Bird Watching

**Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Weekend Away** I’m opening registration of interest for a very special weekend hike — and this one is close to my heart. We will be based in Whitby, staying right by the cathedral, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, winding streets, and that unmistakably cool coastal vibe. Whitby is one of those places that just gets under your skin. The hike itself is one of my personal favourites — the very first hike I ever took my partner on back in December. Expect breathtaking coastal paths, big sea views, and a secret spot I don’t usually share… easily one of the best viewpoints on the coast and perfectt for unch. The plan: Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome We’ll kick off the weekend with a warm welcome and get everyone ready for the adventure ahead. Perfect time to meet the group, soak in the sea air, and explore the town a little. Day 2 – The Hike Our main adventure! A 6-hour coastal hike from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, including a secret viewpoint I can’t usually share. Dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and the reward at the end — the best local fish & chips right by the sea. Day 3 – Morning Exercise & Optional Sunrise Walk Start your day with a gentle morning exercise before breakfast to wake up those muscles after our big hike. Early risers can join an optional sunrise walk along the coast before we pack up and head back to London. Breakfastt optional. This weekend is about: - Stunning coastal views - A meaningful, well-loved route - Great company - Exploring two of Yorkshire’s most iconic seaside spots 👉 Registration of interest is required — sign up to be first to receive full details. If you love coastal hikes, hidden viewpoints, and weekends that feel genuinely special, this one’s for you. As always, DM if you have any questionseations.

Discover tango in a truly magical setting at St Matthew’s Church. An open-level class where music, movement and connection meet. No partner needed — just curiosity and a desire to dance. Come explore tango beyond steps, in a warm, welcoming space where the embrace leads the way.

