Sailing

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! For our next outing we're finally heading east to take on Hackney Marshes and the parklands and canal towpaths of the QEII Olympic parks. We should be looking at a bit more evening daylight this time of year!** **This will provide us a nice flat trail run. We'll be looking at roughly 30-45 minutes, covering around 3km at a moderate pace, ideal for beginners and intermediate runners. Whatever your speed, our organisers will always keep you in sight!** We'll meet at Hackney Wick station - look for me in the neon-yellow vest! Meeting time is 6:30, we'll head off at around 6:45. We'll head from there north over Hackney Bridge, up the towpath to Hackney Marshes, and then make a loop around and back down, over the footbridge to the East Marsh, following the River Lea southwards through Alfred's Meadow and back up via the Olympic Stadium to return to the Wick. There are toilets at Hackney Wick and at cafes located around the QEII parkland paths. I'll also be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I've got a few spare bits of kit as well - if you would like a running sleeve to put your phone in or a pouch belt for keys and things, just shoot me a message on here ahead of time! All are welcome - we're a mix of skill levels and leg lengths, so I'll be maintaining a relatively relaxed pace and will make sure no one winds up too far behind. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

Please join us for our weekly run and social - a great (free!) way to meet new people! We meet at 7pm outside The Horatia ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/p1QnyurFQh3gywov6) and go to Highbury Fields together from there. We run 5km at an easy pace (about 6-7 mins per km), often 3 loops around Highbury Fields but we do change up the route from time to time. After the run, we will head to the Horatia pub for some drinks

Join OutdoorLads popular weekly Thursday Bouldering evening at The Arch in Bermondsey. OutdoorLads London boulderers welcome all members of the LGBTQ+ community You'll be meeting with a supportive group of 5 to 10 plus boulderers who are always happy to introduce complete beginners or solve difficult bouldering problems with enthusiasts. We usually follow up with a pub visit. This event is for members of all levels of experience and all are welcome to come along to any of the sessions. Bouldering is a form of climbing where instead of long high routes, the 'problems', as they are referred to, tend to be shorter and focus on technique, balance, body positioning and sometimes power. Because of this different emphasis, bouldering doesn't have the hassle of climbing with ropes, harnesses and belaying, which makes the activities excellent for newcomers to the sport. If you're a seasoned climber you won't need convincing about the benefits of bouldering, but for those who've never climbed more than a staircase, the benefits are wide ranging: from the physical - improved strength, tone, balance, power and coordination; mental - problem solving, focus, concentration and body awareness; to the emotional - relaxation, a sense of achievement and a feeling that mind and body are working together perfectly ('feeling psyched'). On top of all this, bouldering tends to be a very social sport where you can hang out with mates and each have a go as you feel regardless of what level you climb at.

JOIN US ON THE TATTERSHALL CASTLE BOAT MOORED ON THE THAMES NEAR EMBANKMENT 17.00 - 21.00 We have a space reserved for us and a chance to meet with others in a fabulous atmosphere ......overlooking the London Eye and other stunning London sights! Its informal There is a good menu to chose from if you fancy supper and plenty to drink...so come along and just enjoy the evening. We are between Embankment and Westminster on the river...looking over the river towards Waterloo and the Eye. We will be inside, down one flight of steps near the bar. Just ask or phone but the staff know who and where we are. Lits 07710217902 Dee 07976 069922

Discover your ability to unicycle in a no-pressure friendly environment where you will (literally) have someone to lean on. Learn all the secret tips and hints and get up and rolling in no time! Anyone can learn to ride the unicycle and to play unicycle hockey. We have unicycles for you to use and play with, but please let us know in advance so we can ensure we have these available. Just be willing to have a go with a friendly bunch of varying abilities. Costs: £0 until you can unicycle a length of the hall, unassisted £15 for adults £5 for concessions (students, retired, between jobs etc)

