Flying Solo

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten track, this Uzbekistan tour is the one for you. Join other Solo Travellers on this amazing 10 night Silk Road adventure along the world’s oldest trade route. **Day 1 DEPART UK 28th April 2026** **Day 2 - Wed 29 April - Welcome to Tashkent** Arrival to Tashkent. Transfer to hotel accommodation, breakfast and rest. Sightseeing tour in Tashkent with visits to Khast Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar and Kukeldash Madrasah. Visit to the new part of city: Mustakillik Square (Independence Square), Museum of Applied Arts, Alisher Navoi Theater and square, Amir Temur Monument and Square. **Day 3 -Thu 30 April - Tashkent to Khiva** Today you will catch an early morning flight from Tashkent, arriving in Urgench at 08:40. From here you will be transferred to the friendly Silk Road town of Khiva for a sightseeing tour. In the evening, we will visit a local family run cafe to watch a traditional bread making process. You will then have the pleasure of eating this delicious bread with your dinner! Overnight in Khiva. **Day 4 - Fri 01 May - Explore Ancient Khorezm** Today we take a 1.5 hours’ one way drive to Khorezmian ruins of Ayaz kala and Toprak Kala to learn about the original historical town ruins of Khorezmian region. Later in the afternoon drive back to Khiva for a free afternoon and overnight in Khiva **Day 5 - Sat 02 May - Desert Crossing to Bukhara** Transfer from Khiva to Bukhara (8 hours) crossing the Kyzylkum desert. Lunch in the roadside café. Arrival to Bukhara at approx. 16:00 hours. Accommodation and overnight in Bukhara. **Day 6 - Sun 03 May -** **Bukhara's Timeless Treasures** Day of sightseeing in Bukhara: The Samanids Mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Kalyan Mosque, Kalyan Minaret, Miri-Arab Madrassah, Chor-Minor Madrassah, Modari-khan Madrassah, Ulugbek Madrassah, Lyabi-Hauz Architectural Complex, Magoki-Attori Mosque, Bolo-Khauz Mosque, Monumental Shopping Arcades, The Ark Fortress. **Day 7 - Mon 04 May - Yurt Camp Experience** Transfer to Yangikazgan town located in Kyzyk KUm dessert. On the way visit to Chashma in Nurata town. Arrival to Yurt Camp “Camel”, accommodation in yurts. Dinner by the fire. **Day 8 - Tue 05 May - Aydarkul Lake to Samarkand** You will begin your day at Aydarkul Lake, where you will be given the opportunity to go on an easy hike around the lake or swimming (weather permitting). You will then be given a picnic lunch atop a hill with great views of the lake before continuing the journey to Samarkand, where you will spend the night. In the evening, you’ll visit the Khovrenko Winery to learn about this ancient vineyard and do a wine tasting! **Day 9 - Wed 06 May -** **Spectacular Samarkand: Uncover the Jewel of the Silk Road** After breakfast, begin your days sightseeing tour of Samarkand. Highlights include Registan Square, Guri-Amir Complex, Bibikhanum Mosque, Siyob local bazaar, Shah-I-Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory and the Afrosiab Musuem of the ancient town. In the afternoon, we’ll make a visit to a local paper mill to discover ancient methods of paper making. Overnight in Samarkand. **Day 10 - Thu 07 May - Samarkand to Tashkent** Morning in Samarkand to continue our tour and enjoy the local bazaar, Siyob. Afternoon transfer to Tashkent and overnight in Tashkent. **Day 11 - Friday 08 May - Bid a fond farewell to Uzbekistan** Transfer to airport for return flights leaving beautiful memories of Uzbekistan Cost of trip is just based on sharing a twin room £1499.00. A non refundable deposit of £250.00 paid before 01 July 2025 will secure your place. British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Uzbekistan but you must have a validity of a minimum of 6 months on your passport from the date of entry. Travel insurance is essential. ***Flights are not included*** (Please do not book flights until we have given the go ahead). Places will be limited, so reserve your place now to avoid disappointment. (Deposits are only refundable if the trip gets cancelled due to government advice.) Travel insurance is mandatory for all trips. Please also ensure you have 6 months validity on your passport. Deposit Link: https://buy.stripe.com/fZe3cw0JJdcT2lig5R Please familiarise yourself with the Entry requirements: [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uzbekistan/entry-requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uzbekistan/entry-requirements) Price Includes: * Accommodation at 3 and 4 star hotels based on sharing a twin room with breakfast (single supplement £275) * Domestic Flight Tashkent- Urgench * Domestic train Afrosiyob from Samarkand to Tashkent * One night stay in a Yurt (single option not available on this night) * Entrance fees for sightseeing places listed * Overland transportation by AC coach * All airport-hotel-airport transfers * English speaking escort guide for the whole tour