**Join us for a superb Easter weekend of amazing hiking in England's most mountainous and beautiful national park.** Number of nights - 3. £369 for a bed in a shared twin room. For solo travellers (which is most people in the group) we will assign you a room buddy of the same gender. £455 for a private single room. £489 for a private double room (single occupancy). With the most breathtaking natural landscapes and the highest mountains in England, there really is no other national park in the country to compare to the Lake District. Nowhere else can offer quite so much opportunity for outdoor adventure with the finest hiking options. It is hard to imagine a more lovely place to spend the Easter holiday weekend. Delightful villages, craggy mountains, babbling streams, mossy woodland and beautiful wildflowers all add to the magic of this region at this time of year. Our wonderful three star hotel is located high in the Cumbrian Fells, while the countryside setting ensures peace and quiet. It is the perfect place from which to hike and explore in the Lake District. We have visited the delightful Shap Wells Hotel a number of times as we love it's secluded valley and woodlands full of wildlife including native red squirrels in the grounds. You are virtually guaranteed to see them in the morning! The rooms offer all the necessary comforts in a warm, relaxing, family run environment. This is a charming country hotel with a mile-long drive along a private road with breathtaking, rugged scenery in every direction. A pretty waterfall and trickling stream running by the front door will leave you with no doubts in your mind that this is a wonderful place in which to get away from it all. Evening meals are included and will be served at the hotel's restaurant. We will have at least 2 hikes to choose from each day exploring the highlights of the local area. The Lake District boasts stunning views, picturesque villages and hikes which offer a mixture of rugged mountains, ancient woodlands, fields, riverside and lakeside walking. On our last visit we have enjoyed many gorgeous hikes and the following are just some of the endless possibilities: **Place Fell & Ullswater from Patterdale (approx. 9 miles)** This is a great introduction to fell walking in the Lake District. Although the ascent to the summit of Place Fell (657m) is not too strenuous, the views across to many high peaks and along Ullswater are dramatic and extensive. The final section along the shores of Ullswater has been described in one walking guide book as the loveliest walk in the Lake District! **Watendlath, Borrowdale & Castle Crag from Derwent Water (approx. 10 miles).** This is an exceptionally beautiful hike and a personal favourite. Borrowdale is considered by many to be the most scenic valley in the Lake District and the ascent of Castle Crag adds a little adventure and superb views. There can be very few hikes as varied as this one and a couple of tea rooms in delightful villages along the way allow us to enjoy some light refreshment. Although we do not aim for any high summits there will be extensive views on a clear day. There are also a number of ascents (some long) but the only really steep ascent (up Castle Crag) is relatively short. **Blencathra and Atkinsons Pike via Hall's Fell (approx. 8 miles).** This is a superb route for hikers wanting to reach a significant Lakeland summit (Blencathra 868m) via an adventurous route but not wanting an overly strenuous day out. Starting from the village of Threlkeld this hike tackles the ascent of Blencathra via the steep and rocky hike/scramble up the cockrel's-comb rocky edge of Hall's Fell. The summits and ridges on this hike will offer superb and far reaching views across the Lake District and also the Vale of Eden. On a clear day the view from the summit of Blencathra is hard to beat and the overall route is wonderfully satisfying and somewhat adventurous. A head for heights is necessary. **Dove Crag, Hart Crag, Fairfield and St Sunday Crag from Brotherswater (approx. 12 miles)** This route offers superb fell walking territory from start to finish. Some ascents are steep and the terrain is somewhat challenging taking in several peaks. It is definitely a varied option with far reaching views of mountains and lakes. From the top of Fairfield (873m) we might be rewarded with views of Ullswater, Windermere, Striding Edge and Helvellyn. The walk starts by heading up from Brotherswater, over Dove Crag and Hart Crag to the summit of Fairfield, the highest point of our hike. From there the excitement really begins as we enjoy a bit of scrambling over Corfa Pike and onwards over the ridge of St Sunday Crag. We then start our descent back down to our car park at Cow Bridge. **Kendal, Scout Scar and Cunswick Fell (approx. 7 miles)** This is a walk in the limestone country that lies on the south eastern fringes of the Lake District. From lovey market town of Kendal the route heads up out of the town and continues by way of field and moorland paths to the edge of the escarpment of Scout Scar, a superb viewpoint looking westwards towards the central Lakeland mountains. We then continue along a fine scenic path along the edge of the escarpment which leads onto Cunswick Fell and then over Kendal Fell before descending through woods back into town where there are plenty of pubs and cafes. **High Street, Harter Fell, Branstree & Selside Pike from Haweswater (approx. 11 miles)** Don't be fooled by the unusual title. At 828 metres High Street is a serious mountain, which gets its name from an ancient Roman road that once ran across the long summit ridge. The hike begins with a challenging and rocky ascent up Rough Crag. A series of summits then offers superb and extensive views for miles around. A true Lake District classic for those who don't mind a bit of rough terrain! The full 11 miles would make this a strenuous hike but it is possible to safely return to the carpark along a clear track which descends from the pass between Harter Fell and Branstree. Although this shorter (7 miles) option cuts out two summits, it still involves a lot of ups and downs with some rocky ground, which makes it an "energetic" day out in the mountains. **Shap Abbey (approx. 5 miles)** Shap Abbey is a key feature on this delightful walk. Gaunt and evocative ruins rise up above the banks of the lovely River Lowther. There is more of interest on this walk besides the ruin, not least a huge and mysterious monolith early in the walk, created by stone age settlers of this region. The tiny village of Keld is also very attractive and we can enjoy miles of wild moorland where skylarks trill from high above. ............................................................................................... We will have experienced hike leaders offering fabulous hikes of different length and difficulty each day so you can choose exactly the kind of walk you like. **Don't miss this fabulous weekend away! :D** PRICE INCLUDES: * 3 nights quality hotel accommodation. * 3 breakfasts. * 3 delicious three-course evening meals. * A choice of guided hikes. Our leaders are Mountain Leader (MLTE) trained and qualified first aiders. * Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992. Amazing value!!! :D PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: * Transport expenses. * Lunches - depending on the hike you choose we can either take a packed lunch with us or stop in a village pub. To confirm your place on this trip please use internet banking. The account details are: Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS Sort Code: 090127 Account Number: 22440622 The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/edit?usp=sharing) Only payment secures your place. Your RSVP is not sufficient for us to hold a bed for you. Please use **LAKEDISTRICT** as your payment reference. IMPORTANT NOTE: We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in. We recommend that everyone participating in outdoor activities obtain appropriate insurance. The BMC offer excellent policies for all outdoor enthusiasts at very competitive rates: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/Landing.aspx

