Outdoors

EVENING WALK - OAK HILL PARK TO ARNOS PARK - A 4 / 5 mile circular walk through Oak Hill Park following Pymmes Brook to Brunswick Park then along Waterfall Walk to Arnos Park and back again. Walk Leader: Karen Meet 6.30pm for 6.45pm start in the park at the corner of Church Hill Road /Little Grove

I’m running a female-only outdoor fitness session focused on building strength, confidence, and creating a positive routine around training and nutrition. This session is perfect if you’re: • New to fitness or getting back into it • Looking to lose fat and build strength • Wanting a supportive, non-intimidating environment • Interested in improving your nutrition alongside training You can expect: • Beginner-friendly strength & conditioning • Guidance and support throughout • A relaxed, encouraging group atmosphere • Tips around building sustainable habits 📍 Location: Hoxton (exact meeting point shared after booking) ⏰ Time: Monday 11th at 10:30am ⏱ Duration: 45–60 minutes Limited spaces to keep it personal. I also offer: • 1–1 personal training (gym-based in Angel or outdoor) • At-home personal training (premium option) If you’re interested, message me to secure your spot 😊

So come with me on this enjoyable walk from The White Swan Pub {Wetherspoons} to Little Venice walking distance {approx 7 miles}. We will meet at in The White Swan Pub at 11 am for a hot drink, leaving at 11.30 am to start our walk to the Regents Canal, stopping off at Camley Street Natural Park {as image above}. Lunch will be in the The Ice Wharf {Wetherspoons}at Camden Lock or you can buy something from the food stalls there or bring your own} After lunch we will carry along the Regents Canal to Little Venice where the walk ends, where we will end up for a drink at The Warwick Castle. With Warwick Road Underground 5 minutes away or Paddington Station 10 minutes. We will be walking mostly along the Regents Canal, but The Camley Natural Park can get muddy, so suitable foot wear is recommended. £7 meet up fee,{please have the right change.} If you need any more info, please phone or text me on 07530 675739 {this is not a smart phone or email paulc200850@yahoo.co.uk.

**Workout with PRIDE (Functional Strength) at Marshall Street, just around the corner from Carnaby S**treet! 💪🌈 Join us for our weekly **WorkOUT With PRIDE** class, designed to boost your functional strength and improve your body’s ability to move efficiently as a whole. Our sessions focus on exercises that engage all planes of movement, incorporating both bodyweight and equipment-based resistance to build strength and coordination. This class is suitable for all fitness levels, so if you’re new, no worries! We’ll break down the big compound movements step by step, ensuring you feel confident before diving into the full workout. At *Workout with Pride*, our goal is for you to leave feeling accomplished, empowered, and more knowledgeable about your fitness journey. 💥 **Class Details:** * **Location:** Marshall St, London W1F 7EL**Time:** Please arrive by **6:30 pm** (changed and ready to go) * **What to Expect:** Full access to changing rooms and showers post-class. Don’t forget to bring a towel and some change for the lockers! When you arrive, just head to reception and let them know you’re there for **Workout with PRIDE**.

**Join us on *Discord* to keep updated!** **[(Click me! Online Offline Discord)](https://discord.gg/uuwybw93kj)** We will be star gazing in Hyde Park! If you have a telescope, binoculars or just wish to join a group of star gazers - come and join us! A telescope will be provided. Astrophotography and light painting welcome! Should you all agree - we can head to a local pub after! We will meet outside Royal Albert Hall and then make our way into the park! Please make sure to wait on the main road - Kensington Road (A314) - Royal Albert Hall entrance. By holding up our Online Offline meetup photo - we can easily join the group together! See you there!

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Grove Park to Crystal Palace. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 3. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. 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 Starting point: Grove Park Station Ending point: Crystal Palace station Walking length: 12.6km Duration: 4 hours at most Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Grove Park to Crystal Palace WHEN - 2pm - 7pm MEETING POINT - Outside Grove Park Station NEAREST STATION - Grove Park station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. 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. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. 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.

Have you ever wanted to be immersed within either the city or nature in the form of a walk and socialise at the same time? If so, this may be the right walk for you. Welcome to another one of the WALK events where you have the opportunity to explore all the scenic routes I’ll execute whether there’s nature within, whether we get immersed within the city and feel great about yourself. 



