Outdoorly London | Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

🥾Walk Details
• Distance: 6.5 km
• Hiking Time: Approx.1.5-2 hours back and forth from Cobham train station
• Grade: Easy
• Cost: £45 per person (includes guided Hike, return train tickets, Entrance ticket for Painshill and Grand guided tour inside)

Description
Join us for a magical day exploring the breathtaking Crystal Grotto at Painshill, one of Surrey’s most unique hidden gems. Nestled within the beautiful 18th-century landscape gardens, this extraordinary man-made cave is filled with sparkling crystals, shimmering pools, dramatic rock formations, and enchanting reflections that create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Our visit will include a guided experience inside the Crystal Grotto, where we will learn about its fascinating history, restoration, and design while taking in the incredible details of this remarkable attraction. After the guided section, there will be time to independently explore the surrounding Painshill landscape gardens, scenic lakeside walks, bridges, follies, and viewpoints.

The Grand Tour covers the full 160 acres of Painshill on an extended guided experience that builds upon the Historic Lake Tour. The route follows the complete historic trail, passing the Crystal Grotto, Waterwheel, Hermitage and Gothic Tower before returning via the Temple of Bacchus and the Turkish Tent. Please note that the Grand Tour will take about 3 hours.

What to Expect

• Guided visit inside the Crystal Grotto
• Time to explore the wider Painshill grounds
• Opportunities for photography and sightseeing
• Relaxed group atmosphere

🥾Hike Details
• Distance: 18 km
• Hiking Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
• Grade: Easy/Moderate
• Ascent: 240 m
• Pace: Steady with breaks for lunch and photos
• Cost: £33 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets)

👣 Hike Description
We start this scenic circular hike starting from Otfors village, heading out into the beautiful Darent Valley. Our route largely follows the Darent Valley Path, offering a gentle introduction as we pass through the charming Kent countryside. Early on, we’ll walk by The Mount Vineyard and through the picturesque setting of Shoreham before continuing past the striking lavender fields at Castle Farm (seasonal colour and fragrance permitting).
The walk then follows a peaceful riverside stretch leading to Lullingstone Castle, a historic manor house set within expansive grounds. A short distance further, we visit Lullingstone Roman Villa, home to remarkably preserved mosaic floors and rare wall paintings dating back to around AD 75. From here, the route becomes more undulating as we climb along the western side of the valley, offering rewarding views across the landscape.
Our final leg continues into Lullingstone Country Park, an area known for its chalk grassland, ancient woodland, and internationally significant veteran trees. After passing the park, we head back to Otford to explore its medieval buildings, browse independent shops, and enjoy optional refreshments before returning to the station.

🌟Highlights:

• The idyllic Kentish villages Otford & Shoreham
• Walking sections along the Darent Valley Path
• Views of lavender fields at Castle Farm (seasonal)
• Riverside walking towards Lullingstone Castle
• Visit past Lullingstone Roman Villa with historic mosaics
• Undulating countryside with panoramic valley views

📍⏰Meeting Point & Time
Location: London Bridge Rail Station next to main ticket office
Depart: Meet us 09:10 am, we leave 09:25 am for 09:43 am train
Return: 05:41 pm Back in London (commitment required until then).

Your guide: Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader
On-the-day contact: 07788 839784 (available on hike day only)

🎒What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Water & packed lunch/snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, windbreaker)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Optional: camera, walking poles
What not included: Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses.

🥾Hike Details
• Distance: 24 km
• Hiking Time: Approx. 6-7 hours
• Grade: Moderate
• Ascent: 460 m
• Pace: Steady (we aim for 4 kms/hour) with breaks for lunch and photos
• Cost: £36 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets)

👣 Hike Description
A peaceful and scenic adventure through the heart of the South Downs, this beautiful circular walk from Arundel railway station to Amberley combines riverside trails, rolling countryside, historic villages, and spectacular castle views. Starting from Arundel station, we follow the beautiful River Arun with stunning panoramas of the magnificent Arundel Castle rising above the landscape before continuing through some of the most picturesque scenery in West Sussex.