Join us for some fun, competitive, but friendly games at our 4-court sports hall. We use Yonex Mavis 600 Nylon shuttles during the 2-hour session. **PAYMENT** * **Session Fee: £9** * We are cashless, kindly pay the session fee **by midnight** on the night before the session. You are welcome to pay early! You can even pay when you book! See our About page for the full process. * If no payment is received, you will be removed and may even be liable for a late cancellation fee if your spot is not taken. * Please use **“your meetup name + date of event”** as payment reference * **Account name:** Thomas Lam * **Sort code:** 04-00-03 * **Account number:** 7478 8608 **LATE CANCELLATION OR NO-SHOW** * **All** **no-shows or late cancellations** (24 hrs or less) will be charged if your spot is not taken by someone else - you will have a title next to your name with the amount and date owed. * Members with 2 no shows/late cancellations will be removed from the group unless outstanding payment is received * **The late cancellation policy** is set up to discourage last-minute cancellations and therefore applies with or without the presence of a waitlist * **Note:** If you are on the Waitlist and a spot becomes available, you will automatically be bumped onto the On list provided the event has not yet started. It is your responsibility to **remove yourself from the waitlist** if you can no longer make it to avoid being charged a no-show if someone cancels late. **PLAYING** * Please wait to be marked off before entering the hall. * Sessions are to finish promptly on the hour by school requests. * If you finish a match with 5 minutes to go, please start packing up instead of starting a new game. **RACKET HIRE** * Please note that we won't be hiring out rackets, so kindly bring your own racket. **PARKING** * There is parking available, but it is now paid parking. Parking is opposite the entrance. Please check the signs for parking payment instructions. **TRACK & TRACE** * We will collect your phone number on-site. Your phone number will also be used in case of fire to contact you if you have not made it to the fire evacuation areas. You can see maps at the venue. We are excited to see you guys on the court! Team LSBC

Ready to get outside? Our Thursday morning session in Dulwich park is back! At this moment we can meet with up to 30 people (of more than two households) to do outdoor exercise and walks. However, i like to keep our exercise groups small, so I have set the maximum participants at 12. For now this walk is for our experienced Nordic Walkers only, who already used to Nordic Walk with us regularly before Covid 19 kept us indoors, and who have their own Nordic Walking poles. As this session is outdoors, we will not ask you to wear a face mask, but we do ask you to keep 2 meters apart. Some of our walkers might be immune compromised or more at risk, so please help us keep everyone safe! Please do not come to the session and stay at home if: - you know you have been in contact - in the last 2 weeks- with someone with symptoms of possible Covid, or if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive. - you have any of the following symptoms: (new) Loss of smell/taste, Persistent cough, Fatigue, Loss of appetite, Skin rash, Hives, Fever, Severe muscle pain, Shortness of breath, Diarrhoea, Delirium, Abdominal pain, Chest pain, Hoarse voice, Eye soreness, Sore or painful throat, Nausea or vomiting, Headache, Dizziness or light headedness We meet by the cafe in the middle of the park. Session Price: £10 per session, £89 for a 10-session card or £70 unlimited sessions per month. Session cards and pay Monthly can be used in any of our outdoor walks or indoor Zoom classes sessions (except for the Parkinson's sessions). Pay What Works: The price shown above is the “true” value of the session that best reflects the work I put into preparing and leading your session. However, I understand that not everyone can afford to pay full price, and I don’t want that to stop you from joining us. In an effort to find a balance between more financial accessibility and sustainable pricing, I now offer a “Pay What Works” model. This allows for financial flexibility while still valuing and respecting the work and energy I provide in creating and delivering these classes. Then send an email to ailien@fitandhappyoutdoors.com with the heading “INVOICE please”- followed by “FAHO 1” to pay full price as quoted below, “FAHO 2”, for 20% off, or “FAHO 3” for 50% off. Pllease do tell me if you want to pay for 10 sessions, or if you’d like to pay monthly. I prefer payment by bank transfer, but if that is not possible you could pay in cash. No cheques please, the queues by the banks are just too long. We walk in all safe weather conditions – if a walk is cancelled, we will contact you to let you know. Please check for text messages or Meetup messages before leaving home!

**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) Embark on a 20km coastal adventure from Chichester to the beautiful white sands of West Wittering. We’ll follow scenic seaside paths and open coastline, taking in stunning sea views along the way. Later, we’ll stop at the famous Billy’s on the Beach for a social meal a perfect chance to refuel and enjoy the beachside atmosphere. After, we continue along the coast to finish at West Wittering. Trains are included, however the bus is not. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **20kM** 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: 08:35 Arrive at Chichester station: 10:07 Departure from West Wittering on bus 15:55 ish Departure Train: 16:39 from Chichester station, arrive back at Victoria 18:15 Exact timings to work out on the day and be prepared to be later back to Victoria than planned. **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** * 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

**Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 5: Oxted to Otford.** Join us for a day hike along the **North Downs Way**, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink! This hike is part of a **series of 12 day hikes**, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an **official finishers certificate**. What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the finishers certificate! 😊 **IMPORTANT:** This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things; 1\. RSVP here \(this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person \- and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉\) 2\. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 [https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly93ZW1lZXQud2Vyb2FkLmNvbS9ldmVudC8yYTkxMjBkOS05ZWM1LTRmNTgtOWQyYi1hN2Y4NDgzODZmZWM=/7DA6F6CBA072CD40CACFD77818572316B78EFA3B11AA20FCC11B6E75C8B01995?c=5&i=1&docs=1) (the link might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts) 3\. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0LndoYXRzYXBwLmNvbS9Ld2ZmdnVLalNDTEljQ0RVUXh5dG1s/A42ABEC437C09EA5B53D7A8060DE06FF433E0A4F9E0C77D232A5314E59800F07?c=5&i=1&docs=1) \- then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending\! **Details** Steep climbs greet you along this stretch of the trail, bringing with them views across the countryside and down towards the Pilgrims Way. Look out for the Meridian Plaque near the start of the trail, a marker of the millennium and the cross of the Greenwich Meridian by the North Downs Way and the Vanguard Way. This section brings you into Kent, passing the first North Downs Way ‘milestone’. From here, the route travels on through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Charles Darwin’s Down House lies along the North Downs, and it was here that he made observations of fauna and flora, having already made his famous trip to the Galapagos Islands. * **MEET:** 09.25am, East Croydon. We'll catch the 09.39 train to Oxted (09.21 from London Victoria). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals. * **STARTING POINT**: Oxted Station 10.01 * **ENDING POINT**: Otford Station (around 3/ 3.30pm) **What to bring Essentials:** 🥾Hiking shoes 🧥Warm layers 🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks 💊Any personal medication A basic kit list: · Hiking shoes/ boots · Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain) · Waterproof Jacket · Fleece · Base layer · Hiking trousers – no jeans! · Rucksack · Hat & Gloves · Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder · Head Torch · Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain) · Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!) Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics. **Transport** Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes. Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!

**Backabush is heading back to the Canary Islands to visit Tenerife!** Tenerife is the biggest island in the Canaries and has a wealth of amazing hikes to explore. Although the island is more famous for its resort holidays, Tenerife actually has some of the best hikes in the Canary Islands. These islands sit just off the coast of Africa and enjoy mild weather and sunshine throughout the winter months making them ideal for a hiking escape in March. FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT: [https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306847359](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306847359)

