What we’re about
Sunny Walkers is a friendly group dedicated purely to getting outdoors, getting some exercise, meeting new people and having fun. The groups are small (less than 20 people); the only motivation is to enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people.
There is so much to see and do outside of London and around the UK: everything from the hills and sea views of the Sussex Downs to the poetic beauty of the Lake District; the shipwrecks and cliffs of the Cornish coast to the rugged mountains and lochs of Scotland. The UK has some of the best walking in the world I think.
The goal of the group will be mainly to do interesting day trips out of London but I'd love to get further afield and combine walking with other activities as well: climbing, camping, yoga, biking, surfing, etc. But the most important thing is to get outdoors, meet like-minded people and have fun!
Please see the main trip page here.
Join us for an Epic Adventure in Greece to climb the legendary Mt Olympus, Mountain of the Gods, and hike among the spectacular scenery of Meteora!
Nights - 8. Cost - £749. Accommodation - see below.
This trip is a truly diverse adventure, combining two Greek highlights - summiting the highest mountain in Greece, and hiking in stunning Meteora - with a bonus visit to a fascinating archaeological site and a well deserved beach day at the end.
From Thessaloniki airport, we travel to the small Northern Greek town of Vergina, where we will have time to visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.
We then make our way to Meteora, known for its byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks. Hiking among the stone giants of this spectacular area, we will have the opportunity to explore the most impressive viewpoints and ancient monasteries.
After these warm up hikes, we will be ready for our main goal of the trip, trekking to Mt Olympus, the 'Mountain of the Gods'. Our challenging 4-day hut-to-hut trek will take us not only to Greece’s highest peak, but will allow us to explore some spectacular off the beaten track trails in the surrounding mountains.
Our trip will finish off with some well deserved relaxing beach time in the lovely seaside town of Plaka where we will have the opportunity for a refreshing swim.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation on this trip will be a combination of twin share rooms in hotels (3 nights), shared dorm rooms in mountain huts (3 nights) and twin share bungalows (2 nights).
ITINERARY:
Sat 27/09 - Pick up from Thessaloniki airport at noon (for flights arriving by 11:35AM), transfer to our hotel in Vergina, visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.
Sun 28/09 - Transfer to our hotel in Meteora where we spend two nights, afternoon hike with monastery visit.
Mon 29/09 - Hiking and exploring Meteora with monastery visit.
Tue 30/09 - Transfer to Prionia, start of Mt Olympus trek, hike to Agapitos hut.
Wed 01/10 - Hike to Apostolidis hut, ascent Mt Olympus peak (only with day pack).
Thu 02/10 - Hike on the Plateau of the Muses and surrounding mountains.
Fri 03/10 - Hike down to Litochoro village. Transfer to our seaside accommodation where we spend our last two nights.
Sat 04/10 - Free day to enjoy the beach!
Sun 05/10 - Transfer to Thessaloniki airport (leaving our accommodation around 8:30/9AM) for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other factors.
DIFFICULTY:
Hikes during the Mt Olympus part of the trip will be challenging with significant elevation to be tackled and this trip is therefore only suitable for fit and experienced hikers with a head for heights. You should be comfortable walking with a full pack on rough, rocky and uneven terrain and on sometimes narrow and exposed paths. You will need the fitness to cover around 12 km with up to 1200m of ascent and up to 1600m descent in a day. Hikes during the Meteora part will be of medium difficulty.
NOTE ABOUT SUMMITTING MT OLYMPUS:
Mount Olympus has multiple peaks and (weather permitting) our guide can take us as far as the popular summits of Skala Peak at 2,882m or Skolio Peak, the second highest peak at 2,911m, as the ascent to these peaks is not technical.
The final section from Skala Peak to the highest peak of Mytikas at 2,917m is however an exposed, graded scramble. For that reason, if you wish to climb Mytikas, you will need to use the services of a separate experienced local guide who can support you on this final section and provide the necessary equipment (previous scrambling experience recommended).
These guides can take up to 4 people at a time and we will help to organise this for anyone interested (see more info in the comments section below).
