs Way as it follows an ancient ridge with sweeping views across Surrey.

Our finale is at the remote and atmospheric St Martha’s Hill, crowned by its 12th-century church and offering panoramic views across seven counties and almost to the sea. The route then returns us to Guildford, where we pass the Norman castle before concluding our hike in this picture-postcard market town.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)

🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)

📲 Stay Connected
Instagram 📸
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Facebook page & Photos group

📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions

© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2025 E & OE