**Explore the countryside of Dumfries & Galloway with friendly company and guided walking.** A relaxed walking holiday with comfortable accommodation, gentle to moderate walks and a welcoming group — ideal for a calm getaway in beautiful scenery. ### **What to Expect** * **Sociable small-group walking** around Dumfries & Galloway countryside * **Guided walks** at a relaxed to moderate pace * **Comfortable accommodation** for a restful stay * **Evenings spent relaxing with the group** * **Open to solo walkers, friends or couples** ### **Important** RSVP on Meetup does **not** secure your place. Please book directly through the main Large Outdoors website. 📍 **Location:** Dumfries & Galloway 🔗 **Full details & booking:** [https://www.largeoutdoors.com/scenic-walking-holiday-dumfries-galloway](https://www.largeoutdoors.com/scenic-walking-holiday-dumfries-galloway) A peaceful escape with walking, good company and lovely countryside.

Join the London Sketching Meetup Group for purposeful sketching of objects that intrigue you and convert into a unique composition. Location: V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London Time: 10AM - 12 Noon Items to bring : Sketchbook, Pencil (Graphite/Colorpencils/Sticks/Pastels) Fee : 6 GBP Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to hone their skills and unleash their creativity.

Mama Jon has got a brand new trip in a fairytale land, right on the border with Essex and Suffolk, filled with sneaking rivers, glorious little villages, woodlands and a beautiful estuary. This hike will be the first in the region, as it has a lot to offer, painted by some of the greatest masters, you will be walking through some actual living paintings. There is a reason why the Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty is called Constable Country, the famous John Constable himself has painted many of his master pieces based on the scenes in the region and you might recognise some of his most famous scenes as you walk through it, it is a bit as if you were one of his character evolving in one of his worlds, and, who knows, maybe you are, and someone will be looking at you and regognise the masterpiece that you are! We will kick off the hike with the official Dedham Vale path and finish the hike in the pretty town of Manningtree, right by the sea in this pretty estuary right after the second part of the hike which is a section of the Essex Way. Now, afterwards, I do know that my hiking family are all a bunch of foodies, so, yes, we can pop into a restaurant or a bar for a meal or a drink and ruin our day out burning calories by doubling our calories intake of the day at a nice local eatery :) As always, we will buy a discounted train ticket at the station, so please bring some cash, price will be confirmed on the day but it should be around £30. The train journey takes about an hour and 10 minutes if there are no delays. INFORMATION: DISTANCE: About 13 miles/20km DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM, there will be a few inclunes and I do not recommend to first time hikers. TIME: about 5 hours TRANSPORT: By tube MEETING POINT: Liverpool Street station at 9 am Please be on time, or you will have to buy your own train ticket which will be pricier. PRICE: £17 ( for the guide's fee) via PayPal or credit/debit card About £30 in cash on the day for the train ticket INCLUDED: Guided hike A fun day out with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Transport Anything else not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THIS PAGE AGAIN 2 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 IT IS WINTER, wear warm clothing and waterproof boots. POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our site, you will be fully refunded. 4:In the eventuality that our trains are delayed, or cancelled which is out of my control, I do not pay for taxis or alternative route, if this happens, you will be able to claim delay repay from the train companies who will reimburse your train ticket and some eventual costs occurred. By signing up to my events, you agree to this and these conditions.