For anyone that does not wish to tackle Mytikas, Skala and Skolio are equally worthy summits and offer spectacular views without the need for difficult scrambling.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 5 nights accommodation in twin share rooms (3 nights in hotels in en-suite rooms, 2 nights in bungalows on a seaside campsite (each bungalow has a toilet but shower facilities are shared)
- 3 nights accommodation in shared dorm rooms in mountain huts
- 2 breakfasts
- 1 English speaking mountain guide
- 1 Epic Adventure Club trip leader
- Airport transfers and all other transfers as foreseen by the itinerary (due to the limited boot space we won't be able to take large suitcases, soft bags preferred)
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Any other meals not specified (in the villages we can get breakfast/buy packed lunches at local cafes/supermarkets, and we will sample the local cuisine at nearby restaurants/tavernas for dinner. The mountain huts sell basic breakfasts, lunch packs and dinners*.
- Flights (see below)
- Bed linen/towel in the huts (you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner, pillow case and towel)
- Entry fees
- Travel Insurance
*Please note that meal options will be limited in the mountain huts. If you have any specific dietary requirements other than regular vegetarian you will likely need to bring some of your own supplies on the trek.
FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
We will provide one airport pick up from Thessaloniki airport on Saturday 27 September for flights arriving by 11:35 (AM). The following outbound flights from London are suitable:
Easyjet EZY8243
Departs 06:20 LGW London Gatwick
Arrives 11:35 SKG Thessaloniki
British Airways BA772
Departs 06:05 LHR London Heathrow
Arrives 11:25 SKG Thessaloniki
Please note it is possible to take a later outbound flight (i.e. 09:25 BA from LHR) but you will then have to make your own way by bus/taxi to Thessaloniki followed by a train to Mesi Veroias from where our guide will be happy to pick you up. Please enquire for details with the organiser if you consider this option.
For the return on Sunday 5 October, we will provide one airport drop off at Thessaloniki airport by 10:30 for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards. Suitable flights to London would be:
Easyjet EZY8246
Departs 12:35 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 14:10 LGW London Gatwick
British Airways BA773
Departs 13:25 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 15:00 LHR London Heathrow
If you decide to book different flights you will have to meet the group at the airport by noon on 27 September.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use GREECE as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:
Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003
Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- MULLERTHAL TRAIL, LUXEMBOURG (AUGUST 21 - 25)Berdorf, Berdorf£299.00
Let's visit Luxembourg over the August Bank Holiday to hike part of the beautiful Mullerthal trail!
See main trip page with other attendees here.
Nights: 4. Accommodation: twin-share and single occupancy rooms in comfortable cabins. Cost - £299 for twin share and £369 for single occupancy.
Often referred to as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, the Mullerthal Region - or Mëllerdall in Luxembourgish – owes its name to its hilly landscape reminiscent of Switzerland.
Dense woodlands criss-crossed by rushing streams, extraordinary biotopes with towering sandstone formations, narrow rocky ravines, mysterious caves and gorges and an amazing variety of plants and trees characterise this magical region.
The Mullerthal Trail with its 112 km of hiking trails passes through all the natural highlights of the region, through enchanting forests and valleys and passing by impressive canyons and bizarre rock formations.
This beautiful trail achieved the label "Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe" and consists of three different loops, route 1, 2 and 3. Our plan is to hike the best parts of these three routes during our three full hiking days. We will take local (free) buses to/from the starting or finishing points of the hikes as needed.
ACCOMMODATION:
We have booked comfortable self catering cabins situated in a lovely holiday park in the cute little village of Berdorf, one of the main tourist centres in the Grand-Duchy. Cabins will be shared by 3 or 4 people and have twin-share and single occupancy rooms.
Berdorf is located on a vast tableland overlooking the valleys of the Black Ernz, the Sure and the Aesbach 300 acres of forest, only 6km from the medieval town of Echternach.
Come and join us to discover this hidden European hiking gem!
ITINERARY:
Thu 21/08 - Arrival, rooms ready for check in from 3PM.