I’m leading this hike for **London Social Hiking** and sharing it here so my KoZa Trails crew know when I’m out on the trails in the UK. 😊 👉 **Please note:** all sign-ups and payments need to be done through London Social Hiking’s Meetup page here: https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/313185480/?eventOrigin=your_events RSVPs on KoZa Trails are just to show interest and don’t secure a spot. Shout if you’ve got any questions — it would be lovely to see some familiar faces! 🌿🥾 ################# We’re off to Norfolk! The seals in Norfolk are truly one of Britain's most special sights. Without any doubt, they're an incredible WOW factor and one that you must see! On this day hike, we'll walk along the top of the sand dunes and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the North Sea. On our way, we'll pass the much-loved grey seal colony at Horsey Beach, which draws thousands of visitors each year, **particularly between November and March**, when the seals come ashore to breed. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of seals and their pups stretching for as far as the eye can see! The whole walk is in the Broads National Park – one of fifteen national parks in the UK. You'll discover its iconic windmills, navigable waterways and broads (man-made, shallow lakes). With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads have more miles of waterway than Venice or Amsterdam, and are an extremely popular boating holiday destination! Locals like to call the Broads “the Venice of the East”. 💪 This walk is **suitable for all abilities** – it is almost entirely flat and done at a very gentle pace to allow us enjoy the nature and take plenty of pictures. **HIKE HIGHLIGHTS** * Watch seals and their young from a close distance at Horsey Gap, home to one of the biggest colonies of grey seals in Britain. * Take a gentle stroll over the vast open expanse of the golden sand dunes of Winterton Beach – a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is a veritable haven for birds and all kinds of wildlife and is widely regarded as having the best sand dunes in Norfolk. * See the spectacular Horsey Windpump – the youngest and largest windpump in the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for farming. * Discover Horsey Mere, often regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads and famous for its internationally important wildlife. * Walk the newly opened stretch of the England Coast Path – a new National Trail around all of England's coast, which once completed will be the longest coastal walking route in the world (4,500 kilometres in length!). **DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY** Distance: 6 miles (10km). Ascent: 50m. Difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view). **ITINERARY** **07:45** Meet outside ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (near Aldgate East Station) **08:00** Sharp departure **11:15** Horsey Windpump to Hemsby hike via Winterton-on-Sea for a lunch stop **16:30** Departure **19:30** London, we'll drop you off next to Bow Road Underground Station **TRANSPORT** As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.**

**About Session** **Advanced** **4 courts for 4 hours** **High grade tournament shuttles (speed 77-78)** **£14 (bank transfer)** Please sign up to **ONLY ONE** of the concurrent Sunday sessions (this is the 4-hour Sunday session). Non-members should message the organizers their full-name via WhatsApp (Adrian Rabe, +447410463483) to arrange tryouts. Guests allowed but members will be prioritized over guests. Please message Committee members if you would like to add on a guest. Break the strings on 2 racquets, or break a racquet during the session and your session is *free*. Take a photo of the broken strings or racquet **DURING** the session, upload, and tag Broken Strings on Instagram to get the fee waiver. Cancellations < 24 hours before the event will be penalized the full fee. Please message organizer via WhatsApp for late cancellations or for potential slots. We will be discreetly speaking to players who may be struggling with the level of the session. **Free parking available within the school**. Note that the School will be opening and closing the gate **10 minutes before** and **10 minutes after** the beginning and end of the session. If you are locked out, please contact the organizers or other members to help let you in. Photographs and video recordings may be made during the session. Signing up to the session would **include consent for these recordings to be made and used by the club on its social media and other platforms**. **DO NOT PLAY** if you have fever, cough, colds, or other symptoms

