What we’re about
Hey there! Welcome to my hiking group!
This group is for people 18 years old and over.
I set up this group in January 2023. My aim is to organise day hikes so that people can get together and enjoy nature. Beautiful locations such as the Chiltern Hills, Surrey Hills, North and South Downs, Kent, and even the coast, etc are easily reachable from London in a day by train (or car if preferred). Hiking together in the rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and across dramatic and stunning coastlines with a bunch of like-minded people can be a splendid way to make new friends, have fun, explore new places, and improve your fitness.
I’m passionate about the outdoors. I love travelling and hiking – it’s my hobby. I’ve been hiking in Europe, Canada and all over the UK across many years and I’m always looking for the next thrilling adventure.
If you’re alone, don’t worry!
Many hikers turn up by themselves and it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Hikes:
Hikes will vary in distance and ascent. They will typically be in the 14 - 20 km range but some may be shorter or longer. My personal preference is for hikes around the 14 - 16 km range (around 9 - 10 miles) but this is not always possible. I have also introduced leisurely walks in London aimed at exploring and getting to know the city better - these will be shorter in length and duration to my hikes outside London.
There is usually some ascent as when you're in the countryside you are bound to encounter hilly terrain! Some hikes will be more hilly than others - the ascent will be made clear in the hike description. While the hikes should be suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit, please ensure you are comfortable with the distance and ascent; some hikes may not be suitable for beginners.
The hiking time can vary – it would typically be around 4 to 6 hours but it’s very difficult to be specific as it would depend on the specific details of the hike (length/ascent), weather, pace of the group, and duration of our breaks. Some of the longer and challenging hikes will take more time. There could sometimes be the option to grab some refreshments after a hike (e.g. a pub) – this would be optional and may increase the overall duration of the event.
Pace:
We will NOT be marching along the trails - this is not a race to the finish line. We will hike at a reasonable and moderate pace; there will be breaks. If you're a fast walker, this group may not be for you. My aim is to give everyone the opportunity to soak in the views, enjoy nature, wildlife, take pictures and enjoy each other’s company.
So if you're fun, friendly, polite and respectful and looking to make friends and discover new places then please sign up - I look forward to welcoming you!!
RSVP:
Please maintain proper etiquette when signing up to events. Don't just sign up knowing you may change your mind later; in doing so you're taking up space and potentially preventing someone else from coming along. Please sign up only if you're sure you will definitely attend.
Of course sometimes things happen outside your control and so if you need to drop out please remember to change your RSVP immediately. I do not want members in this group who sign up but don't show up or who sign up and regularly drop out by changing their RSVP - you may be removed from my group if I see this type of inconsiderate behaviour.
I do not allow any pets/dogs on group events.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By agreeing to join my group and participate in events, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking and essentially all outdoor activities within this group can be risky; there is a risk of personal injury and even death. All participants must be aware of the risks and accept the risks – participants are responsible for their own safety and actions. I, the organiser, am not responsible or liable in any way. All participants agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Trails of Kent - Sevenoaks, Knole Deer Park, 15kmSevenoaks Station, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1DP£4.00
Visit the town of Sevenoaks in Kent, the Garden of England, and explore the surrounding countryside with its historic houses, landscapes, and villages as old as time. It is the ideal place for a short break away from London and so close to the capital!
As we hike along from Sevenoaks, we'll enter Knole Park, Kent’s last medieval deer park and a tranquil haven where wild fallow deer roam freely (important: please do not attempt to touch or feed the deer). Knole Park is a thriving habitat for the diverse wildlife that have made it their home and it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Experience the history and wildlife of the park, which covers 1,000 acres of woods, parkland, and valleys. The oldest trees in the park date back to the early 1700s. A golf course was included in 1923. The Beatles filmed two music videos in the park - Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane.
Knole House situated within the park is one of England’s largest country houses; its elegance and grandeur will captivate you. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bourchier, acquired Knole in 1456 and turned it into a grand and imposing palace while also establishing the deer park. Knole passed through royalty to the Sackville family, who still live here today. The historic and stately show house encompasses seven acres of roofs and contains around 400 rooms! (Note: Knole house will be closed due to the production of a feature film)
At the end, we could obtain refreshments at a delightful pub in Sevenoaks (optional - it's just a 15min walk to the station from here).
Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
Start time: 9:30am
Start location: Sevenoaks station, Kent (my mobile: 07951673142)
End location: Sevenoaks station
Length: 15km
Ascent: 290m
Time: approx 5-6 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.
Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable moderate pace; we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun, friendly day. You need to be reasonably fit; there is a moderate level of ascent but overall it is suitable for beginners.
Transport (train): The 8:45am direct train from London Charing Cross reaches Sevenoaks station at 9:19am. Check the trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.
What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over. - Leith Hill and Rhododendron Wood (Surrey Hills AONB), 14kmHolmwood, Dorking£4.00
The Surrey landscape was one of the first to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The hills stretch across a quarter of the county of Surrey. The area is rich in wildlife, woodland and attractive market towns and villages.
Our hike will take us past Leith Hill Place, the childhood home of one of England's greatest composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams. We then enter Rhododendron Wood, which was planted in the late 1800s by Caroline Wedgwood, a keen botanist and the elder sister of naturalist Charles Darwin. It contains species from the Himalayas, China and Thailand. In 1944, the wood was bequeathed to the National Trust by Caroline Wedgwood's grandson, Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Today, Rhododendron Wood is a relaxing haven. In May and June, it is in bloom and ablaze with colour. Leith Hill is the highest point on the Greensand Ridge and, at 294m, the second highest point in southeast England. It is a popular picnic spot, with benches where you can relax and soak up the stunning views. On the summit there is an 18th century Gothic tower. The top of the tower is officially the highest spot in southeast England at 1029ft (313m) - on a good day it is said that you can see many London landmarks such as the Shard, etc. There is a panoramic vista across Surrey and Sussex to the sea some 30 miles distant.
When we leave the tower, we continue through the woods along the ridge and then gradually drop down to complete the loop back to Holmwood station.
Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
Start time: 9:55am
Start location: Holmwood station (my mobile: 07951673142)
End location: Holmwood station
Length: 14km
Ascent: 300m
Time: approx 5 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way.
Pace & Difficulty: a reasonable and moderate pace; we will not zoom along in a mad rush. There will be breaks. The aim is to enjoy being outdoors in nature and have a fun, friendly day. While there is a moderate level of ascent, it is not overly strenuous and overall the hike is suitable for beginners.
Transport (train): The 8:41am direct train from London Victoria reaches Holmwood station at 9:47am. Check the trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.
Transport (car): If you're driving, there is free parking on the side streets close to the station.
What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over. - Henley-on-Thames to Marlow (River Thames, Chiltern Hills and woods), 18.5kmHenley-on-Thames, Henley-on-Thames£4.00
Visit Henley-on-Thames, a beautiful town on the River Thames in Oxfordshire; it has a pretty riverside location next to the Chiltern Hills, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town’s historic heart sits close to the river with many locations designated ‘of special architectural or historical interest’ such as St Mary’s Church and the 18th century stone bridge. Henley is internationally famous for its rowing regatta, the Henley Royal Regatta.
Walk along this beautiful stretch of the river - along the way you're bound to see rowers on the water. As we admire the grand houses along the banks of the Thames, we'll pass a small island in the middle of the river called Temple Island with an elegant ornamental temple constructed in 1771 - it offers a unique fairytale venue for wedding receptions and family parties.
When we reach Hambleden Lock, we come across a long weir with a walkway over it which we use to cross to the other side. The weir has quite a bit of history; it was redeveloped to create a wave with canoeists in mind - a very picturesque river crossing.
The lock is named after the little village of Hambleden, a mile to the north. Our walk continues to this picturesque rural village which is a popular film location, with movie and TV producers coming here often to capture its essence on camera. It's known for films such as Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow (starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Disney's Enchanted sequel (starring Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams) and TV series such as Agatha Christie's Poirot and Amazon's Good Omens (starring David Tennant).
On leaving this charming village, we ascend into the beautiful Chiltern hills, before eventually returning to the river and walking along its banks towards Marlow, soaking up the gorgeous views along the way.
Marlow has a lovely location on the River Thames alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills. The vibrant and charming Georgian market town has a lively town centre made up of historic streets with boutique shops, restaurants, and bistros. The town’s main landmark is its suspension bridge (opened in 1832) spanning the river and joining the counties of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. In the past Marlow became known as a fashionable riverside resort and attracted famous people such as Jerome K. Jerome, T.S. Eliot and Mary Shelley, who completed her masterpiece, Frankenstein, while living here.
Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
Start time: 9:30am
Start location: Henley-on-Thames station (my mobile: 07951673142)
End location: Marlow - Higginson Park SL7 2AE (near the waterfront/suspension bridge). Marlow station is a 10min walk away
Length: 18.5km
Ascent: 150m
Time: approx 6 - 6.5 hrs. It’s not possible to guarantee an exact end time as it depends on the weather, pace of the group, and our breaks along the way.
