FREE Outdoor Trips From London

Join us for a challenging but rewarding 15-mile circular hike starting and finishing at Woldingham station, taking in some of the finest scenery along the North Downs.

This route combines steep climbs, rolling ridges, and sweeping valley views – perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and enjoy a good workout in the Surrey countryside. We’ll follow a mix of woodland trails, chalky downland paths, and open fields, with plenty of ups and downs along the way.

Highlights include:

Panoramic views across the North Downs escarpment.

Picturesque stretches through ancient woodland and quiet farmland.

There will be several steep ascents that will get the heart pumping – but worth it for the vistas at the top!

We’ll walk at a steady pace with breaks to catch our breath, take in the views, and stop for a packed lunch en route. Expect a full-day hike with a fair bit of elevation – good fitness and sturdy footwear are recommended.
This walk is not suitable for beginner hikers!!

Distance: 15 miles (24 km)
Terrain: Hilly, with steep ascents and descents, a mix of trails and tracks
Start/Finish: Woldingham station (easy access from London)
Duration: Approx. 7–8 hours including breaks

This is a sociable walk with plenty of opportunity to chat while enjoying the landscape. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge and some spectacular countryside, this hike is for you!

Meet at Woldingham rail station outside the station. I will join the train at Clapham junction so will meet you all at Woldingham.

Outward travel: Get the 09:21 train from London Victoria to Woldingham arr 09:55. Buy a day return ticket to Woldingham , the cost should be £9.35 with a groupsave or network railcard.

Walk starts at 10am from Woldingham station.

Walk ends at approx 17:30 at Woldingham station.

Please don't buy any tickets in advance in case I have to make changes to the schedule.

We will walk at a medium pace although the finish time may vary depending on the speed of the group.
We will do a pub stop around half way, might not have time to order food so bring a packed lunch/sandwiches.

How to join?

• The walk is entirely free of charge;
• You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
• Please answer the RSVP question; Guests with missing or incorrect answers will be removed from the list!

What to bring

• Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended
• Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk
• Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy
• Spare socks
• Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-)
• Yourself...
• ...and your camera!
• Cash for train ticket
• Cash for pub at the end of the walk?

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-)
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.
As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

Any questions, feel free to ask below or send a private message!

When two Kings arrange to carve up another King's territories without consulting the ailing King or his ministers, it's fortunate to be able to call upon someone like John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough to help sort out the resulting melee.

As any hiker knows, marshy ground is onerous and slow to cross. On this day in 1706, the astute Duke ensured he wasn't the one in the marsh at Ramillies in the Spanish Netherlands.

No marshy ground will hinder today's walk visiting Windsor's exotic valley gardens, before passing by Cumberland Lodge where the Duke was able to end his retirement. Finally, a stretch of the Thames ends our tour.

TRAVEL: Take the 9.48 train from London Waterloo to EGHAM. Walk starts 10.30 am from EGHAM station. Walk ends at STAINES.

The organiser will be standing from 9.30 am in front of the ticket office at Waterloo to act as a focal point for people to arrange Groupsave tickets.

Buy an off peak single to EGHAM £5.75 with Groupsave or a Network card and the return single from STAINES is £4.90.

How to join?

• The walk is entirely free of charge;
• You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-)
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel and (if required) accommodation - this gives everyone the freedom and choice to join from wherever they want and stay wherever they want. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.
We advise not to buy tickets until the day. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

The Alpine orogeny crowned Europe's champions league of heights, and while creating the Alps, Pyrenees and Carpathians was also gently leaving its tectonic touch as far away as the landscape north of London. Among its furthest reaches, remote hamlets nestle in undulating valleys.

Four summit viewpoints are visited by this walk, each with a triangulation pillar. The highest is 139m / 450ft asl - truly alpine 😀

Three villages: Arkesden boasts a Norman church and 16th-C hall. Clavering a Norman castle. And Newport its 14th-C Monks Barn. Look out for the brightly coloured Cutte family with their many children. Arkesden offers the Square & Compasses. Clavering the Fox & Hounds.

TRAVEL
Take the 09:11 from Liverpool Street to NEWPORT (also calls at Seven Sisters 09:40).
Walk starts Newport station 10:40, where the organiser will meet you. Circular walk

From Liverpool Street an off-peak day return to NEWPORT is £16.55 with a Network card or Groupsave

However (from Liverpool St only) if you buy an off-peak day return to Cambridge (which is further still along the train line) it is only £12.55 with Network Railcard or Groupsave - don't forget to alight the train at NEWPORT. I should add that because of engineering work around Cambridge (which won't affect you) internet algorithms are reluctant to show this fare. So you may need to buy at the station counter😏

How to join?

• The walk is entirely free of charge;
• You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
• What to bring
• Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended
• Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk
• Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy
• Spare socks
• Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-)
• Yourself...
• ...and your camera!
• Cash for train ticket
• Cash for pub at the end of the walk?

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.
As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.