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **Description** Sunset hike particularly for you late risers :) This one starts where yesterday’s hike ends! So you could in fact do both hikes and stay overnight in Three Oaks. Bring your pillow for the train home! Located in East Sussex, this hike starts in **Three Oaks** and then though scenic villages, cliff top and coastal route before descending into beautiful Hastings with its castle, beach front, fair ground, pubs and chip shops etc, highly recommended. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **16kM** Ascent: c.**400 metres** with some sterp steps along the way. Estimated Duration (approx): **5 hours walking** Difficulty: **[energetic](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** **PROGRAMME** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. Assembly time: 09:15 \- Move to train: 09:30 \- Train leaves: 09:46 \- Arrive at Three Oaks station: 12:46 \- Sunset: 19:40 \- Departure Train: 18:46 arrive back at Victoria 21:33 OR Departure Train: 19:47 arrive back at Victoria 22:34 **Pricing Info:** * £30 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £30 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £30 tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £10 anytime.\* **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs ***(Unless you selected the train price)*** * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our[ FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions. [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

Join us for an informal and welcoming book club meetup where we’ll be discussing** Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. **Whether you’ve finished the book, are halfway through, or just curious, you’re invited. This is a relaxed space to share thoughts, hear different perspectives, and connect with others who enjoy reading. No pressure—just good conversation and an opportunity to meet new people. If you’d like a refresher before joining, you can: Watch the film adaptation (Charly, 1968), available on common streaming platforms or rental services Read a summary here: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/algernon/summary/

Let's sketch Trafalgar Square! Meet outside Nelson's Column in the nightmare homeland of British tourism - Trafalgar Square! An insane place full of the weirdest and most wonderful people and architecture the city has to offer. Nearest Tube Stop: Charing Cross/Leicester Square/Embankment Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. The plan will be to meet at 1pm, sketch for a couple of hours and meet back and chat at 3pm. There are plenty of places around to grab coffee or a bite to eat, hopefully the weather is good so we'll be able to sit outside but if not we could consider ducking into a cafe. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

Meet fellow early birds. Get a big dose of nature: wild sky, abundant green space, and occasional wildlife. And then warm up in a nearby cafe. Conversations fuelled by early morning light and coffee tend to be good ones. **The plan:** * meet at 7AM at the top of **PRIMROSE HILL** * take in the view for a little while (depending on how cold it is) * walk to ROOTS, a friendly café on Regents Park Road * warm up with coffee (10% off) Become part of our community of regulars, or just drop by for a one off experience. We meet frequently - sometimes weekly, sometimes fortnightly - to create and sustain community. New people are always welcome :-) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/C2KwIp79riz1A71dNF6pgF)** to keep up to date **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc)** to see what these meetups look like **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** for the newsletter and occasional extras **[WEBSITE](http://www.alltogether.one/)** for all other groups We will be easy to find because we will be at the top of the hill with a big red flag that says 'THE SUNRISE CLUB' and a sign that says 7AM SUMMIT These are free meetups, but if you’d like to support, please donate here: '[buy me a coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor)' ❤️

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

LICKING COUNTY LIBRARY Author & Artist Julie Zickefoose Saturday, April 11, 2026 1 p.m. Licking County Library 101 W. Main St. | Newark, Ohio Julie Zickefoose: Author, Painter, and Bluebird Extraordinaire Zickefoose is an American nature book writer, naturalist, bird artist, and blogger. She lives in Ohio on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary, which she said inspires much of her work, including her 2012 novel, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Bird, and NATURAL GARDENING FOR BIRDS The novel is illustrated with 320 of Zickefoose’s colored paintings, life sketches, and drawings, and it was one of Oprah’s 2012 book club reads.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries and enjoy a spring evening out downtown! Meeting place and approx route, tba. *Feature photo by Chalk Goblin

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan