Trail Riding

**The Talbot Room at the George Inn** The George provides the room free of charge (they are awesome), and we encourage you to purchase drinks (and food – the burgers are great!). As it’s a pub and not a picnic area, please don’t consume your own food and drink there. We usually meet in the Talbot room which is on the top floor on the left hand side of the pub as viewed from the courtyard. If lost please send a message here shortly before the meeting starts. **We are sorry to say that there is no step-free access to the Talbot room, and it is at the end of three flights of stairs.** **Format** We start at 7pm and run until 9pm. We hear approximately six readings of 10 minutes (\~2000 words), then discuss the piece for 10 minutes. Email your work to: london60transmitter@emailitin.com as an attachment (It must be an attachment). A link for access to googledocs will be given at the start of each session to enable people to read along, which in turn enables more considered feedback. Work submitted will be automatically deleted after 10 days. We decide on readers/pieces at the beginning of each session. **Safe and respectful space** The group is run by volunteers, and we don’t have the capacity to read submitted work in advance. If there is anything in your work that might distress or disturb some readers, for example concerning any kind of abuse, please give a trigger warning before you read. Be specific and concise. If it becomes apparent during a reading that a piece is inappropriate, the moderator will stop the reading. In discussing others’ work, please be mindful of how you express yourself and do not use discriminatory language, even if such language features in the piece.

Join us for one of our favorite hikes: **[Ivinghoe Beacon](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon): A Panoramic Walk**. Here are the details: ### **When and Where** * **Meeting Point:** [Euston Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5mTjVzCb7QrscrtB7) * **Time to Meet:** 8:45 AM * **Departure Time:** 9:00 AM * **Expected Return to London:** 7:00 PM ### **About the Hike** * **Distance:** 16 km * **Difficulty:** [Medium](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/faq/trails/trail-difficulty.html) * **Ascents:** 360 m * **Hiking Time:** Approximately 5 to 6 hours * Starting & Finishing point: [Tring Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4muZfRQbbEUzbBGh8) * Starting point: Tring at 9:51 am We'll trek along an open ridge to **[Ivinghoe Beacon](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon)**, pass through peaceful forests, and end in a charming village. **Price**: £12 (without transport) If you’d like to include train tickets, please book directly on our website: https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/ivinghoe-beacon-a-panoramic-walk-saturday.html **Note:** Don’t worry if the attendee list looks small — we also sell tickets on other platforms and our website! Got questions? Call or text **Maria** at **07535 295739**.

Monday 7pm casual football at a great 3G football pitch next to Stratford and Leyton stations - 1 hour game - Normal 11 a-side rules - No shouting, no aggressive behavior - Book your spot online via Footy Addicts website - www.footyaddicts.com (http://www.footyaddicts.com/) ------------------------------------ All bookings are managed via Footy Addicts website ONLY! footyaddicts.com We do not use Meetup any more to manage our attendance list. Please sign up on Footy Addicts and confirm your attendance online!