✨ **RSVP Now Closed** ✨ Wow — it’s amazing to see how popular this dinner has been! Thank you all for the enthusiasm. The restaurant has kindly agreed to host us as a large group, but they can’t accommodate any more guests, so I’ve now closed the RSVP list. If you’d still like to join, please keep an eye on the event page — spaces may open up if someone’s plans change. Looking forward to a wonderful evening! 🇵🇱✨ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* It’s been a while—and I’m so happy to announce our monthly dinners are back! 🥳 For our next get-together, we’ll be heading to **Daquise**, one of **London’s most historic and legendary Polish restaurants**, for a cosy evening of hearty food and great company. https://daquise.co.uk/ 📍 **Daquise** – 20 Thurloe Street, South Kensington, London SW7 2LT 🗓️ **Date & Time** – **27th February, 18:30** **Daquise** has been serving traditional Polish cuisine in the heart of South Kensington since **1947**, making it one of the oldest Polish restaurants in the capital. Stepping inside feels like entering a piece of London history. Over the decades, Daquise has attracted an extraordinary mix of patrons—from **Polish exiles and Cold War figures** to film folk and food lovers alike. In the 1960s, it was reportedly a favourite haunt for *Christine Keeler and Soviet naval attaché Yevgeny Ivanov* during the Profumo Affair, and even *director Roman Polanski* is said to have popped in for dumplings and goulash while filming nearby. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and delightfully old-school—think crisp white tablecloths, wooden floors, and a genuine sense of charm that’s hard to find in more modern places. The menu celebrates **classic Polish dishes**: from *pierogi* dumplings and comforting soups like *barscz,* stuffed cabbage, or schnitzel to classic slow-cooked plates that reflect Poland’s seasons, traditions, and love of simple but deeply satisfying food. ✨ **Expect:** * A truly *authentic Polish dining experience* in one of London’s culinary institutions * Hearty, flavour-rich dishes made with time-honoured recipes * A friendly, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for catching up and enjoying good company 👉 **Please only sign up if you’re able to make it**, so I can confirm the number of people with the restaurant. Let’s kick off another year of great dinners together—and enjoy a wonderful night at a place that’s full of flavour *and* stories! 🇵🇱✨ Milena, the Mountain Goat 🏔️🐐