With this particular walk, we will be walking through the entirety of Clapham Common. This beautiful common is surrounded by Clapham, Balham and Brixton however, it offers a blend of historic charm and modern urban living. After this walk, we’ll be heading to Tawa Roti for Trinidadian food if you wish. Tawa Roti is one of the few places that not only offers authentic Trinidadian cuisine but it feels as if you’re eating homemade food cooked by mum and dad. To find out more, please check them out at https://tawaroti.com 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

Starting point: Clapham Common
Ending point: Tawa Roti
Walking length: 2+ miles
Duration: 1 hour +
Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. 



WHAT - Walk through Clapham Common
WHERE - Clapham Common
WHEN - 7:15pm - 9:30pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Clapham South Station
NEAREST STATION - Clapham South Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. 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. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. 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.

**We have 2 beds in a female room for 6 left! Email aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk** Before making the payment. **HIGHLIGHTS** * **Summit Cadair Idris** (893m) from a hostel - Energetic Hike or Moderate classic stunning horseshoe route * Take the opportunity to **explore the Southern part of Snowdonia** * Hike the **less hiked routes** of **Llawlech** (589m) & **Diffwys** (750m) with views out to sea * Hike parts of the **Cambrian Way** * Enjoy lower-level hikes in the beautiful, less-visited **Rhinog National Nature Reserve** * A **fully catered event** with AAA's famous & healthy home-cooked food * **Catering for vegetarians, vegans**, just let us know when you book. * Meet and enjoy the friendly company of other fun AAA members * Enjoy **2-3** **choices of hikes each day** led by Experienced Leaders * Peaceful private hostel location **by the river with a fire pit** **All questions to aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk** **See photos from our [last trip there](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1231838634924057&type=3), [the August 2025 trip](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1536527357788515&type=3)** **WHAT TO EXPECT** AAA has been running Hiking Weekend events for over 17 years. With all that experience behind us, you can look forward to well-led hikes guided by knowledgeable leaders and delicious, healthy home-cooked food. **HIKE GRADES** You will have a choice of hikes, ranging from [Moderate to Energetic](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade). When we have three or more leaders, we also offer [Challenging](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade) routes. Our leaders are experienced in navigation and group leading, and all are trained in wilderness first aid. Hikes vary in length: shorter options are around 15 km, while longer, more demanding ones go up to 25 km+. We'll tailor the routes to the weather on the day and confirm choices accordingly. **STAY INFORMED** **[Join the AAA Hiking Mailing List for our Special Offers.](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/newsletter-signup)** **ITINERARY** The event starts at the Kings Hostel at 18:00 and finishes after the half-day hike on Monday, around 1 pm. [Please see the link for a full itinerary.](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/weekend-programme) **KIT LIST** [Check what kit is required and more.](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists/hiking-kit-list-summer) **ACCOMMODATION** We rented Private Kings Hostel, set in its own wooded ravine, on the river meadow just for our group. This is a very popular venue; we may hike up to Cadair Idris from a doorstep. There is a fire pit we can sit by in the evening. Accommodation is in male and female rooms for 6 people. When we are full, you may camp for half price on a field by the river. **FOOD** All meals are included and prepared fresh on site—our famous AAA home cooking! We always offer vegan and vegetarian options. Feel free to bring your own alcoholic drinks and snacks. There's no need to budget for eating out; everything is covered—no restaurant trips or pub meals required. See [our breakfast](https://www.facebook.com/reel/468385099124364), [our day out & dinner](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1223915571998732). **TRANSPORT** Driving is the best option to reach the Hostel. Please check out **[this file](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12EXLpFX8WUIFxNTM76l7GkrWiWMiJEGL_YEC81fx-4o/edit?gid=0#gid=0)**[ ](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12EXLpFX8WUIFxNTM76l7GkrWiWMiJEGL_YEC81fx-4o/edit?gid=0#gid=0)to request or offer a lift. **COST** **The price includes:** * 3 nights’ accommodation * 3 Cooked breakfasts * 2 Cream Teas * Friday light supper * 2 Dinners on Sat & Sun * 3 Packed lunches * Choices of 2 Daily Guided Hikes by experienced hike leaders * Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations, including Financial protection. **The price does not include:** * Transport to the destination * Alcoholic drinks and other incidentals **PRICE** The trip is £328 per person. Check out [our 5-star reviews](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/guest-testimonials), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAALondonGroup/reviews) & [TripAdvisor ](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html)Reviews **MAKE YOUR BOOKING** Click **Attend** and confirm your place with payment to the bank details below. Name: **AAA LG Ltd** Account N: **69543038** Sort Code: **60-09-02** Add Ref: **260522 (Add your meetup profile name**) Then email **aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk** to advise that your payment has been made. If you have a question, check out our **[FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions).** Details for cancellations & selling your space can be found in [our terms & conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions). © AAA London Group Ltd 2025. Errors and Omissions Excepted.

**Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the [Met Walkers website](https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk/how-to-join/)** We follow the River Lea North West until entering Victoria Park. Following a brief section of the Regent's Canal, we walk through London Fields to end at Dalston. Optional pub stop at the end. Please note that, while the walk will end at Dalston Junction, Dalston Kingsland is also nearby. **Leisurely \| 4\.8 miles / 7\.7 km** **Start: Meet outside Bromley-By-Bow underground station. @ 07:00 pm** Postcode: E3 3JJ **End: Finish at Dalston Junction station, although Dalston Kingsland is also nearby** Postcode: E8 3DE

**This PAGE UPDATED SUNDAY 17 May. 2026.** **Monday is a Bank Holiday. If you live outside London contact the host.** There are 2 groups leaving London on Friday. One Group by Train and one group By car. Depending on your work schedule you can join the Train Group if you can't take Friday off from work. **Lake District Camping & Hiking – Bank Holiday Weekend (2 Spaces Left!). We do our best to keep Male to Female Ratio 50:50.** **Drivers Who Bring a car will get a major discount.** **WhatsApp 07590 919391 to secure final 2 seats remaining.** **🚩⚠** **LAST SEAT AVAILABLE – small, friendly group (avg age 32, age range 21–40** **✨ About This Adventure** Looking for an epic Bank Holiday escape? Join us for a 3-day hiking & camping adventure in the breathtaking Lake District 🏞 This is a fully organised, stress-free trip where you can just show up, relax, and enjoy the mountains, nature, and great company 👉 **Only 1 seat left in the car – once it’s gone, it’s gone. 2 Seats remaining in the train Group.** **🚗 Trip Detail** 📍 Departure: Friday 4:00 PM (meet 4:00 PM, North London) 2 cars Available. 1st car departs in the Morning at 8 AM. 2nd Car Departs London at 3.00 pm Train Group departs at 5:00 pm 📍 Return: Monday ~9:00 PM 🏕️ **Camping** Friday: Late Check in at Official Campsite ? Sat & Sun: Official campsite (toilets + showers 🚿 👥 Group: Small & Social. Group Size 8 max **🥾 What We’ll Do** 🔥 **Saturda**y – Scafell Pike (Highest Peak in England 980 meters high. Search Google. This is the long version of Scafell Pike from Great Langdale ~ 9 to 10 hours total Hike Long Hike 10-12 miles long Need to be fit and healthy for this demanding hike. Good Fitness levels and good Stamina Required No heavy bags – everything stays at campsite For the Hike You only carry a small Rucksack with food and water. Camping Equipment stays at Campsite ⛰️ **Sunda**y – Helvellyn via Striding Edge One of the UK’s most iconic hikes ? ~7 hours moving time 3.5 hours up and 4.0 hours down. ( 8 hours with added breaks ). under 10 miles. You need good Stamina for this hike. scrambling Involved. You need good head for heights for this one. Optional scrambling (alternative route available) 🌊 **Monda**y – Chill & Explore Visit a stunning waterfall ? Relaxed lakeside walk ? Drive back to Londo Grab Famous Lake District Ice Cream 💸 **Price: £295 (All-Inclusive) ✔️ All transport (London ↔ Lake District) ✔️ Campsite fees ✔️ Food & water 🍲 ✔️ Campfire experience 🔥 ✔️ Tents & air beds available if booked early ✔️ Full trip planning & guidance** 👉 **cost £295 All Inclusive. All Food and transfers and logistical support costs. All included in the costs. This is the price for the car Group. Train Group is different.** **🌟 Why You Should Join** ✅ Two of the most famous peaks in England in one weeken ✅ No planning stress – everything sorted for yo ✅ Friendly, like-minded group ? ✅ Perfect mix of adventure + relaxatio ✅ An unforgettable weekend in nature ? **🚩⚠**️ **Important Info** **Moderate fitness required Waterproof hiking gear essential Good head for heights recommended (alternative routes available)** **📲 Secure the FINAL Spot This trip is almost fully booked and we’re looking for 1 more person to complete the group. 👉 Message now on WhatsApp to secure your place: ?**? 07590 919391 **WhatsApp Onl** **🔥 Don’t Miss Out** **This is more than just a trip. It’s a memorable mountain adventure with great people** **If you’ve been thinking about doing something exciting this Bank Holiday – this is your sign. 🌄** ......................... ......................... **Disclaimer** **The organiser does not take responsibility for your safety or wellbeing during this hiking camping trip. Every individual is responsible for his or her own health and safety and wellbeing. You understand that your health insurance Is your responsibility and your travel insurance is your responsibility if anything goes wrong** **By taking part you understand that the organiser is not held responsible for anything that may go wrong. This is a hobby group and not a commercial business. Most of our events are non-profit** **We charge you what it costs us to make the logistics of the event possible. such as Car hire amd fuel for the car and Food and camping gear and tents and campsite rental. etc.....** **We cannot guarantee the weather forecast for the mountains. So if the weather forecast goes bad we will change the hiking route to something more safer and pleasant to keep everyone safe and sound. As health and safety is our top priority.**