**🥾Hike Details** **• Distance:** 26 km **• Hiking Time:** Approx. 6-7 hours **• Grade:** Moderate **• Ascent:** 360 m **• Pace:** Steady (we aim for 4 kms/hour) with breaks for lunch and photos **• Cost:** £33 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets) **👣 Hike Description** **Hertfordshire’s rolling countryside** takes centre stage on this beautiful circular hike through **chalk hills, ancient villages**, and peaceful river valleys just **west of Hitchin.** This varied route blends open farmland, shaded green lanes, woodland paths, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the Chilterns. We begin near the **historic market town of Hitchin,** known for its medieval roots, **Tudor buildings,** and long-standing market square. Soon after, we pass the impressive **St Mary's Church (12th century and largely developed during the 14th–15th centuries)** Hitchin, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire, before heading into open countryside and climbing gently towards the Chiltern edge. The route continues over farmland and along ancient paths before descending into the striking chalk landscapes of **Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve,** a designated **AONB** known for its flower-rich grasslands, rare wildlife, and sweeping valley views. In the afternoon, we follow the **historic Icknield Way** to the **village of Pirton,** where remnants of **a Norman motte-and-bailey castle** and a deserted medieval settlement reveal layers of local history. We then continue through Oughtonhead Common, a tranquil wet woodland reserve following the crystal-clear chalk stream of the River Oughton and back in Hitchin’s old town. **🌟Highlights:** * **Chiltern Hills views & rolling farmland** * **Pegsdon Hills chalk downlands NNR** * **Ancient Icknield Way & historic Pirton** * **St Mary’s Church (12th–15th century origins)** * **Hitchin medieval market town history** **📍⏰Meeting Point & Time** **Location:** London Kings Cross Rail Station next to main ticket office **Depart:** Meet us 08:50 am, we leave 09:10 am for 09:27 am train **Return:** 06:31 pm Back in London Kings Cross (commitment required until then). **Your guide:** Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader **On-the-day contact:** 07788 839784 (available on hike day only) **🎒What to Bring** \- Sturdy hiking boots \- Water & packed lunch/snacks \- Weather\-appropriate clothing \(layers\, windbreaker\) \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\) \- Optional: camera\, walking poles **What not included:** Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses. **By booking and attending this event, you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATwisQ4GPE0KszBmFVy8wK4thfCKKlGF/view?usp=sharing)** **© 2026 Outdoorly Adventures Ltd. All rights reserved**

**Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 10: Wye to Folkstone.** 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 👉 [Find events and groups | WeRoad](https://www.weroad.com/wemeet/events?cityName=London&countryCode=GB&lat=51.507200&lng=-0.127500) (the event 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** You’ll find stunning views and steep ascents along this section of the walk. Your first ascent will take you to the Wye Crown and one of the most important and stunning sections of the trail. This very spot witnessed the official opening of the North Downs Way in 1978. Along the way to Folkestone you’ll pass the striking drop of the Devil’s Kneading Trough National Nature Reserve, a great crevice which is the deepest of the dry combes in the area. The trail bursts out onto the coast above the Channel Tunnel terminal looking across Folkestone to the English Channel. * **MEET:** 08.30am, London Bridge. We'll catch the 08.43 train to Wye. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from alternative stations. * **STARTING POINT**: Wye 10.03 * **ENDING POINT**: Folkstone Station (around 4.30-5pm) **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!

TO BOOK please [click here](https://www.eurocycleadventures.com/bookandpayment/p/ukdaytrip) **Overview:** Join us on an awesome cycle day trip visiting Epping Forest famed for its woodland, grassland, heaths, rivers, bogs and many ponds. Here we undertake some fun cycling along the many cycle trails that cross the ancient forest while enjoying the fresh air and nature. Expect some great cycling with easy undulations and marked off-road routes. We also cycle the dedicated cycle path along the Lee River featuring locks and great traffic free cycling in a nature reserve. All in all a fun day out awaits! **Highlights:** * Scenic woodland of Epping Forest with nice villages and pubs. * Lee River dedicated cycle path with marshlands and wildlife * London Olympic Games Park. See the iconic stadium and velodrome * Meet new people and have f * Packed lunch provided **Starts:** Stratford: Olympic stadium under the Orbit @ 10am **Total Distance:** 48km **Terrain and Elevation**: Most of the paths are easy/medium to cycle but expect some off road paths that can be muddy depending on weather. The Lee River cycle path is flat for 15km. Epping Forest has some flat riding however there are some challenging uphill sections (see route map). For this day trip we recommend a mountain or bike or hybrid bike. Please ensure you have grip on your tyres **Surface and Waytypes:** • 54% Gravel, 46% Paved • 44% On-road, 56% trails and cycleways **Route Map:** https://www.komoot.com/tour/2971484685?ref=itd&share_token=aQvX5eFrHFFvGrgd690k1uG64BuxAyekDXHlfw7twP2yPf5TA9&ref=its **Logistics:** Meet at the Orbit in the Olympic Park at 10.00am. We then cycle north along the River Lee cycle path. After 15km we turn off near Ponders End which offers a gateway to Epping Forest. We cycle north east through Epping Forest and take some breaks and have lunch. We then turn back for home along a different route **What to Bring:** Water bottle, money for food and refreshments, snacks, all cycling equipment (bicycle, bike lock, compulsory bike helmet, cycle jacket, sunglasses, warm gloves and suitable activity footwear/clothing - no jeans please) **What we bring for you:** Lunch provided (there is also a without lunch option), fully guided, all repair equipment including pump, first aid spares and good vibes! **Payment:** £20 includes lunch (£15 for the first 5 people), £7.50without lunch **https://www.eurocycleadventures.com/bookandpayment/p/ukdaytrip** **Important:** Please ensure your bike is in good working order. Regular maintenance such as lubricating chain, checking tyre pressure and braking are strongly recommended. Also, whilst you can achieve extended distance on bike, please ensure you have adequate physical preparation for the ride. Regular cycling, gym sessions or other cardiovascular training is recommended. Please contact us for further advice if required. It'll be an adventure! Alex, James and Kelvin Eurocycle Adventures