From the riverbank we continue towards the charming village of Burpham, a peaceful downland settlement known for its traditional cottages, quiet lanes, and panoramic views across the Arun Valley. The route then climbs gently onto the South Downs towards the picturesque village of Amberley, often regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Sussex. With its historic stone cottages, tea rooms, and medieval atmosphere, Amberley offers a perfect countryside escape. We’ll also pass the impressive Amberley Castle, a stunning 900-year-old castle surrounded by ancient walls and beautiful grounds.

After crossing the River Arun near Amberley, the walk continues through Houghton before joining the historic Monarch's Way trail back towards Arundel. Along the way we pass the historic Hiorne Tower and enjoy more breathtaking South Downs scenery before descending into Arundel’s picturesque old High Street, lined with ancient buildings beneath the Duke of Norfolk’s magnificent Arundel Castle. The Norfolk family have been Roman Catholics for centuries, and we’ll also pass the unique Arundel Cathedral area, home to the only church in the UK that is part Catholic and part Protestant, with the Catholic section historically separated by an iron grille.

🌟Highlights:

• Stunning views of Arundel Castle from the River Arun
• Peaceful riverside and South Downs trails
• Explore the charming villages of Burpham and Amberley
• Pass the historic Amberley Castle
• Walk part of the historic Monarch's Way

📍⏰Meeting Point & Time
Location: London Victoria Rail Station next to main ticket office
Depart: Meet us 08:30 am, we leave 08:50 am for 09:05 am train
Return: 07:15 pm Back in London (commitment required until then).

Your guide: Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader
On-the-day contact: 07788 839784 (available on hike day only)

🎒What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Water & packed lunch/snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, windbreaker)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Optional: camera, walking poles
What not included: Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses.

🥾Hike Details
• Distance: 16 km
• Hiking Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
• Grade: Easy/Moderate
• Ascent: 290 m
• Pace: Steady with breaks for lunch and photos
• Cost: £31 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets)

👣 Hike Description
Escape the city and join us for a rewarding summer hike through some of Kent’s most picturesque countryside. This route combines historic landmarks, peaceful woodland trails, rolling farmland, and breathtaking views across the Kent Downs.

Starting in Sevenoaks, we begin by walking through the famous deer park surrounding Knole House. The expansive parkland is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer and offers a wonderful mix of open landscapes and ancient trees. During summer, the park is at its most vibrant, with lush greenery stretching across the estate.

Leaving Knole behind, we continue through quiet fields and woodland paths, following scenic trails through the heart of the Kent countryside. Along the way, we'll pass through areas of traditional coppiced woodland before arriving at the magnificent Ightham Mote. This rare moated manor house, dating back nearly seven centuries, is one of the most impressive historic buildings in southeast England.

From here, the route joins one of the finest sections of the Greensand Way. The trail gradually climbs the Kent Downs escarpment, revealing increasingly impressive views across the Weald. On clear summer days, the panoramic vistas extend for miles, making this one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the region.

Our route eventually returns through Knole Park and Knole House(mid-15th century), offering a final chance to enjoy the parkland and observe the resident deer before finishing the hike.

🌟Highlights:
• Knole House deer park
• Lavender fields in bloom
• Ightham Mote 14th-century moated manor house
• Spectacular Greensand Way views
• Woodland and countryside trails
• Great photography opportunities

📍⏰Meeting Point & Time
Location: London Bridge Rail Station next to main ticket office
Depart: Meet us 09:30 am, we leave 09:50 am for 10:05 am train
Return: 05:52 pm Back in London (commitment required until then).

Your guide: Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader
On-the-day contact: 07788 839784 (available on hike day only)

🎒What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Water & packed lunch/snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, windbreaker)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Optional: camera, walking poles
What not included: Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses.