Trails

Let's go with the flow and do this amazing 8 to 9 mile walk in the stunning Berkshire countryside - lakes, commons and lovely country lanes ! Things to bring : packed lunch, water, snacks etc and waterproof jacket and walking shoes/boots/trainers. We shall buy group train tickets at 12.30pm for the 1pm train that arrives at Crowthorne at 2.12pm after changing trains at Guildford. Train ticket: Return to Crowthorne Or you may decide to drive. You should have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity and be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour. We shall stop at a pub some time during the walk. Likely train back from Sandhurst at 6.09pm that arrives in London at around 7.20pm after changing at Guildford. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no is 07714250849.

*Since 2009, 15‑40 men meet in a warm, inclusive space near Leicester Square to meditate, relax and make friends. No experience needed – we guide you step‑by‑step, and seasoned meditators are welcome.* **Why gay‑men choose this space** * **Safety & belonging** – a private, affirming environment where you can be yourself without judgment, the core need identified by LGBTQ‑focused mindfulness programmes . * **Minority‑stress relief** – mindfulness reduces the chronic stress that many gay, bi and queer men face, boosting self‑acceptance and emotional regulation . * **Community‑driven growth** – connecting with others who share similar experiences lowers isolation and fosters resilience. [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. **What you’ll get** * **Breath‑work & gratitude tools** – instant stress relief and mood lift. * **Guided meditations** that develop emotional intelligence, self‑compassion and resilience. * **Trauma‑informed compassion practices** – self‑compassion exercises and body‑scan work to ease reactivity and promote safety. * **A supportive peer community** – improve social skills and build lasting friendships. **Evening flow (7 pm‑9 pm)** 1️⃣ Grounding movement & body‑scan 2️⃣ First guided meditation (focused attention or self‑compassion) 3️⃣ 20‑minute tea break for informal chat 4️⃣ The second meditation changes week by week and follows a rotating weekly theme (loving‑kindness, self‑compassion, gratitude, etc.) **Practical details** * **When:** Every Monday (doors 6:45 pm, meditation 7 pm) – we run the session even if there are no Meetup RSVP. No booking required - just turn up. * **Where:** 52 Saint Martins Lane, WC2N 4EA (near Leicester Square/Charing Cross) * **Seating:** Chairs provided; mats & cushions available for floor sitting. **Teacher** Nick – 30 years of practice and 7 years as a Buddhist monk, teaching from a non‑reactive, freedom‑focused perspective. **Fees** * **First‑timer:** £10 * **Regular:** £16 per session * **Concessions:** £13 (students, low‑income, refugees, disability support – ask on arrival) **Join us** [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. “The connection here is transformative – stress‑free, supportive, genuinely inclusive.” – member testimonial.

**PLEASE READ: Advanced booking is required via our website [https://www.silverfit.org.uk/nordic-walking-sessions](https://www.silverfit.org.uk/nordic-walking-sessions)/ we do not use Meet Up as a means for sign up. Please DO NOT just turn up to this session.** Activity: Nordic Walking at Docklands Where and when: Mondays 10am, Meet at Bellucci Cafe inside Decathlon - Canada Water (https://www.thelodge.cafe/[https://www.thelodge.cafe/](https://www.thelodge.cafe/)) Price: £3 when booking on TicketTailor Benefits of Nordic Walking: The fitness and health benefits of Nordic Walking are significantly greater than regular walking, trekking or even jogging, with scientific research from Europe and the USA proving that Nordic Walking: Activates 90% of the body's muscles Burns up to 46% more calories than regular walking Increases aerobic effect by up to 25% compared to regular walking Decreases load and strain on the lower body Tones upper arms, shoulders and back muscles Improves lateral mobility of the spine Develops core stability and strength Promotes an upright posture These benefits are achieved through the use of specially designed poles and a properly learned and performed Nordic Walking technique, whereby the poles are used as a resistance tool to engage the upper body. The result is a low impact, high results, total body exercise. As a low impact walking exercise, Nordic Walking is something that can be done and enjoyed individually or as a group activity, anywhere a person can normally walk. *** For more information about this session please email the Project Manager at - **info@silverfit.org.uk** Learn more about **Silverfit Charity** on our website [www.silverfit.org.uk](http://www.silverfit.org.uk/)

Free English lessons in London taught by our trainee teachers! **[Register Here](https://www.dcteachertraining.com/london-free-english-lessons)** Location: St Giles London Central, 154 Southampton Row, WC1B 5JX (Nearest Tube: Russell Square) Levels available each day: A1 / Elementary A2 / Pre-intermediate B1 / Intermediate B2 / Upper Intermediate All lessons 13:50 - 16:00 (Lessons for adults only - 18 years+) We can't wait to welcome you to the English lessons!