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/47689 **Game Description:** We’re opening up \*\*2 courts at In2Sports\*\* for a fun \*\*King/Queen of the Court–style tournament\*\*. Here’s how it works: 🏐 \*Format\* \- 2 matches at the same time \- Winners move to \*\*Court A\*\*\, losers referee the next round before playing again \- Teams rotate based on match results \- Matches are \*\*12 minutes each\*\*\, aiming for \~8 rounds total \- Max \*\*3 consecutive wins\*\* on Court A \(after that\, the challenger stays regardless of result\) 🌈 \*Rules\* \- Mixed net height\, \*\*no gender restrictions\*\* \- Hosts manage timekeeping ⏰ \- Resting teams help with refereeing 🚩 \- Court A videos uploaded to Balltime\.ai for rewatching 🎥 and highlights editing\. 💸 \*Sign Up Options\* \- 👥 \*Team signup\*: £60 per team \(≈£10 pp\) \- 👤 \*Solo signup\*: £12 per player **Rules** -Winner stays on (maximum 3 consecutive games) -Each game lasts 12 minutes -Court winners move on to play each other in the next round -Mixed net – all genders welcome -Teams rotate as referees when not playing -6 teams total, with 6–7 players per team \*Privacy policy for games sessions\* By attending this game session, you agree to the following: \* Video recordings/photos are allowed only during the games \* Attending means consenting to recordings by the organiser which will be shared via private links \* Distribution limited to session participants only \* Explicit consent required for any public sharing \* Respect others' privacy and comfort \*Please contact the co-organisers if you have any questions about the policy.

Join us at The Tattershall Castle, Embankment for our regular Sundowners Sailing Club catchup with members, friends and anyone who thinks the idea of sailing & adventure in the sunshine sounds interesting! ✅ Learn about our 2026 sailing trips ✅ Chat about past adventures with fellow crew ✅ Exchange sailing tips & tricks or spin a yarn or two ✅ Get a feel for what this sailing lark is all about ✅ Learn some more about the club and what makes us different We love to meet new people - just look out for the hosts in their dark blue Sundowners polo shirts for a warm welcome. Our events are typically a mix of 2/3 regulars and 1/3 new faces. Can't find us? Ask any of the bar staff for The Cove area.

**UPDATE FOR FEB-APRIL 2026:** For February - end of April 2026 the host of this event will be away. It will still be happening every week, but will be a self-running group. If you are a regular - please welcome any newcomers and be prepared to set the 1 hour timer. If you are a newcomer, the group is usually easy to find (the table/s with notebooks and laptops), and the bar staff know where we are if you can't spot us first time. Happy writing! **\~** Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 18:00 on Wednesday afternoons/evenings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 18:00 - Quick introductions 18:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 19:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 19:30. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at the Peckham Pelican! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** \- If you arrive and can't figure out who we are \(usually the table with a lot of laptops and notebooks\)\, feel free to ask the bar staff who will point you in the right direction\. \- Many of our participants found the event through other means\, so please don't be put off by a low attendance number on MeetUp\! \- The Pelican has some\, but not many\, charging points\, so make sure laptops are charged and perhaps bring a notebook just in case\. \- The WiFi is also very poor \(non\-existent\)\, but most have found that to be a good thing\. Make sure to download or turn on 'offline mode' if working on a computer\. \- Please thank our hosts by purchasing something \(The pizzas are fantastic\, and we write during happy hour \- two for one on cocktails\!\)

Meet from 6pm, to start writing at 6.30, for 1 hour. We will be sitting on the side away from the river (turn left when you enter), by the big windows overlooking the bridge. The venue has a bar (but not food) and kindly asks that everyone buys a drink in return for using the space. It has free wifi and there are a few plug sockets but they're limited so best to come fully charged. There are a number of station within 10 minutes walk: Mansion House, Blackfriars, St. Pauls, Bank, Cannon St. *** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/)

**Celebrate National Walking Month the NikOut Way!** Epic hikes, soulful views, and a brilliant group of like-minded people. This four-day escape is all about moving through wild landscapes, sharing good food, and switching off from everyday noise. We’ll be based in Ambleside, right on the shores of Windermere, with classic Lake District routes by day and relaxed evenings by the lake. *This is a physically challenging weekend. Previous hill-walking experience and a good level of fitness are required to take part.* **Register your interest now — spaces are limited as this will be a small-group experience.** **The Plan** **Day 1 - Arrival & Welcome (Friday)** * Arrive in Ambleside * Check-in from 3:00 pm * Welcome dinner (optional) at the hostel’s lakeside restaurant **Day 2 - Helvellyn via Striding Edge (Saturday)** Helvellyn is synonymous not just with Patterdale and Glenridding, but with the Lake District and fell walking as a whole. This is a big, exciting mountain range that draws walkers from across the UK to its vast summit and iconic ridgelines. We’ll take on the classic route, traversing the famous Striding Edge — a thrilling knife-edge arête that offers an unforgettable sense of exposure and achievement. Helvellyn is one of the Lake District’s “big three” mountains and a firm favourite that people return to year after year. This is a challenging and rewarding mountain day, with incredible views and a true sense of adventure. **Difficulty:** Challenging **Experience required:** Good level of fitness and confidence on mountain terrain **Day 3 - Fairfield Horseshoe Challenge (Sunday)** A classic Lakeland route that draws in "Summit Baggers" who are physically fit and enjoy a challenge. The overall distance is 11 miles, and the walk is expected to take 7 hours at a steady pace. **Day 4 – Lakeside Stroll & Farewell (Monday)** * Gentle morning walk along Windermere * Coffee/breakfast stop and final views Where We’ll Stay **YHA Ambleside Hostel** * Prime lakeside location on Windermere * Café, restaurant & licensed bar on site * Social & friendly **Room options:** * £55 per person – hostel accomodation or similar **Cost:** Organising & guiding fee: £75 per person **Not included:** * Transport * Food & drinks * Towel hire * Accommodation * Insurance **Transport:** * Train from London Euston to the Lake District * Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes, plus a short bus journey * Return tickets: around £128.00 as of January OR car share. *Everyone is responsible for getting to the Lake District, but we will have a tracker list to coordinate group travel.