################# **This trip is now FULL.** **On this trip, we'll be staying right next to Broad Haven Beach (see the [picture](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/photos/35894135/533323495/)) – one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales, and a perfect place to relax and watch the sunset in the evenings.** **We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/12gIZWTLfA3zQsx1fb0lpv1zOWP2vC5tq/view?usp=drive_link) to help answer your questions.** ################# This May Bank Holiday weekend, we're heading to the jewel of the Welsh coast – **Pembrokeshire National Park** – to explore its spectacular coastline and experience the famous **puffins of Skomer Island**! 🐧 Rated by National Geographic as the **second best coastline in the world**, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Britain. Here you'll discover beautiful sandy beaches, hidden coves, picturesque harbours, charming fishing villages, a Celtic Saint's chapel, sweeping views across islands, and incredible marine and seabird colonies, including the iconic puffins of Skomer Island – one of the UK's most magical wildlife spectacles. We've created an itinerary that showcases **the very best the National Park has to offer**. And when the day's adventures are over, the evenings are entirely yours – swim in the sea, savour fresh local cuisine, or simply sit on the sand and watch the sunset over St Brides Bay. All hikes on this trip are graded **Easy or Moderate**, making it suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness – no prior hiking experience is necessary, just a sense of adventure. **TRIP HIGHLIGHTS** * Discover **Pembrokeshire Coast National Park** – Britain's only coastal national park and one of just three national parks in Wales * Swim at some of **Wales's most beautiful beaches** – Newgale, Broad Haven, Marloes Sands and Tenby among them – many holding the prestigious international Blue Flag Award * Spend two nights in the charming coastal village of **Broad Haven**, steps from its golden west-facing beach – one of the best sunset spots in Wales * Take a boat cruise to **Skomer Island** and witness one of Britain's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles – vast colonies of **puffins, guillemots and razorbills** nesting on the cliffs. Watch out for **seals** basking on the rocks and dolphins darting through the waves of this protected Marine Nature Reserve! * Explore the ancient walled town of **Tenby**, with its picturesque harbour lined with pretty pastel-coloured houses * Marvel at the **Green Bridge of Wales** – one of the most dramatic natural arches in Britain (some jokingly call it the “Durdle Door of Wales”) * Visit the atmospheric **St Govan's Chapel** – a tiny 13th-century chapel built into the sea cliffs * Walk the **Pembrokeshire Coast Path** and take in dramatic cliff scenery, sweeping views of offshore islands, rocky stacks and natural arches * Savour **Pembrokeshire's fresh, locally sourced produce** at some of the finest restaurants the coast has to offer **ITINERARY** **Day 1 – Saturday (23/05):** **06:45** Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station) **07:00** Sharp departure **13:00-17:00** Cliff-top hike from Newgale Beach to Broad Haven Beach (difficulty: [Moderate](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view?usp=sharing), distance: 11km, ascent: 390m) **17:30** Check-in at YHA Broad Haven Hostel **18:30** Dinner at [The Ocean Cafe Bar & Restaurant](https://www.oceancafebarandrestaurant.co.uk/) or [Rwts Rooms and Resto](https://rwts.uk/) (tables booked for our group) by the sea and sunset (21:19) **Day 2 – Sunday (24/05):** **07:30** Breakfast **08:30** Departure **08:35** Stop to buy packed lunches **10:00-10:30** Photo stop at St Govan's Chapel **11:00-11:30** Photo stop at the Green Bridge of Wales **13:00-14:00** Boat trip to Skomer Island **14:30-16:30** Coastal hike from Martin's Haven to Marloes Sands Beach (difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view?usp=sharing), distance: 6km, ascent: 100m) **17:00** Return to YHA Broad Haven Hostel for dinner and free time by the sea **Day 3 – Monday (25/05):** **07:30** Breakfast **09:00** Departure **09:45-13:45** Coastal hike from Manorbier Bay to Tenby (difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view?usp=sharing), distance: 13km, ascent: 320m) **13:45-15:30** Free time in Tenby for lunch, browse souvenir shops and relax on its golden award-winning beaches **15:30** Departure to London **21:00** London, Hammersmith **TRANSPORT** As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **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. **ACCOMMODATION** We'll be staying at the excellent, highly rated YHA Broad Haven Hostel, right beside Broad Haven Beach. We've reserved private rooms exclusively for our group, with a maximum of 3-4 people per room, all en-suite with shower and toilet. The hostel also has a well-equipped kitchen – fridges, hobs, microwaves and utensils are available should you wish to self-cater, though plenty of great restaurants are just a short walk away. **BOOKING** The total cost of this trip is £498 per person. A deposit of £249 (50%) is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due by 2 May (three weeks before departure). Any places not paid in full by this date will be lost, and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. To secure your spot, please RSVP and pay the deposit of £249 by bank transfer to the account below, using your Meetup name and the trip name as your reference (e.g. John Pembrokeshire): 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/313864658/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 £498 INCLUDES** * Transport throughout the trip * Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver * Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader * Two nights' accommodation at YHA Broad Haven hostel in shared en-suite rooms booked for our group's exclusive use (maximum 3-4 people per room 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) * Skomer Island Cruise (£24) – booked in advance for the whole group to guarantee our places, as boat trips sell out quickly over bank holidays. This can be paid separately at a later date. * 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 * Towel (not provided by the hostel) * ID to check in at the hostel – appropriate forms of ID include a passport, driver’s licence, EU resident card with a photograph, student identity card with a photograph, travelcard with a photograph, UK citizen card, etc. * Suncream * Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain) * Water bottle (min 1L) * Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip * Swimwear (optional) * Walking poles (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** As stated in the “Booking” section of the event description, a deposit of £249 (50%) is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due by 2 May (three weeks before departure). Any places not paid in full by this date will be lost, and the deposit will be non-refundable and non-transferable. If you have paid the full balance by 2 May and wish to cancel, our standard refund policy ([link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny-b2NmMzBlpCiKjzkqC2vJEisxlORpn/view?usp=drive_link)) will apply.

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/DPkYXvrP6IhFrSRDiQACLC)** 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 If you would like to further support these meetups, please [subscribe to the newsletter](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) and [follow us on instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc/) :-)

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

[Old School Groove](https://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolGrooveBand/) \- “I find my Soul Revival singing every single verse; yeah I guess that’s my church” \-Maren Morris\. Vintage rock\, southern rock\, blues\. Getcha soul on\! **[Flint Station](https://www.theflintstation.com/)** is an old depot venue for drinks and live music. They usually have a **food truck** on location. Feel free to bring your own takeout. I'll bring a basket of snacks. NO COVER *They're planning for a beautiful summer evening performance in the beer garden. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate...they will be upstairs in the old-time dance hall. Either way...it's going to be a night to remember!!* **PARKING**: either near the beer garden or across the street.