Backpacking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out backpacking events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the backpacking events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find backpacking events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Backpacking Events Today
Join in-person Backpacking events happening right now
BYOB Make & then Paint your own pottery : London Bridge
Unleash your creativity by making and then painting your own pottery!
Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this course offers a one-of-a-kind experience that's both enjoyable and enriching.
Bring your own bottle (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) /**BYOB Make and then Paint your own Pottery** \- Dive into the world of pottery making and painting with our Ultimate BYOB session\, where you'll experience the joy of creating your own pottery masterpiece\.
Tickets: £50
Admin fee: £2
*If interested please RSVP - please note this is a provisional date and time.*
Salsa & Bachata Wednesdays: Dance Classes and Party in Brixton Oval
𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮 & 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻! 💃🕺
Get ready to dance the night away every Wednesday with our fun and friendly Salsa & Bachata classes, followed by an exciting party that lasts until late! 🎉
Why You Should Join Our Awesome Classes:
\- 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: No experience? No problem\! 🌟
\- 𝗡𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱: Come solo or bring friends\! 🤗
\- 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: Connect with fellow dance enthusiasts\. 👫
\- 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: Enjoy a lively atmosphere and great music\. 🎶
\- 𝗙𝘂𝗻 & 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Perfect for all skill levels\. 😊
\- 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: Learn from the best in the business\. 👩🏫👨🏫
\- 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀: Unwind after work in a welcoming space\. 🌈
\-\-\-
Class Schedule:
\- 7:00 PM: 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼 – Perfect for newcomers\! 🎉
\- 7:30 PM \- 8:30 PM: 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 – Two levels to choose from\. 💃
\- 8:30 PM \- 9:30 PM: 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 – Three levels available\. 🕺
\- 9:30 PM \- 11:00 PM: 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 & 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 – Show off your moves and socialize\! 🎊
\-\-\-
Location:
𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁
44 Brixton Rd, SW9 6BT, London
Nearest Underground Station: Oval 🚇
\-\-\-
Pricing:
\- 1 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀: £13 💷
\- 2 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀: £15 💰
\- 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 & 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: £5 🎟️
\-\-\-
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening filled with dance, laughter, and new friendships! We can’t wait to see you there! 🎈✨
LMC Social Feb - Stories from the pioneers of the LMC…
…who created it, why and how the pioneers rode Vespas throughout the night to climb in Snowdonia.
Speakers Jeremy Schwartz & Anthony Williams
Social gathering and drinks from 18:30. Talk starts at 19:30.
Salsa & Bachata Classes Every Wednesday at Hammersmith Salsa & Bachata Club
WEDNESDAYS at Hammersmith Salsa Club, Hammersmith, London
Open Every Wednesday
Hammersmith Salsa & Bachata Club, 11 Rutland Grove, Hammersmith, W6 9DH (http://www.incognitodance.com/hammersmith-salsa-club-west-london/)
7pm – 11:00 pm
Bachata Classes: 7:30pm – 8:20pm (6 levels)
Salsa Classes 8:30 -9:20pm (6 levels)
No prior bookings are needed, just turn up and dance.
Absolute beginners are warmly welcomed.
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes, to keep you dancing comfortably all night
£10 Club Only
£14 Two Classes + Club
Usually has 200+ dancers every week
Fun & friendly classes for dancers of all levels.
Plenty of social dancing to the latest Latin grooves.
Ashburton Nordic Walking
**Advanced booking is required** \- find out more on our website [https://www.silverfit.org.uk/ashburton](https://www.silverfit.org.uk/ashburton) **Meet Up is a means for promotion and *not a way to sign up* to this session.**
**Venue:** Ashburton Park, Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon CR0 6RX, meet at Ashburton Hall.
**When:** Wednesdays, meet at 9.15am for 9.30am start
**Price:** £3 to pay in person on the day
**If you need Nordic Walking poles provided by the instructor**
For those who need to borrow poles it is essential that you sign up to the sessions beforehand so instructors know how many sets of poles they will need, this will help avoid any disappointment.
Please turn up at least 20 minutes before the session so that everyone can catch up beforehand and enjoy a full session - especially those who need to be set up with poles. Nordic Walk instructors will not normally delay the session for latecomers.