YES , OUR FAMOUS SUMMER BOAT PARTIES ARE BACK ! STARTING ON SATURDAY 2ND MAY and continuing every 2 weeks on a Saturday night throughout the summer . **No age restrictions : everyone is welcome . Come and meet other singles , mingle , make new friends and enjoy the buzz !** The Tattershall Castle is a permanently moored boat on the Thames at Embankment . It is also a floating nightclub and one of our favourite Saturday night venues . Summer nights aboard the Tattershall are absolutely sublime - there is simply nowhere else in London quite like it . The event takes the form of a social gathering/mixer with introductions in the earlier part of the evening . Fingers crossed it will be mild enough by May for the DJ to start playing music on deck and we can dance til 11 pm and then continue with more dancing in the clubroom downstairs til 2 am . I have a table reserved on deck (usually this is the first table on your right as you walk down the ramp onto the boat , but if you can't find me please ask a member of staff .) . This will be our base whilst we are chatting , having a drink , dancing on deck , til 11pm , then we move down to the clubroom , where I have reserved another table for us . \*\* Event Fee : £7 for 1 person £10 for 2 Buy your ticket online from : [https://fatso.ma/3vuM](https://fatso.ma/3vuM) You are also free to use the bar/ward room below deck . This is a nice cosy refuge if it's chilly on deck and the windows provide an amazing view of all the coloured lights which illuminate the famous icons on the opposite side of the river (London Eye , City Hall , Southbank Centre , etc). PLEASE NOTE that this event begins at 8 pm - **arrive before** **9 pm to avoid paying an entrance fee directly to the venue** , as well as to me . THE BOAT MAY START CHARGING AFTER 9 PM . I look forward to welcoming you on the night ! Please also bring photo ID (the venue's rules , not mine). Please buy your ticket in advance from : [https://fatso.ma/3vuM](https://fatso.ma/3vuM) **NB You must have your ticket ready** on your phone to show me on arrival , or have **£7 in cash** ready to pay me (Lynn). Thank you .

**To book onto this trip please follow the link below which will take you directly to the website page..** [May Bank Holiday 2026](https://travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk/trip/stockholm-may-bank-holiday-2026/) If you would like to view the full itinerary for the trip please follow the link below... [Full itinerary of the trip.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTyRLqfBSbFwQURY5Mx97L5HHjPQPgFSnG0dWlijZj9nYanct4quCeVs2d2Q10M8-3QjLOcEQbhsZgr/pub) If you are using the app and are unable to open the link please go directly to our website where you will be able to book onto the trip.. travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk

**To book onto this trip please follow the link below which will take you directly to the website page..** [Istanbul May 2026](https://travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk/trip/istanbul-may-2026/) If you are using the app and are unable to open the link please go directly to our website where you will be able to book onto the trip.. travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk

Wine Not? is a women-only gathering before the Balancers Saturday social. Most attendees come solo, so it’s an easy and welcoming place to meet people and settle in before the night gets busier. London can make meeting new people feel awkward, especially if you're coming alone. This early social creates a comfortable environment where you can chat, laugh, and get to know a few friendly faces first. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a few light games, and plenty of time to connect naturally. At **7.30 pm the main Balancers social begins**, and the room fills as over **150 people usually join the night**. Wine Not? naturally flows into the rest of the evening, so you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the full experience. Coming solo is completely normal. Our hosts will be there to help everyone feel comfortable, included, and connected from the start. **Check out our past events here:** **[https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)** **Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity. Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

**DESCRIPTION** 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) We begin in charming Bosham Bay before taking a scenic boat ride across Chichester Harbour, arriving at the stunning white sands of West Wittering. Expect coastal views, sea air, open skies and time to relax, swim or explore the shoreline. A refreshing mix of harbour charm and beach bliss. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **21km** Ascent: c.**mainly flat** Estimated Duration (approx): **5-6 hours walking** Difficulty: **[Moderate](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 link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. Assembly time: 08:00 Move to train: 08:15 Train leaves: 08:32 Arrive at Bosham station: 10:36 Leave Beach 16:00ish Departure from West Wittering bus station on bus 16:25ish Departure Train: 16:54 from Chichester station, arrive back at Victoria 18:50 Exact timings to work out on the day and be prepared to be later back to Victoria than planned. **Pricing Info:** * £38 per person – includes hike + train, boat and bus travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited discounted tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike, bus and boat only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £18, then you'll need to get your own train tickets. **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** * 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

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on **AI Agentic Coding** and how autonomous AI systems are transforming the way software is built. Experts in AI, software engineering, and developer tools will share insights on how agentic AI—systems that can plan, reason, and execute coding tasks—is reshaping modern development workflows. The discussion will cover topics such as AI-assisted development, productivity gains, challenges around reliability and governance, and what the future of software engineering may look like with AI agents as collaborators. Whether you’re a developer, tech leader, or AI enthusiast, this session is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore how agentic AI is redefining coding

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.