Pace: relaxed - we will not be zooming along in a mad rush. The aim is to enjoy being outdoors in nature and have a fun, friendly day. There is a bit of an ascent when we reach the hills but nothing too strenuous - overall the hike is suitable for beginners.
Transport (train): The 8.36am train from London Paddington reaches Henley-on-Thames at 9:27am. This is a linear hike so your return to London is from Marlow station. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket.
Transport (car): If you're driving, there are chargeable car parks close to the station. However, as it's Sunday, there should be free parking on the roads around the station (check the signs). After the hike, you'll have to get a cab, bus or train back from Marlow.
Transport (car share): I'll be driving from Ealing, West London and have space for 3 passengers. Please contact me if you'd like to car share.
What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over. - Legendary Seven Sisters coastal hike, 22kmSeaford station, London£4.00
The iconic coastal cliff-top walk from Seaford to Eastbourne - one of the most spectacular and photographed natural landscapes in Britain!
The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk sea cliffs and part of South Downs National Park. They were created when ancient rivers cut valleys into the chalk, creating seven peaks. The cliffs have been sculpted by the erosive power of the sea and weather. On a good day, this sensational hike will dazzle you with its stunning views of the dramatic coastline and scintillating waters of the English Channel with its magnificent hues of blues and greens.
After leaving Seaford, we reach picturesque Cuckmere Haven, a beach at the mouth of the Cuckmere River. This is a popular film location. We will hike inland a bit to get to the other side of the river and then ascend the first of the Seven Sisters hills at the other end of the beach. We then continue our undulating journey to Birling Gap, at the end of Seven Sisters. At the cafe here we will take a break - admire the pebble beach below the backdrop of the breath-taking cliffs.
As we continue, the hike brings us to the decommissioned 19th century Belle Tout Lighthouse at the top edge of the ongoing cliffs - a unique place to stay. Finally we reach Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain at 162m from where we descend to the coast to reach the seafront at Eastbourne.
IMPORTANT RISK WARNING:
The hike takes place along the top of coastal cliffs which are in a state of constant erosion. There is no proper fencing in place. Please keep a very safe distance from the edge. It is extremely dangerous to venture too close to the crumbling cliff edges; there are sheer drops along the hike and any fall will almost certainly be fatal.Cost: £4 organiser fee payable on RSVP
Start time: 10:15am
Start location: the meeting point and start of the hike is from Seaford’s Esplanade Car Park at the seafront (BN25 1JT). On exiting Seaford (Sussex) station, it's a 16min walk to the meeting point at the car park, next to the beach huts and coastal cliffs. My mobile: 07951673142
End location: Eastbourne seafront (the station is a 15-20 min walk away).
Length: 22km
Ascent: 550m
Time: approx 7-8 hrs. It’s not possible to specify what time we'll finish as it depends on the weather, pace of the group and our breaks along the way. Please be prepared to dedicate the entire day as the return time cannot be guaranteed. Enjoy this fantastic day-trip to the coast!
Pace/Difficulty: a reasonable, moderate pace; we will not zoom along in a mad rush. There will be breaks. The aim is to have a fun, friendly day. This is a hilly and challenging hike over a long distance so you need to be very fit.
Transport (train): The 8:24am train from London Victoria reaches Seaford (Sussex) station at 9:48am. Check trains before travel. You could coordinate with other participants and buy a group saver ticket. As this is a linear hike, your return to London is from Eastbourne station.
Transport (car): There is free parking at Seaford’s Esplanade Car Park at the seafront (BN25 1JT) for 12 hours. Park as close to the cliffs as you can, near the beach huts. We'll leave at 10:15am from here. After the hike, you'll have to get a train, bus or cab back from Eastbourne.
What to bring:
Check the weather and bring appropriate gear. A comfortable backpack, waterproof jacket, sufficient food, snacks, and water along with suitable socks and footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are some essentials. Walkways and trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery and boots with ankle support will be useful, as well as hiking poles. Gaitors are handy when its muddy and wet. Carrying waterproof socks in your backpack is a good idea in case your boots get wet from the inside. Don't wear inappropriate clothing such as jeans and sneakers. Remember to carry any medication you may require. If it’s sunny, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER / TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By participating, you confirm you have read, understood and accepted the below, including the full Terms and Conditions
I am NOT a qualified hike leader or first aider.
Hiking, walking, and hill walking carry the risk of personal injury and death. Participants must be aware of, and accept, the risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety and actions and agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events. This group is for people 18 years old and over.