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **Glass Mill Leisure Centre, 41 Loampit Vale, Lewisham, SE13 7FT** **at 6:45pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 7:00pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:45pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-afternoons-52/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-flip-lid-dovetail-box-6-afternoons-52/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Suitable for:** Confident beginners **Course length:** 6 weeks – afternoons **Dates:** See below for individual dates/times **Key tools:** Marking tools, hand saws, chisels, hand planes **Project:** Flip-lid dovetail box **Details:** An absorbing five-week course for confident beginners and an enjoyable learning experience for anyone with a little woodworking experience. Using a fusion of hardwood and softwood, this five-week course will teach you the fundamentals of woodwork and give you an opportunity to use classic hand tools; brass-backed tenon saws, sharp wood chisels and delicately honed vintage wood planes. This well-proportioned flip-lidded box is constructed of European redwood using a single dovetail joint at each corner and the fitted hardwood lid is attached to the base by a handmade ‘dowel’ peg hinge. The project will familiarise learners with many classic woodwork techniques and is taught with patience and enthusiasm by Andy Nicholl, who has devised this informative and challenging project. You will take home a treasure to treasure- and we hope it will enthuse you to learn how to make many handmade woodwork projects in the years to come. If your keyboard-weary hands have been needing the skill to fulfil and satisfy a yearning desire to create something you can hold, come and join us in our well-equipped and inspiring workshops and discover the wonderful world of woodwork. **Key skills:** * Measuring marking and cutting dovetail joints to make an accurate framed box. * Planing and shaping a hardwood lid to fit the softwood frame base. * Making and fitting a hardwood dowel joint to attach the frame base to the lid.

A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games. Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it. We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different. Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before. Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part! Who knew getting fit could be this fun? **HOW TO BOOK**: **It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below**; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** We play every: * Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesdays in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00 - 13:00) We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than meetup might suggest. Sign up at: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

Walk length 15miles/24km approx. Circular. A scenic hike exploring a route through fields and woodland to Cholesbury and the site of Cholesbury Fort an Iron Age hill fort. Some of this route also follows the Ridgeway Britain's oldest trail. Lunch & Finish Please bring a snack lunch and water for the walk. The walk should finish before 6pm (the time finishing may be earlier than this depending on the weather and pace) and includes a pack lunch stop (probably close to a pub. We will go for optional final drinks at the end of the walk in Wendover, the pub is close to the station. Meeting The walks starts at Wendover Rail station at 10.50am after the train from London arrives. THIS HIKE IS CONSIDERABLE IN LENGTH WITH UNDULATING HILLY COUNTRYSIDE, PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THIS. Cost: £5 cash payable on the day (guided walk & meetup costs. You can do paypal [colin45@hotmail.co.uk,](http://colin45@hotmail.co.uk,/) please send as friends and family to avoid charges, for bank transfer please message the organizer. Train: £18 approx return to Wendover from London Marylebone with a group save or network railcard. Train from London: The 9.57am train from London Marylebone gets to Wendover for 10.46am. If coming from London I suggest meeting close to the WHSmiths from 9.30am to give you time to get tickets as you may have to queue (see picture below). Discounts available with network railcard or a groupsave. The organizer will not be getting the train, but will meet you at Wendover. Car: Car parking at Wendover station is not free but some side roads are such as Dobbins Lane. Please make a note of the organizers number Colin 07709305681 Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/Terms_and_Conditions/) COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

**🥾Hike Details** **• Distance:** 16 km **• Hiking** Time: Approx. 5-6 hours **• Grade:** Easy/Moderate **• Ascent:** 290 m **• Pace:** Steady with breaks for lunch and photos **• Cost:** £31 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets) **👣 Hike Description** Escape the city and join us for a rewarding **summer hike** through some of Kent’s most picturesque countryside. This route combines historic landmarks, peaceful woodland trails, rolling farmland, and breathtaking views across the Kent Downs. Starting in Sevenoaks, we begin by walking through the **famous deer park surrounding Knole House.** The expansive parkland is home to hundreds of **free-roaming deer** and offers a wonderful mix of open landscapes and ancient trees. During summer, the park is at its most vibrant, with lush greenery stretching across the estate. Leaving Knole behind, we continue through quiet fields and woodland paths, following scenic trails through the heart of the Kent countryside. Along the way, we'll pass through areas of traditional coppiced woodland before arriving at the **magnificent Ightham Mote.** This rare moated manor house, dating back nearly seven centuries, is one of the most impressive historic buildings in southeast England. From here, the route joins one of the finest sections of the **Greensand Way.** The trail gradually climbs the **Kent Downs escarpment,** revealing increasingly impressive views across the Weald. On clear summer days, the panoramic vistas extend for miles, making this one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the region. Our route eventually returns through Knole Park and **Knole House(mid-15th century),** offering a final chance to enjoy the parkland and observe the resident deer before finishing the hike. **🌟Highlights:** **• Knole House deer park** **• Lavender fields in bloom** **• Ightham Mote** 14th-century moated manor house **• Spectacular Greensand Way views** **• Woodland and countryside trails** **• Great photography opportunities** **📍⏰Meeting Point & Time** **Location:** London Bridge Rail Station next to main ticket office **Depart**: Meet us 09:30 am, we leave 09:50 am for 10:05 am train **Return:** 05:52 pm Back in London (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. Completing the Canterbury Loop - Canterbury to Wye.** 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** This section completes the ‘Canterbury Loop’ – you may have noticed we’ve taken the long way to Canterbury via the coastline – saving the ultimate pinnacle of pilgrimage to the end of our walk but on this section, you can complete the NDW trail in its entirety. From historic Canterbury we trace the paths of pilgrims who would have been walking in the opposite direction – into Canterbury. We leave the majestic cathedral behind and head into the expanse of No Mans Orchard and toward St Dunstan’s Church where weary travellers once paused to pray before making the final approach to Canterbury. Passing an Iron Age Hillfort dating back to 54BC and through The King’s Wood, a 1500 acres site that is dotted with incredible art sculptures - much of this section of the trail is where robbers once prayed on pilgrims. The Pilgrims Way was originally the track which served many travellers on their way to commemorate the death of Thomas Becket. However, the track later became the subject of Chaucer’s satirical Canterbury Tales. 212 years after Becket’s death, this trek had begun to be associated with leisure and sin rather than penance. As we continue we pass from one chocolate-box village to another, through the medieval village square of Chilham, flanked by Chilham Castle and half-timbered buildings, historic All Saints Church in Boughton Aluph, Perry Court Farm and beautiful farmland to finish in Wye. * **MEET:** 08.30, London Bridge. We'll catch the 08:43 train to Canterbury West. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals. * **STARTING POINT**: Canterbury West 10.19 * **ENDING POINT**: Wye (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!

Ready for a summer adventure with your fellow **Spartans**? We’re heading to **Switzerland** for a weekend you won’t forget. Picture this: mountain trails, a stunning lake, fresh alpine cheese, and our classic Spartan goodbye with local cider. Let’s go! We’ll fly out from **London to Zurich on Friday**, hop on a scenic train through the Alps, and hike a short path to our base for the weekend — a peaceful **hostel right by Seealpsee lake**. * **Day 1** – Arrival and **walk by the lake** * **Day 2** – **[Alpstein Geological Trail](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/seealpsee-alpstein-trail-hiking-weekend-switzerland "Alpstein Geological Trail")** (16 km) * **Day 3** – **Waterfalls** and a proper **Spartan goodbye** ### Price & Payment The total price for this **3-day alpine adventure** is: £550 **Pay now the deposit** to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due one month before the event. ***  Klarna. Now, you can pay in installments. Make your adventure affordable: **Pay in 3 interest-free payments**, thanks to **Klarna**! For this option of payment, go directly to our website: https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/seealpsee-alpstein-trail-in-the-swiss-alps-2027.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**.

**WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **23.5 km** (c.14.6miles) Ascent: c. **555m** Estimated Duration (approx): **7 hours walking** Difficulty: **Energetic** Group size: 18-20 hikers **DESCRIPTION** *This walk is on paths less travelled over South Downs rolling hills with fantastic views along the way. There is an optional sea swim at the end for those who want to cool off after a good day’s walk.* From the small town of Berwick nestled on the foot of the South Downs and home to the Bloomsbury painted church - to the sea for a swim at the wide Seaford Bay - its a promising day a of a mix of woodlands, arable fields, wild flowers, ancient hill carvings, climbs and remote paths. **HIGHLIGHT** We will be walking from Berwick to Bishopstone and discovering: * An artistic church painted by the 1960’s Bloomsbury Group * Sitting on top of the Long Man of Wilmington with stupendous views * The smallest church in the Sussex & Lullington Heath Nature Reserve * A quaint riverside pub for a well earned refreshment on Cuckmere River * Getting up close to the White Horse carved into the hillside * Walking on off-the-beaten-paths with wild plants and buzzing insects * Optional sea swim in magnificent Seaford bay. **DESCRIPTION** This is a beautiful part of Sussex, with fantastic views, quaint villages and pubs, rolling hills and ancient hill carvings. The morning will be filled with meandering over arable fields, visiting a stunning church and sitting on top of the Long Man of Wilmington for great views (where we will have a picnic lunch). As we meander into the afternoon, we follow the contours of the downs into a nature reserve, Sussex’s smallest church, down to the river for a well earned pub stop, before we head over the hills on remote paths for a sea swim at Bishopstone at Seaford Bay. *ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history, and look at interesting buildings along the way.* **PROGRAMME** You can choose to **meet at London Victoria or the Hike Starting Point**. The applicable time and meeting points are detailed below. **MEETING POINT:** We will assemble beside Nero's and by Neil Yards Remedies opposite the Information Desk **LONDON STATION MEETING DETAILS** **Assembly Time:** by 08.15 - for those looking to come in on the Group Save by 08.30 - for people who have their own tickets as we move to the train 08.46 - train departs 10.24 - train arrives **HIKE START POINT** Leave at: **10.30** Meetup Point: **Berwick Train Station** \- outside the front **RETURN** It is impossible to promise a specified finish train and time, but we aim to return to London on the **18.02 (arrival 19.33)** if you are not swimming. There are trains at 02mins (via Lewes) and 32mins (via Brighton) past the hour with various travel/ arrival times if we don’t make this train. **HIKE COST** The cost for the hike is £12 per person. **TRAIN INFORMATION** For those buying their own tickets, please get a **return to BISHOPSTONE & a single from LEWES TO BERWICK.** **GROUP SAVE** Group save train fare is **£24.90 for return to Bishopstone** & **£3.90 for the single from Lewes to Berwick -** if you want to join, please message me. Alternatively, you can buy a Network Railcards for £35/ year for similar off peak savings. www.network-railcard.co.uk. **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)complete list[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). 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 London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

I am taking you to a stunning place less than an hour away from London in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Ouse Valley. We will climb a couple of hills, walk pass a stunning lake and historical buildings and of course, the star of the day, the famous Balcombe viaduct where you will have some time for your new favourite insta- photo! Although I can never predict how early or late the autumn colours will be at their peak, we should have a good idea and hopefully a wonderful show of colours around the reservoir and the viaduct. Located between Haywards Heath and Balcombe, Ouse Valley Viaduct offers quite the dramatic view. A structural marvel, the viaduct was originally built in 1838 to carry the London-Brighton line over the River Ouse. It has been estimated that around 11 million bricks were used in construction. Once a treat known only to locals, it is now an Instagram hotspot! This will be a unique experience with everything you can dream of; nature, architecture, history and amazing pics of you in a very cool place. As always, this day will be filled with fun and we will probably end up at a restaurant or pub for some more fun. So click the book button and join me in this gorgeous place. INFORMATION COST: £15 via PayPal for the guide's fee About £15 in cash for the train, we will have a 35% discount with a group saver if we buy our train tickets together and will get an off peak day return meaning that we do not actually pay for the return journey. INCLUDED: Guided trip The photographs that I will have taken on the day and that I will share on the WhatsApp group. A great time with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Train Anything not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. MEETING POINT: London Bridge station at 9 am,. I will send the location when I am there. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection to any of our trips and this without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationality, people of all ages, sex and political believes and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our side, you will be fully refunded.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Meet at the Maple Grove picnic area for a 4 mile hike at 18 min/mile pace.

Meet at the Nature Center parking lot at Blendon Woods to hike the Sugarbush, Hickory Ridge, Overlook, and Brookside trails approximately 4 miles at 18 min/mile pace.

Meet at the parking lot closest to the playground at 2319 Quarry Trails Drive. We’ll hike 3-4 miles at a 17 minute pace. No one left behind. Optional lunch afterward.

The only Metro Park with a fire tower! **History** [Scioto Grove Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/) officially became the 19th park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system when it opened to the public on May 6, 2016. Located along a scenic bend of the Scioto River in Grove City, just south of Columbus, the 620-acre park was designed to blend preservation with modern recreation. Long before it became a park, this river corridor served as a vital footpath and trade route for Indigenous communities. Decades later, the mature forests and dramatic river bluffs caught the eye of conservationists looking to expand regional green spaces. The grand opening was a major milestone, drawing over 19,000 visitors in its very first weekend. The creation of the park was made possible through a sequence of land acquisitions and strong community partnerships. In October 2009, Franklin County voters approved a critical property tax levy that funded the initial purchase of 66 acres. Shortly after, the City of Grove City generously donated nearly 193 acres of land, previously known as Talbot Park, to anchor the project. Additional parcels were acquired using state grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, successfully closing the gap between properties by December 2012. This collaborative funding model ensured that pristine wilderness areas remained completely protected from commercial development. From its inception, the park aimed to introduce innovative amenities to the regional park system, most notably the concept of "urban backpacking". Through a key partnership with the outdoor gear retailer REI Co-op, the park established the scenic REI River Trail. This trail features five rustic, reservation-only campsites along the river, specifically designed to give newcomers a safe place to practice backpacking close to home. Additionally, planners prioritized making the park fully pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs across all trails and areas. This open-pet policy uniquely distinguished Scioto Grove from many other traditional Columbus Metro Parks. As the park grew in popularity, community members established special commemorative landmarks to honor local lives. In June 2019, a dedicated memorial garden was unveiled near the park entrance in memory of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student. The serene space features a central pond bordered by bright blue flowers, representing her favorite color. A primary buckeye tree stands alongside a dedicated plaque, surrounded by four additional buckeye trees to represent her immediate family members. This addition transformed a portion of the park into a meaningful place for community reflection, healing, and peace. The historical depth of the park took a significant leap forward with the relocation of a massive piece of Ohio history. In August 2023, Metro Parks officially unveiled the Keystone Forest Lookout Tower, which had been carefully moved from Jackson County, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1942 by the Aermotor Windmill Company, the 82-foot-tall metal structure spent decades guarding southern Ohio’s vast forests from devastating wildfires. Workers painstakingly disassembled, re-galvanized, and reassembled the historic landmark at Scioto Grove. Today, visitors can climb its 111 steep steps to experience a panoramic view stretching all the way to the downtown Columbus skyline. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Scioto Grove](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SGR-map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** We will hike around 5 miles on the Overlook, REI River, Mingo, and Arrowhead Trails. While the configuration of the trails can lead us to occasionally taking longer hikes than at other parks, Scioto Grove is not generally a very strenuous place to hike. If you use hiking poles and inadvertently forget them, this is not a park where you're likely to end up caring that much. That said, Scioto Grove is one of the better Metro Parks for hiking as well as other things. They are the only Metro Park with five camping areas where you can literally pitch a tent and sleep for the night. You must contact the park and reserve these in advance; they are however free. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet at the Arrowhead Picnic Area, near the restrooms and playground. Arrowhead is the main picnic and parking area of the park, and it also has the only water fountain at Scioto Grove. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Grove City Brewing](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/) for [drinks and food](https://www.grovecitybrewery.com/menu). They have pretty good hamburgers. I was mortified to discover that I've never had their [Grove City Hooyah](https://www.beermenus.com/beers/486553-grove-city-hooyah) before, but I will correct that during this event. The actual address of the brewery is [3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123](https://www.google.com/maps/place/3946+Broadway,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8836912,-83.0919635,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88389b3a28d0f4ad:0x3d85c41f608406c6!8m2!3d39.8836912!4d-83.0919635!16s%2Fg%2F11g8dh6h1_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.