What we’re about
Trails and Ales is a friendly and welcoming hiking group for anyone who wants to explore the great outdoors, discover new trails, and enjoy the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, you’ll find encouragement, good company, and plenty of awe-inspiring views.
Lace up—your 2026 adventures start with the North Downs Way!
The North Downs Way can be enjoyed at any time of the year. There are big hills and some steep climbs along the way, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the High Weald, Kent Downs and Surrey Hills.
If this sounds like it’s for you come and join me and complete the whole trail over a series of 12 day hikes January – June 2026. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.
The North Downs Way comes with it's own beer passport and brewery map so sampling Kentish Ales at local watering holes after the hike will be well deserved!
Communication
Join the WhatsApp group so we can keep in touch in the run up and on the day – please ensure you join the WhatsApp group via the link in the event pages to receive all of the info and join in the chat.
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 page and communicated via the Whats App group. Indicative train times below – subject to any rail timetable changes.
Kit
Please note that 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.
I would recommend decent hiking shoes and lots of layers. You will be responsible for bringing your own kit, any personal medications, and food/ snacks/ drinks.
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!)
Other Information
These walks will not be a race to be accessible to as many people as possible, that said I will be conscious of finishing the walk at a time which gives us opportunity to try the local ales at the end of the walk at a local pub.
RSVP and Fees
If you rsvp and can no longer attend, please amend your booking or inform me on the whatsapp so others on the wait list can come.
Walks are restricted to max 20 people to ensure that we have a pleasant walk, get to know each other and walk at a pace which suits the ability of the group.
Fees are charged at a modest £8 per walk to cover organiser time, costs include a finishers certificate for those who complete the entire walk distance.
Fees are strictly non-refundable unless the event is cancelled
See the Events pages for the details of each walk.
Upcoming events
1
- £8.00
Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 1 Farnham to Guildford 17km
Clapham Junction, St John's Hill, Greater London, London, GBSmash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 1: Farnham to Guildford.
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.
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
3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiS5uhHdqSQ7SqMbC3v5J0
Details:
- This hike is 17km long, with a peaceful, relatively flat, linear walk.
- MEET: 08:00am, Clapham Junction. We'll catch the 08:16 train to Farnham (08.08 from Waterloo). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding at Waterloo.
- STARTING POINT: Farnham Station, 09:17am
- ENDING POINT: Guildford Station (around 3.30-4pm)
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!1 attendee