***
For more information about this session please email the Project Manager at - **info@silverfit.org.uk**
Learn more about **Silverfit Charity** on our website [www.silverfit.org.uk](http://www.silverfit.org.uk/)
Fems and Thems Social
Join us for our weekly Fems and Thems Climbing Social, a welcoming space for women and non-binary climbers to connect, climb, and have fun! Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, this social is all about building a supportive community and celebrating our shared love for the sport.
This is a relaxed, no-pressure environment designed to help you enjoy climbing while meeting like-minded people.
Open to all women and non-binary folks aged 18 and over.
Cost: £16 regular peak time entry at Bethwall Climbing centre (£2 registration fee might apply) + £4 rental shoes (chalk is provided
Come solo or bring a friend – everyone is welcome! Let’s climb, chat, and share some good vibes.
We can’t wait to see you there!
For any questions or accessibility inquiries, feel free to contact us in advance.
London Society TALK - Deep conversations
Have you ever wanted to gather together and talk about insightful topics which broadens your thinking and knowledge? If so, this may be the right event for you.
Welcome to the ‘Deep conversations’ event where you get the opportunity to share your views based on the topics that we may cover.
The last time this was executed, it not only went well but we managed to learn from one another which broadened our thinking.
With this particular event, the topics we’ll discuss are:
* Love vs Lust
* What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
* Marriage vs relationship without marriage
* How do you define Love?
* The male mindset vs the female mindset
when it comes to relationships
* Were you in a relationship in the past and If
so, what did you learn?
We get so preoccupied with daily life that we hardly have a chance to sit back and think as well as discuss many topics in such depth. When was the last time you sat back and thought about anything in depth which opened your eyes to so many possibilities and broadened your thinking?
Now is your chance to share your views and learn from one another. By participating in this, you could broaden your ways of thinking, learn new lessons or even heal if you have your hidden struggles.
My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy
WHAT - Deep conversations
WHERE - Ole and Steen https://maps.app.goo.gl/XiVFwhjuqDH7oSadA?g_st=ipc
WHEN - 7:15pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Inside Ole & Steen
NEAREST STATION - Leicester Square station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour and respect on one’s opinions.
PRECAUTIONS - This event is capped so if you do RSVP but can’t make it, please change it to ‘not going’ so it enable others willing to attend to be marked as ‘going’. If you do mark yourselves as going, don’t change your RSVP and don’t attend, the next time another event such as this takes place and you rsvp, you will be marked as ‘not going’ as it’s possible you may make commit the same action. Please be mindful about the opportunities for others who are willing to attend.
Disclaimers:
Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed.
Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event.
There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture.
Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.
Backpacking Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Viking door of Ragnarök (14 miles)
*"The day starts with a cockerel crowing and waking Heimdall, the watchman, who blows his horn Gjallir to call the gods. Nature is in confusion and the seals rush onto the land."*
Ragnarök
Vikings settled in the 9th-C and from 1016 to 1042, England was Danish. Barely a trace remains in this part of the country; however this walk to idyllic Wealden countryside passes through a Viking place. Follow through a door telling the legend of Ragnarök, to find what lies behind.
*Hyrst* at the time meant a wooded hill. Sissinghurst Castle garden is famous for its roses. These live behind a National Trust paywall; however we shall see as much of the site as possible from adjacent public footpaths.
Outward Travel: Take the train departing 9.43 AM from London Bridge to STAPLEHURST. The return train fare with a Network Card or GroupSave is £14.75. The organiser will be standing in front of the ticket office at London Bridge from 9.15 wearing yellow to act as a focal point for people to arrange group train tickets.
Walk start: 10.35 AM from Staplehurst rail station. Bring a packed lunch. Village / pub stop. Circular walk.
*How to join?*
* The walk is entirely free of charge;
* You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
* Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
* Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:
http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
*What to bring*
* Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended
* Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk
* Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case
* Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy
* Spare socks
* Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-)
* Yourself...
* ...and your camera!
* Cash for train ticket
* Cash for pub at the end of the walk?
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!
IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-)
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.
Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.
As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.
🏔️ NEW Winter in the Lake District
#################
**This hike is now FULL.**
**We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e4VGmwhurmCng2cY3ZJHOS4j9ZlWKaX1/view?usp=sharing) to help answer your questions.**
#################
The Lake District is England's largest and by far the UK's most popular national park. 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. Winter in the Lake District is a truly magical time! With snow-peaked mountains and the peaceful serenity of the lakes, the landscape takes on spectacular winter beauty. Pull on your boots and step outdoors with us on this new exciting weekend trip to the heart of the Lakes!
On Saturday, we'll climb the mighty Helvellyn – England's third highest peak, at 950 metres. A gentle warm up through the woods will be followed by a straightforward, but relentless climb to Nethermost Pike, gaining over 600m in height rapidly. From the col between Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn, we'll enjoy glorious views of the narrow and rocky ridge of Striding Edge – a popular, grade 1 scrambling route up Helvellyn for experienced mountaineers (our route avoids any scrambling). Once we reach the summit of Helvellyn, we'll see the glacial lake of Red Tarn below, the exposed ridge of Swirral Edge and the perfect cone summit of Catstye Cam. The return route is along Browncove Crags, with fantastic views of Thirlmere Reservoir and its two islands. After the hike, we'll take a scenic drive along Bassenthwaite Lake to our hotel, where we'll have dinner and rest.
Sunday will be much more relaxing! Today's walk is low-level, and will take us to the summit of Walla Crag (379m), which offers spectacular panoramic views of Derwent Water (lake), the Borrowdale valley and the iconic Cat Bells ridge. After the hike, you’ll have free time in Keswick, widely regarded as the adventure capital of the Lake District. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and shimmering lakes, it’s the perfect place to unwind – whether that’s in cosy cafés and tearooms, browsing excellent outdoor and souvenir shops, or relaxing in a traditional pub before heading home.
**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
**13:30-18:30** Climbing Helvellyn (950m) and Nethermost Pike (891m) from Thirlmere (difficulty: [Difficult](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view?usp=sharing), distance: 11km, ascent: 820m)
**19:30** Check-in at Premier Inn Whitehaven, dinner and free time
**Sunday:**
**07:00** Breakfast
**08:00** Departure
**08:45-12:45** Hike to the summit of Walla Crag and Ashness Bridge (ancient packhorse bridge) (difficulty: [Moderate](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view?usp=sharing), distance: 11km, ascent: 450m)
**12:45-14:30** Free time for lunch and to explore souvenir shops in Keswick
**14:30** Departure
**21:00** London, Hammersmith
**DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT**
Please note that this trip requires a very good level of fitness. Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential.
Approximately one week before departure, we'll confirm whether micro spikes and trekking poles are recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter experience.
**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**
To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£20 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Lake District). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.
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](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/312635818/attendees) of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.
**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
* Gloves/hat/cap
* Water bottle (min 1L)
* Head torch
* Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
* Walking poles (optional)
* Gaiters (optional)
**REVIEWS ⭐**
We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an **average event rating of 4.8 out of 5**. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip 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](https://www.facebook.com/groups/220802492121957) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/london_social_hiking/)
**REFUND POLICY**
You can check our refund policy [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny-b2NmMzBlpCiKjzkqC2vJEisxlORpn/view?usp=drive_link).
NEW 19km Grandeur & Industry: Journey Through Country Estates, Canals & Castles
📏 **Key Info:**
• Distance: 12 miles (19km)
• Grading: [Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)
• Ascent: 220m
• Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub
📍 **Meeting Point**
• Liverpool Street station. Meet in front of the Information point in the centre of the station - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/LiverpoolStreet.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/LiverpoolStreetPhoto.jpg)
• Time: Meet 8:40am, leave 8:55am for the 9:08am train
• Return: 6:27pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)
🌟 **Highlights**
• Walk the **River Lea canal** with its elegant **Georgian gazebos** and riverside lawns
• Pass **Hertford Castle** and its serene **castle grounds**
• Roam the landscaped vistas of **Panshanger Park** — grand lakes, avenues, and parkland
• See the **Panshanger Orangery**, an elegant relic of the park’s stately past
• See the **Great Oak of Panshanger** — Britain’s largest maiden oak, believed to have been planted by Queen Elizabeth the first nearly 500 years ago
• Follow the leafy **Cole Green Way**, a tranquil path along a former Victorian railway
• Finish in **Hertford’s historic centre** for Georgian architecture, cafés, and pubs
🥾 **Hike Description**
This route is less rural than our usual hikes and leans into **heritage, grandeur, and past glories**: riverside gazebos, castle lawns, and stately parkland. It’s a graceful day that trades wild hills for elegant landscapes and centuries of story-soaked architecture — a walk through **England’s cultivated beauty and historic refinement**.
We begin by following the **River Lea Canal**, where ornamental gazebos and overhanging willows frame the water — a genteel **Georgian scene** that sets the tone for the day. From the river, we head to **Hertford Castle**, tracing ancient streets to its green, sheltered grounds and the mellow brick remnants of medieval power softened by time. Once a **royal palace**, the castle served as a residence for **Queen Elizabeth I** and famously housed **Parliament during the Great Plague of London** in 1563, when it fled the capital for safety.
Leaving town, our route follows the Cole Green Way, a leafy, level greenway along a disused Victorian railway line that leads us through tranquil countryside and quiet woodland glades toward the grand parklands beyond. The route is rich in gentle charm — bridges, hedgerows, and old rail cuttings now reclaimed by nature — guiding us smoothly into the open beauty of **Panshanger Park**.
Here, **lakes, lawns, and tree-lined avenues** showcase the design and symmetry of a great English estate. The park’s vast landscape invites slow wandering — pausing to admire the elegant **Orangery** and the mighty **Great Oak**, said to have been planted by **Queen Elizabeth I** herself nearly five centuries ago. We end the day back in **Hertford’s historic centre**, with time to unwind among its riverside pubs, cafés, and handsome Georgian streets — the perfect close to a day devoted to **England’s elegant past**.
🧭 **Guide:**
• Leader: [GRAHAM](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf)
• 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?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries)
📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected**
[Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣
[Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖
[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸
[Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics)
📄 **Terms and Conditions**
By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf)
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
HIKE 22km Seven Sisters coastal - The Towering Chalk Sea Cliffs of Sussex
📏 **Key Info:**
• Distance: 14 miles (22km)
• Grading: [Intermediate/Challenging](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)
• Ascent: 580m
• Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
• Cost: £32 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the mid-afternoon stop, and at the end pub
📍 **Meeting Point**
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [photo](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg)
• Time: Meet 8:20am, leave 8:40am for the 8:54am train
• Return: 7:36pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)
🌟 **Highlights**
• Hike the **most spectacular coastal trail in Southern England** — the famous Seven Sisters
• A great physical challenge with options to self shorten if needed
• Enjoy **breathtaking cliff-top views** for much of the hike
• Pass **Birling Gap** and the iconic **Belle Tout Lighthouse**
• Finish in **Eastbourne — England’s sunniest town**
• Explore the **South Downs National Park** — the newest in the UK
🥾 **Hike Description**
This is Outdooraholics’ most popular hike, a dramatic and exhilarating journey across the chalk cliffs of Sussex that we have been leading for over 12 years. The **Seven Sisters** are a spectacular series of gleaming white chalk cliffs formed at the end of the last Ice Age by glacial meltwater. Erosion has since created an “eighth sister,” and today the cliffs stand as one of England’s most iconic landscapes.
We begin in the coastal town of **Seaford**, home to a Napoleonic-era **Martello Tower** built in 1810 as part of a chain of 103 coastal defences against French invasion. From here, the trail climbs onto the cliff tops, where for much of the day we walk high above the sea, treated to endless coastal views and fresh sea air.
Our route follows the **South Downs Way**, passing through **Birling Gap** and past the striking **Belle Tout Lighthouse**, famously moved 17 metres inland in 1999 to save it from falling into the sea. The final highlight is **Beachy Head**, a dramatic beauty spot with sheer chalk cliffs dropping into the sea below.
We finish in **Eastbourne**, statistically England’s sunniest town, where we celebrate our coastal adventure with refreshments in a local pub.
🧭 **Guide:**
• Leader: [LYUBAVA](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf)
• 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?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries)
📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected**
[Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣
[Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖
[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸
[Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics)
📄 **Terms and Conditions**
By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf)
**Cliffs – danger**
There are sheer drops off the cliffs and some of these soft chalk cliffs are crumbling at the edges with chunks regularly falling and no fencing in place. Please keep at least 3 metres away from the edges. If you fall, or the ground at the edge of the cliff collapses it will almost certainly be fatal.
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
14 Incredible Nights in Southern India Experiencing Kerala's Diverse Landscapes
**To book onto this trip please follow the link below which will take you to our new website Travel Buddies Holidays...**
[Kerala 2026](https://travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk/trip/southern-india-kerala-tour/)
HILLY HIKE 17km Jane Austen's Box Hill, England's largest vineyard & North Downs
📏 **Key Info:**
• Distance: 11 miles (17km)
• Grading: [Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)
• 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](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the mid-afternoon stop, and at the end pub
📍 **Meeting Point**
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [photo](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg)
• Time: Meet 8:05am, leave 8:25am for the 8:41am train
• Return: 5:53pm 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](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf)
• 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?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries)
📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected**
[Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣
[Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖
[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸
[Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics)
📄 **Terms and Conditions**
By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf)
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
Dover → Folkestone Coastal via Samphire Hoe | Small Group
**Dover → Folkestone via Samphire Hoe**
**The Plan:**
* **Distance:** 9 miles
* **Duration:** about 3.5 hrs
* **Elevation:** +650 ft / –775 ft
**Difficulty:** *Moderate*\- some cliff and hill\, yet rewarding\. Expect rolling paths\, dramatic cliffside views\, and just enough ups and downs to keep things interesting\.
**Highlights Along the Way**
🔹 Shakespeare Cliff - A sweeping cliff face named after the Bard himself, offering a jaw-dropping first glimpse of the coastline’s grandeur.
🔹 Samphire Hoe - A stunning nature reserve born from the earth dug out of the Channel Tunnel. Here, wildflowers bloom against chalky cliffs, seabirds soar overhead, and the wind carries the salt and freedom of the open sea.
🔹 Abbot’s Cliff Sound Mirror - A fascinating relic from 1928, this huge concrete dish once listened for enemy aircraft long before radar existed. Stand here and let history surround you.
🔹 Sweeping Cliff-Edge Views - The path hugs the edge of the cliffs, where turquoise waters crash against chalky walls below — a perfect spot for epic photos and quiet moments alike.
**Reward Yourself in Folkestone:**
After nearly 9 miles of pure coastal magic, Folkestone greets you with open arms. Settle into a seaside restaurant, order something hearty, and watch the sun melt into the horizon. The ocean sparkles, the air buzzes with the hum of the harbour, and you’ve earned every single bite.
**\[Check out our last trip on HERE\]\(Check out our last trip video HERE\)**
**A few things to know before you book:**
* **Tickets:** Non-refundable, but if you can’t make it, you’re welcome to pass your spot on to someone else. A full refund will be issued if the hike is cancelled by the organiser.
* **Getting there:** Trains to Dover are usually around £28 return when booked in advance, or £23 Super Off-Peak with a Network Railcard.
* **Meeting points:** Two options — travel together from London, or meet us directly at Dover train station if you’re coming from elsewhere.
* **Weather:** The hike goes ahead rain or shine, so bring layers and be ready for all conditions.
* **The route:** We’ll be walking along coastal paths near the cliffs. The scenery is incredible, but some sections are exposed — sturdy footwear is a must, and please follow the guide’s instructions throughout.
**Not included:**
* Food & Refreshments
* Transport (network railcard is recommended or group ticket bought on the day)
* Anything else not listed above
**⚠️ Health & Safety ⚠️**
• Participants take part at their own risk.
• The guide (professional event organiser ) is not responsible for personal injury, loss, or accidents.
• Please ensure you are fit enough for the hike and follow safety instructions on the trail.
Backpacking Events Near You
Connect with your local Backpacking community
February Social - Thirsty's Pub - Italian Village
Hey all! Let's meet at the new sports bar, [Thirsty's Pub](https://www.thirstyscolumbus.com/italianvillage) , located in Italian Village on 4th Street! You'll be able to find us at a table with CAC flyers.
**Adress**: 944 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
BrowserStack QA Meetup- Columbus (March 12)
**Hello Columbus!**
**The community is buzzing and growing well.**
**We are thrilled to bring our third BrowserStack QA Meetup on March 12th!**
We are creating a space for deeper insights, meaningful connections, and a vibe you won't want to miss.
**What to expect:**
* **Connect:** Network with Columbus' top engineering and QA minds.
* **Learn:** Real-world tactics and trends you can use immediately.
* **Enjoy:** Food, drinks, and great community spirit.
**Agenda**
* **[Sam Gomez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueljgomez/)** is presenting "AI is more than LLMs: Choosing the right AI for your needs."
**RSVP Essential:** Space is limited, and we want to ensure a great experience for everyone. **RSVP now to secure your spot!**
📍 **Venue:** Leading EDJE, 6515 Longshore Loop, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017
📍 **Free Parking:** 6725 Longshore Street, Dublin, OH 43017
📅 **Date & Time:** March 12, 6:00 PM
**Stay Connected!**
Want to continue the conversation beyond the meetup?
Join our **BrowserStack Discord Server** to get updates, connect with fellow QA professionals, and be part of an ongoing discussion. **Don’t miss out—click below to join!**
🔗 [\[](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[Join the BrowserStack Discord Server](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[\]](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)
**A Few Notes:**
✅ This is an **in-person event**
✅ **RSVP does not guarantee a seat** – A confirmation email will be sent one day before the event.
**TALK ABSTRACT:**
AI is all the hype these days; however, despite (or maybe because of) the excitement around it, a high percentage of AI projects fail. Projects that are over budget, delayed, or that fail to scale past the POC phase are very common. In many of these scenarios, choosing the right approach can be as critical as the solution itself. Should you build a tailored machine learning model, leverage the power of large language models (LLMs), or integrate with AI copilots? Each option has unique strengths, trade-offs, and resource requirements, and the key to success lies in aligning your choice with your business goals and technical constraints.
In this talk, we will go beyond the basic concepts and definitions to provide a practical guide that allows attendees to navigate these decisions through real-world case studies. We will examine scenarios in which different AI paradigms were chosen, discuss the factors that influenced those decisions, and outline the process for evaluating needs, constraints, and outcomes. From assessing data availability and team expertise to balancing cost and scalability, you'll gain insights into the critical considerations that guide the selection process.
By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear process for determining whether machine learning, LLMs, or copilots are best suited to your AI challenges and understand the resources and strategies needed to bring your chosen solution to life. This talk is ideal for decision-makers, technical leads, and innovators seeking to demystify AI implementation and maximize the impact of their investments.
Hike Bexley
Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back.
Optional lunch at Trolley District.
Rhino Barn Tour @ The Wilds
**Summary**
For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world.
During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia.
**The date and time of this tour**
We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
**What you need to do to attend**
Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour).
Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect.
**Attendance cap**
There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else.
If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you.
**Additional notes on attendance**
I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went.
If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience.
**Tickets and pricing**
[Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event.
Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds.
Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour.
**Cancellations and refunds**
Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.*
You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org.
**Waiver of liability**
After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete.
**Where we'll meet**
We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111).
Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time.
The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour.
**GPS / Getting to The Wilds**
The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County.
Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave.
The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi.
**Carpooling?**
If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can.
**The weather**
Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes.
Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is.
**After the tour**
Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111).
Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them:
*Within walking distance -- 120 feet away*
* [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs)
* The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food)
*Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)*
* [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300
* [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900
* [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000
* [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126
* [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100
If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.
It Takes A Village - A Celebration of Community
Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community.
From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration.
**_Expect_**
* Local vendors showcasing handmade goods
* Live demos and storytelling from featured creators
* Food, music, and community vibes
* Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired
* Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise






