Fri 22/08 - Hike part of Mullerthal Trail Route 2 - spectacular rocky landscapes with gorges, crevices, labyrinths and the famous Schéissendëmpel waterfall. (18-20km)
Sat 23/08 - Hike part of Mullerthal Trail Route 1 - through enchanting forests with imposing rocky landscapes along flowering orchards and great views of the Sûre valley. (18-20km)
Sun 24/08 - Hike part of Mullerthal Trail Route 3 - enchanting stream valleys and romantic castles, passing through Larochette and Beaufort. (18-20km)
Mon 25/08 - Trip finish, check out from the hotel by 10AM.
Hikes are subject to change due to weather and other conditions.
DIFFICULTY:
Hikes on this trip are moderate but the terrain can be rocky and uneven. You will need the fitness to cover about 12 miles with up to 600m of ascent and descent.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 4 nights twin-share or single occupancy accommodation in cabins shared between 3 or 4 people
- 3 guided hikes
- Trip organiser
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights (see below)
- Meals (our cabins have self catering facilities and there are local restaurants, cafes and a supermarket nearby)
- Entry fees
- Travel Insurance
FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
There are numerous convenient flights to Luxembourg from multiple London airports (Heathrow, City and Stansted) with British Airways, Luxair and Ryanair. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you.
Public transport is free in Luxembourg and it will be easy to take the bus from Luxembourg Airport to our accommodation in Berdorf (we will share detailed travel information closer to the date).
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use LUX as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:
Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- SEPTEMBER 4 - 8 - BAVARIAN ALPS (INCL MT WANK!), GERMANYGarmisch-Partenkirchen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen£449.00
Join us for an Epic hiking trip in the majestic Bavarian Alps in southern Germany including hiking Mount Wank! ;)
See main trip link with other attendees here.
Cost - £449. Nights - 4. Accommodation: comfortable en-suite twin-share (or double) hotel-style rooms in a fabulous, modern hostel with sauna.
Let’s explore the beautiful scenery of the German Alps, where the lush meadows of the Bavarian countryside merge into rolling foothills which suddenly give way to jagged Alpine peaks. Fir-clad mountains, karst landscapes, shimmering lakes, lederhosen, and picture-book towns, the Bavarian Alps are what many think of as the epitome of Germany!
Our base will be the charming alpine resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, close to the border with Austria. Blessed with an idyllic setting with splendid mountain scenery on its doorstep, the town is traditional yet vibrant, with lots of restaurants and bars on offer.
This fantastic base offers us a variety of exhilarating walks with captivating scenery to choose from for our three full hiking days, from enchanting gorge hikes to dramatic ridge and peak climbs.
Suggested hikes:
- Mount Wank (1780m) and Esterbergalm: this peak offers one of the greatest panoramic views in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region and the idyllic Esterbergalm alpine pasture hut and farm (1264m) dates back to the 1400s (19km, 1300m ascent/decent - for whom this is too much: there is an optional cable car to shorten the ascent/distance significantly to 14km, 300m ascent, 1250 descent).
- Partnachklamm Gorge, Wamberg and Berggasthof Eckbauer: a fabulous loop hike over alpine meadows, passing by a lovely tavern and finishing off by walking the spectacular Partnachklamm trail hewn into the rock through a splendid narrow river-filled gorge (700m long and 70m deep), along thunderous torrents of water and several waterfalls (15km, 550m ascent/descent). This hike can also be shortened significantly for anyone preferring to take the cable car up.
- Grünkopf, Kransberg and Ederkanzel (refreshing lake swim possible!): This spectacular hike from the pretty nearby town of Mittenwald (short train ride away) offers spectacular panoramic views of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges. After a short chairlift ride (approx 8EUR) this hike takes us over multiple peaks and passes by two picturesque lakes where the brave can take a swim (13.5km, 740m ascent/980m descent).
Please note any hikes are subject to change based on weather and other factors.
There are many other wonderful hikes in the area including an easy loop around the pretty Lake Eibsee (7km, 230m ascent/decsent), often lauded as the most beautiful lake in Germany with its mountainous backdrop and emerald-green waters (easily done self guided on a rest day), and numerous valley hikes.