**TRIP FULL and at maximum capacity** If you've missed out we have a final few spaces remaining on our Cadair Idris trip in April: https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/310082332/ If by the time you read this that trip is also full, then you can see all of our weekend trips here: https://outdooraholics.co.uk/weekendtriplist.pdf Leave mainland England behind and sail across the Solent to the **Isle of Wight — England’s largest island —** with a noticeably milder microclimate. The island averages nearly 5 hours of sunshine a day, and its chalk cliffs, sweeping downs and sea views have drawn visitors since Roman times. Queen Victoria loved it so much she built Osborne House here and spent over half a century visiting. We’ll show you the island’s **greatest coastal scenery**, including elevated **chalk ridges with panoramic sea views** and **the iconic Needles**. **📏 Key Info** • **🌙 Nights:** 2 (Fri-Sun) **• 💷 Cost:** £162 **• 🥾 Difficulty:** **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** (2 hikes 4–5.5 hrs each) **• 🍽️ Meals Included:** All breakfasts, all packed lunches, Sat dinner, Sat cream tea **•** 🚆 **Public-transport viable**, both hikes start and finish at the hostel **🌟 Trip Highlights** • Explore England’s largest island with two guided coastal hikes • Enjoy a milder microclimate and around 5 hours’ sunshine/day • Walk the white-cliff coastline and ridge of **Tennyson Down** • See the famous **Needles chalk stacks** and multi-coloured **Alum Bay cliffs** • Explore beaches, downs and pretty villages of the **west Wight AONB** • Discover why this walking paradise has 500+ miles of footpaths and hosts England’s largest walking festival • Fully catered weekend including **Saturday dinner** (plus our signature post-hike cream tea) Taster video - [LINK](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdSggnHRTIU) **🥾 Trip Description** The Isle of Wight is a true gem — compact yet full of variety, with 60 miles of coastline ranging from sheltered bays to dramatic chalk cliffs. It became an island around 7,000 years ago when rising seas cut it off from mainland Britain, leaving a place that feels close yet distinctly different. The adventure begins with **a ferry crossing over the Solent**, giving us wide sea views before we arrive on the island. A defining feature is the chalk ridge that runs like a backbone from east to west. From its high points you can enjoy twin views: one side dropping to white cliffs and open sea, the other stretching across rolling downs. Beneath your boots, the geology shifts — chalk, greensand, clay, limestone, and sandstone — supporting rich habitats. The Isle of Wight is **one of the last British refuges of the red squirrel** and home to **43 butterfly species**. We stay in an exclusively hired **Edwardian hostel** on the quieter western side, an **Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty**. Hikes start right from the hostel, taking in flora-filled downs, secluded coves, and pretty villages. Nicknamed “Dinosaur Isle”, the island has yielded **fossils from over 20 dinosaur species** and **more than 240 Bronze Age burial mounds**. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Osborne House here, spending over 50 years enjoying its mild climate. The poet Lord Tennyson also lived here, inspired by the views that now bear his name. Across the weekend, we’ll walk **peaceful coastal trails**, enjoy **sweeping cliff-top panoramas**, explore **quaint harbour towns**, and discover the island’s unique blend of sea, scenery, and history. **📅 Itinerary** **Friday – Arrival** Travel from London by **train to Lymington**, short **ferry to Yarmouth**, then a brief l**ocal bus** to our exclusively hired Edwardian hostel at **Totland Bay**. Settle in, have a drink and get to know the group. Driving? Several car-ferry routes serve the island, and the hostel has private off-road parking. **Saturday – Freshwater and Yarmouth coastal town** • Distance: 16km (10 miles) • Grading: **[Beginner](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** • Ascent: 185m • Hiking time: 4.5 – 5.5 hours We begin hiking to **Freshwater Bay**, a beautiful curve of beach framed by white chalk cliffs, before following a gentle but rewarding loop. The trail takes us through leafy woodland and across a nature reserve alive with coastal birdlife. We’ll follow quiet paths to the **harbour town of Yarmouth**, with its cobbled streets, pretty waterfront, and historic pier — perfect for a short break to soak up the atmosphere. From here, we make our way back along scenic coastal stretches and open fields to the hostel, where freshly prepared cream teas followed by our group dinner await. **Sunday – The Needles and Tennyson Down circular** • Distance: 13km (8 miles) • Grading: **[Beginner/Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf)** \- a few hills\, but fairly short • Ascent: 325m • Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours Sunday’s hike is the showpiece — arguably the finest walking route on the island. We climb gently onto the elevated **chalk ridge of Tennyson Down**, where panoramic sea views open up in both directions. As we follow the ridge, the landscape narrows towards the island’s most famous landmark: **The Needles**, a dramatic line of chalk stacks rising from the sea. Every turn feels like the next postcard-perfect view. On the return, we keep high above the coast, passing windswept grasslands and open downs, before descending back to the hostel for our farewell. Typical finish time at the hostel: **13:45–14:45**. This marks the end of the organised trip. **🚗 Transport, Accommodation & Start Time** • The trip begins and ends at YHA Totland • Arrival is from **7pm** – no access before this time • Accessible by car or by train and ferry, with a short bus or taxi transfer. For car sharing - **[Lift share discussion](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1d6jL8c9DA9XBAd70RF3p8ysv-WcdWL61shOcE5sEkYk/)** • Accommodation: 2 nights in single gender hostel rooms (4–6 beds) **For anyone taking the ferry:** **[Train](https://www.thetrainline.com/book/results?journeySearchType=single&origin=urn%3Atrainline%3Ageneric%3Aloc%3A182gb&destination=urn%3Atrainline%3Ageneric%3Aloc%3ALYP5892gb&outwardDate=2026-02-27T18%3A30%3A18&outwardDateType=arriveBefore&selectedTab=train&splitSave=true&lang=en-us&transportModes%5B%5D=mixed&dpiCookieId=YI238FPWQ2QGP7AHYTSHM6NDL&partnershipType=accommodation&partnershipSelection=false&selectedOutward=rDCWVILvIGk%3D%3AZuKl%2FLgbNCw%3D)**[ ](https://www.thetrainline.com/book/results?journeySearchType=single&origin=urn%3Atrainline%3Ageneric%3Aloc%3A182gb&destination=urn%3Atrainline%3Ageneric%3Aloc%3ALYP5892gb&outwardDate=2026-02-27T18%3A30%3A18&outwardDateType=arriveBefore&selectedTab=train&splitSave=true&lang=en-us&transportModes%5B%5D=mixed&dpiCookieId=YI238FPWQ2QGP7AHYTSHM6NDL&partnershipType=accommodation&partnershipSelection=false&selectedOutward=rDCWVILvIGk%3D%3AZuKl%2FLgbNCw%3D)from **London Waterloo** to **Lymington Pier** Then take the **[Wightlink ferry](https://www.wightlink.co.uk/)** from **Lymington to Yarmouth** Walk a few minutes to **Yarmouth Bus Station** and take the **[Number 7 bus](https://www.islandbuses.info/directions?origin%5Bname%5D=Yarmouth+Bus+Station&origin%5Blocation%5D%5Blat%5D=50.705229&origin%5Blocation%5D%5Blon%5D=-1.501534&destination%5Bname%5D=Totland%2C+War+Memorial+%28S-bound%29&destination%5Blocation%5D%5Blat%5D=50.680375&destination%5Blocation%5D%5Blon%5D=-1.540261&time%5Bwhen%5D=leave&time%5Bdate%5D=2026-02-27&time%5Btime%5D=18%3A48)** to **Totland**, getting off at **[Totland War Memorial](https://www.google.com/maps/place/War+Memorial/@50.6804599,-1.5429464,17z/data=!4m10!1m2!2m1!1sTotland+War+memorial+bus+stop!3m6!1s0x487381c546446b7b:0x4f809b01d4ea1bfe!8m2!3d50.680367!4d-1.540252!15sCh1Ub3RsYW5kIFdhciBtZW1vcmlhbCBidXMgc3RvcJIBCGJ1c19zdG9w4AEA!16s%2Fg%2F1tfdy9c2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3M0gBUAM%3D)**. It’s then a **[7-minute walk](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/War+Memorial,+Totland+Bay+PO39+0BL/Youth+Hostel+Totland,+Hurst+Hill,+Totland+Bay+PO39+0HD/@50.6788285,-1.5436711,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x487381c547573e83:0x6285907c262ec294!2m2!1d-1.540491!2d50.680546!1m5!1m1!1s0x487381dba7b27af5:0xe7dd3347d1087cca!2m2!1d-1.541744!2d50.677111!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3M0gBUAM%3D)** to the hostel. **🍽️ Food - All meals are included:** **• Breakfast** **(Sat & Sun):** typically cereal, porridge with fresh fruit, berries, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit salad, free range eggs, yogurt, toast and coffees, teas etc. • **Packed lunches** **(Sat & Sun):** fruit, crisps, cereal bars and a range of options to make your own sandwiches typically tomatoes, cucumber, houmous, peanut butter, honey, jam, ham, cheese and salami. • **Dinner (Sat)** • **Afternoon cream tea** **(Sat):** Scones, jam Meals are meat-based with vegetarian alternatives. **💷 Cost & Booking** • **£162** total. Click **“Attend”** to pay the **£30 deposit** by PayPal • Remainder due **within 3 days** by bank transfer - we'll email details • Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see **[FAQ](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)**) **✅ Price Includes** • 2 nights hostel accommodation • Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday • Packed lunches on Saturday & Sunday • Dinner on Saturday night • Saturday cream tea • Experienced trip host for the duration of the weekend • 2 guided hikes with a trained hike leader • Full financial protection under the 2018 Package Travel Regulations **❌ Price Excludes** • Transport to and from the trip **❓ Want to Know More?** • 🔍 [New to Our UK Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_uk_weekends.pdf) – Perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect” • 🏢 [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) – Who Outdooraholics are, about us & history • ❓ [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) – Answers to the most common queries **🚆 Travel Note** Rail/ferry disruption is rare but outside our control; in such cases, participants would need to make their own arrangements to reach the accommodation. **🔗 Explore More & Stay Connected** [UK weekend trips list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/weekendtriplist.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 **⚠️ Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader. As with all outdoor activities, hiking carries some inherent risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothes – including warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers. See: **[Clothing tips](https://www.londonhiking.co.uk/Equipment.pdf)**. **📄 [Terms & Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf)** By signing up or attending you agree to these © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

Come join us for coffee at Matari Coffee to discuss our March book, "The Enchanted Greenhouse"! Book description: Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium. This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home. But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again. This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.