**🎟 Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot 🎟** Looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature? Our fully guided, women-only day hikes offer the perfect chance to explore awesome landscapes, connect with like-minded adventurers, and discover the great outdoors—all within easy reach of London. Whether you're trekking through rolling hills, lush woodlands or tranquil river banks, these hikes promise fresh air, epic views, and a rewarding day in the countryside. We’re thrilled to bring back three of our favorite adventures this year: the Wendover Loop, the Balcombe Loop, and the Epping Forest hike! So join us on one (or all!) of these fantastic walks and let nature work its magic—leaving you refreshed, inspired, and connected. **🌿 Location** 🦉 **Balcombe Loop (17km) A Scenic Escape around the Ardingly Reservoir** Leave the city behind as we hike through woodlands and farmland, making our way towards the Ouse Valley Viaduct and around the banks of Ardingly Reservoir, a haven for nature lovers. Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing café or pub stop before heading home. 📍 Balcombe Train Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Easy to moderate, Comfortable pace (3-4 km/hr) **✨ Why Join Us?** ✔ Fully guided hikes - book your spot, then just show up and enjoy the adventure ✔ Women-only walks, fostering connection and camaraderie ✔ Explore stunning countryside without the hassle of planning ✔ Unplug, recharge, and embrace the great outdoors Each route is easily accessible by train, so you can ditch the rat race and dive straight into nature with minimal effort. Come along and discover just how much wild beauty exists just outside London! 📅 Limited Spots Available—Reserve Yours Now! **Full Event Details: [Guided Hikes and Wildlife Walks UK](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot. **🔒 Gutsy Girls Ltd is a fully insured travel company.** **✅** If you'd like to join our adventures, you must book via our website. We don't monitor the comments on Meetup events. **➡️** Book Your Spot **[HERE](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** **🐻 Why Gutsy Girls?** Gutsy Girls connects women through outdoor adventures, nature, and sports. Whether you're new to adventure or a seasoned explorer, we offer fun, friendly and supportive environments where every woman feels welcome. **🙌 Solo Adventures Welcome** Designed for solo travellers—90% join alone and find lifelong friends. If solo travel sounds daunting, don't worry! Our team ensures your journey is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. **⭐️ Highly Recommended** Don't just take our word for it; we've been recognised by the Guardian, The Times, and Stylist and more! Check out our 5-star reviews on **[Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/gutsygirls.co.uk)** **🌍** Check out more of our adventures **[here](https://gutsygirls.co/3ITdPMN)** Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gutsygirls_/)**

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

BIKE RIDE TO SUNBURY Dust off your bikes, pump up your tires, and get out and ride. • When: Saturday, May 30, 10AM • Where: Leaving from the Westerville Library, 126 S. State Street, 43081 ◦ Meet at East side of parking lot by the playground. Trip Itentiary • 20 miles round trip • Ride to Sunbury, stop for lunch (Location TBD), then ride back to the Westerville Library • All skill levels welcome Contact: Therese Butz (614-561-1976), Art Kahn (614-370-5246) Columbus Ski Club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.