From Lake Eibsee (which can be reached by train in 40 min) it is also possible to take the cable car up to the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 2962m (75EUR cable car return ticket), easily done as an optional activity if anyone would like to take a rest day.
ACCOMMODATION:
Our accommodation will be in comfortable en-suite twin share rooms in a lovely modern hostel with sauna and fitness room in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, conveniently located right next to the train station. Breakfast will be included each day.
DIFFICULTY:
Hikes on this trip will be moderate to challenging. This trip does not involve technical mountaineering but hikes can be challenging at times due to the length/ascent/descent and rocky terrain so you will need to have a good level of hiking fitness and a head for heights in the mountainous terrain.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 nights en-suite twin-share (or double) rooms
- 4 breakfasts
- An itinerary of 3 days of hiking
- Epic Adventure Club trip leader
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Lunches/dinners - we can sample the hearty local Bavarian cuisine for dinners and lunch where possible (or buy packed lunches)
- Flights and airport transfers (see details below)
- DJH (German Youth Hostel Association) or HI (Hostelling International) membership required. Membership fee for international guests is EUR 3,50 per person per night, to be paid at reception on arrival.
- Public transport/cable car/chair lift/entrance fees (hike dependent)
- Travel insurance
FLIGHTS & AIRPORT TRANSPORT:
Return flights from London to Munich currently priced from just £116!
There are numerous convenient flights to Munich from London Heathrow/Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester with British Airways, Lufthansa and Easyjet. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you.
From Munich Airport, it is very easy to reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen by public transport (about a 2 hour journey). A direct Flixbus service goes every two hours between Munich airport and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (from £12 one way). It is also easy to catch a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, changing at Munich central station.
Please make sure to check the Flixbus, Deutsche Banh website and/or Google Maps for bus/train timings to ensure there are suitable public transport connections for your flights.
It is also possible to fly to Innsbruck airport and reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen from there by bus and train (1hr 40min), however there is only a direct flight (EasyJet from Gatwick) for the outbound (though there is a return flight on the Tuesday).
Feel free to contact me if you need any help finding suitable flights/ airport transfers!
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use BAVARIA as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:
Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
- MT OLYMPUS AND METEORA, GREECE (SEPTEMBER 27 - OCTOBER 5)Thessaloniki airport, Thessaloniki£749.00
Please see the main trip page here.
Join us for an Epic Adventure in Greece to climb the legendary Mt Olympus, Mountain of the Gods, and hike among the spectacular scenery of Meteora!
Nights - 8. Cost - £749. Accommodation - see below.
This trip is a truly diverse adventure, combining two Greek highlights - summiting the highest mountain in Greece, and hiking in stunning Meteora - with a bonus visit to a fascinating archaeological site and a well deserved beach day at the end.
From Thessaloniki airport, we travel to the small Northern Greek town of Vergina, where we will have time to visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.
We then make our way to Meteora, known for its byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks. Hiking among the stone giants of this spectacular area, we will have the opportunity to explore the most impressive viewpoints and ancient monasteries.
After these warm up hikes, we will be ready for our main goal of the trip, trekking to Mt Olympus, the 'Mountain of the Gods'. Our challenging 4-day hut-to-hut trek will take us not only to Greece’s highest peak, but will allow us to explore some spectacular off the beaten track trails in the surrounding mountains.
Our trip will finish off with some well deserved relaxing beach time in the lovely seaside town of Plaka where we will have the opportunity for a refreshing swim.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation on this trip will be a combination of twin share rooms in hotels (3 nights), shared dorm rooms in mountain huts (3 nights) and twin share bungalows (2 nights).
ITINERARY:
Sat 27/09 - Pick up from Thessaloniki airport at noon (for flights arriving by 11:35AM), transfer to our hotel in Vergina, visit the Archaeological Site of Aigai.
Sun 28/09 - Transfer to our hotel in Meteora where we spend two nights, afternoon hike with monastery visit.
Mon 29/09 - Hiking and exploring Meteora with monastery visit.
Tue 30/09 - Transfer to Prionia, start of Mt Olympus trek, hike to Agapitos hut.
Wed 01/10 - Hike to Apostolidis hut, ascent Mt Olympus peak (only with day pack).
Thu 02/10 - Hike on the Plateau of the Muses and surrounding mountains.
Fri 03/10 - Hike down to Litochoro village. Transfer to our seaside accommodation where we spend our last two nights.
Sat 04/10 - Free day to enjoy the beach!
Sun 05/10 - Transfer to Thessaloniki airport (leaving our accommodation around 8:30/9AM) for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other factors.
DIFFICULTY:
Hikes during the Mt Olympus part of the trip will be challenging with significant elevation to be tackled and this trip is therefore only suitable for fit and experienced hikers with a head for heights. You should be comfortable walking with a full pack on rough, rocky and uneven terrain and on sometimes narrow and exposed paths. You will need the fitness to cover around 12 km with up to 1200m of ascent and up to 1600m descent in a day. Hikes during the Meteora part will be of medium difficulty.
NOTE ABOUT SUMMITTING MT OLYMPUS:
Mount Olympus has multiple peaks and (weather permitting) our guide can take us as far as the popular summits of Skala Peak at 2,882m or Skolio Peak, the second highest peak at 2,911m, as the ascent to these peaks is not technical.
The final section from Skala Peak to the highest peak of Mytikas at 2,917m is however an exposed, graded scramble. For that reason, if you wish to climb Mytikas, you will need to use the services of a separate experienced local guide who can support you on this final section and provide the necessary equipment (previous scrambling experience recommended).
These guides can take up to 4 people at a time and we will help to organise this for anyone interested (see more info in the comments section below).
For anyone that does not wish to tackle Mytikas, Skala and Skolio are equally worthy summits and offer spectacular views without the need for difficult scrambling.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 5 nights accommodation in twin share rooms (3 nights in hotels in en-suite rooms, 2 nights in bungalows on a seaside campsite (each bungalow has a toilet but shower facilities are shared)
- 3 nights accommodation in shared dorm rooms in mountain huts
- 2 breakfasts
- 1 English speaking mountain guide
- 1 Epic Adventure Club trip leader
- Airport transfers and all other transfers as foreseen by the itinerary (due to the limited boot space we won't be able to take large suitcases, soft bags preferred)
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Any other meals not specified (in the villages we can get breakfast/buy packed lunches at local cafes/supermarkets, and we will sample the local cuisine at nearby restaurants/tavernas for dinner. The mountain huts sell basic breakfasts, lunch packs and dinners*.
- Flights (see below)
- Bed linen/towel in the huts (you will need to bring a sleeping bag liner, pillow case and towel)
- Entry fees
- Travel Insurance
*Please note that meal options will be limited in the mountain huts. If you have any specific dietary requirements other than regular vegetarian you will likely need to bring some of your own supplies on the trek.
FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
We will provide one airport pick up from Thessaloniki airport on Saturday 27 September for flights arriving by 11:35 (AM). The following outbound flights from London are suitable:
Easyjet EZY8243
Departs 06:20 LGW London Gatwick
Arrives 11:35 SKG ThessalonikiBritish Airways BA772
Departs 06:05 LHR London Heathrow
Arrives 11:25 SKG ThessalonikiPlease note it is possible to take a later outbound flight (i.e. 09:25 BA from LHR) but you will then have to make your own way by bus/taxi to Thessaloniki followed by a train to Mesi Veroias from where our guide will be happy to pick you up. Please enquire for details with the organiser if you consider this option.
For the return on Sunday 5 October, we will provide one airport drop off at Thessaloniki airport by 10:30 for flights leaving from 12:30 onwards. Suitable flights to London would be:
Easyjet EZY8246
Departs 12:35 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 14:10 LGW London GatwickBritish Airways BA773
Departs 13:25 SKG Thessaloniki
Arrives 15:00 LHR London HeathrowIf you decide to book different flights you will have to meet the group at the airport by noon on 27 September.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use GREECE as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:
Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
