What we’re about
👋 Welcome to Our Hiking Group!
Escape the city and explore Britain’s beautiful countryside with a friendly community of nature lovers. Whether you are an experienced hiker or taking your first steps on the trail, you will find fresh air, adventure, and good company here.
🌱 About Us
Founded in April 2025, we are a lively group of hikers who enjoy discovering new routes, embracing fresh air, and turning every outing into a shared adventure. Hiking is about more than distance. It is about people, good conversations, and the joy of being outdoors. We step away from busy routines and reconnect with what matters most: nature, friendly faces, and a sense of belonging. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned hikers, as long as the chosen event matches your fitness level.
🤝 How We’re Run
A small team of experienced volunteer hikers runs the group. We research, plan, design, and guide our walks as peers rather than professionals, using our skills and enthusiasm to create enjoyable and safe outings for everyone. As a volunteer community, we organise local UK day hikes only. We do not run or promote overseas trips, multi-day adventures, or events involving payments or travel providers, as these require insurance and legal arrangements that sit outside what a volunteer Meetup group can offer.
✅ Who Can Join
Adults aged 21 and over are welcome. Children and pets are not permitted. Our routes can be long and challenging, and animals may create unpredictable situations that affect group safety.
💰 Cost
All hikes are free. We occasionally help coordinate optional group rail tickets so members can save money on travel. These tickets must be purchased in advance by an organiser, so anyone choosing the group travel option may need to contribute their share of the National Rail group ticket cost. This payment covers travel only. The hike itself is always free, and no organiser receives any profit. If an organiser arranges an optional social event that involves a hotel or venue, a deposit may be required from participants who choose to attend. Refunds depend on whether the provider allows changes or cancellations.
💪 Fitness and Walk Difficulty
We explore trails across London and the surrounding counties, from scenic woodlands to rolling hills and the occasional muddy field. Our hikes typically range from 20 to 25 km, with moderate or steep climbs and an average pace of 4.5 to 5.5 km per hour.
These are not slow or casual walks and require good fitness and confidence on varied terrain. Routes may include uneven ground, mud, slopes, stiles, and narrow paths, so they are not suitable for mobility aids or pushchairs. If you are new to longer hikes please, start with an easier event and build up gradually.
Most hikes start around 10:00, include a 30 to 45 minute lunch break, a few short rest stops, and usually finish by about 16:00.
🗺️ Hike Difficulty Levels
- Easy: up to 12 km, mostly flat
- Easy/Moderate: up to 15 km, some slopes
- Moderate: up to 20 km, mixed terrain, moderate fitness
- Moderate/Strenuous: up to 30 km, steep sections, experienced hikers
- Strenuous: 30+ km, rough terrain, advanced hikers
- 👉 Full grading reference available HERE.
👨👩👧👦 Travel
Most hikes are accessible by rail, and you will need to purchase your own ticket. When possible, we may coordinate group options such as Southern Railway DaySave tickets. If group tickets are used, all participants must travel on the same outbound train. Network Railcards may reduce costs. Members who travel separately are responsible for their own journey and connections.
📍 Meeting Points
Some hikes offer two meeting options: a London station for group travel or the official starting point. Please arrive on time, as the group cannot wait for late arrivals. If you miss the train or the start point, you will need to catch up independently.
🎒 What to Bring
- Packed lunch, snacks, and at least 2L water
- Sturdy hiking boots (required for safety)
- Layers and waterproofs
- A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
- Sun protection
- Personal medication, basic first aid, blister plasters
- Optional walking poles
- Fully charged phone and a head torch
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
- Whistle for emergencies
- Offline maps or GPS
- Some cash or a bank card
👣 Group Size and Staying Together
Group sizes may range from 25 to 50 people. A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to allow the group to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone being left behind.
🚻 Toilets and Facilities
Toilets may be limited on rural routes. Please be prepared for basic or natural toilet situations.
💬 Suggestions and Feedback
We welcome feedback on how we can improve our events. Speak with an organiser or leave constructive comments in the event feedback section.
🌿 Safety and Responsibility
Your safety is your responsibility. Hiking involves risks such as weather, terrain, and injury. Be honest about your fitness, bring appropriate kit, and prepare for changing conditions. Carry enough food and water, keep your phone charged, and download offline maps. Hike leaders may decline participation if safety is at risk. All organisers and hike leaders are volunteers and are not liable for injuries, accidents, or loss of personal items. Please carry any personal medication you may need and only join activities that are suitable for your health and fitness.
If you are unable to continue at any point, you must be prepared to navigate to the nearest road, station, or safe exit point independently. The organiser will help identify a suitable point on the map, but cannot leave the group to accompany you. Please ensure you have a phone, offline maps, and enough credit/battery to arrange your own onward travel.
🩺 Illness Policy
Please do not attend if you are unwell or recovering. Join again once fully recovered so you can enjoy the walk safely.
⚠️ Code of Conduct
- Be kind to members and other trail users
- Follow safety advice, local laws, and organiser instructions
- No smoking, drugs, or alcohol unless permitted
- Disruptive or unsafe behaviour may result in removal
- Keep communication polite, constructive, and relevant
- Ask before taking close-up photos of individuals
🌱 Respect for Nature
- Leave no trace
- Stay on marked paths
- Do not disturb wildlife
- Respect gates, signage, and landowners
📅 RSVP and Attendance
RSVP only if you plan to attend. Cancel as early as possible so others can join. A no-show means you RSVP’d but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
🧭 Navigation
Read event details carefully and bring a map, GPS, or an offline app such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS. Please be familiar with your navigation tools in case the route needs to be shared with you. If you become separated from the group, stop moving immediately, wait in a safe place, and contact the event host. Do not continue walking in an attempt to catch up if you are unsure of your direction, as this can increase the chance of going further off-route. Always share an emergency contact with someone you trust.
📸 Media
We may take group photos for Meetup and social media. Tell the host if you prefer not to appear.
⛈️ Event Cancellations
Hikes run in most weather but may be cancelled for safety or organiser availability. Always check the event page before travelling.
🗺️ Hike Guides
Our routes are chosen with care and local knowledge. We are experienced volunteers, not professional guides.
🤔 New or Unsure?
Message the organisers. We are happy to help.
📢 Stay Connected
Follow us on: 📸 Instagram | 🐦 X | 🎥 YouTube | 💼 LinkedIn
🔒 External Events and Group Independence
This group is dedicated solely to free, volunteer led day hikes in the UK. To keep things clear and consistent for everyone, our events are organised within this community only. We do not promote or endorse external events, organisations or platforms. Some organisers or members may take part in other activities in a personal capacity, which is completely fine, but these remain separate from this group. Any external trips, overseas adventures or paid activities should be shared only through private, informal conversations, not through this group’s public channels. This helps ensure members always understand which events belong to which community. To maintain fairness and clarity for everyone, our official channels should not be used to advertise or promote activities that are not part of this group.
📩 Contact the Group Owner (Confidential)
If you ever have any concerns about our events or group environment, or if something makes you feel uncomfortable, you are always welcome to contact the group owner directly and in confidence. Your wellbeing and experience matter, and we aim to ensure everyone feels comfortable and supported. All management or behaviour concerns are handled privately, respectfully, and with discretion so everyone can enjoy a safe and positive community. You can contact the group owner privately at any time through Meetup by sending a direct message to the organiser account.
📄 Final Acknowledgement
By joining our events, you confirm that you have read our guidelines, understand that you take part at your own risk, and agree to follow the group rules so that everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience.
🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.
Upcoming events
3
✨ FREE HIKE 24k | Brighton festive hike via Jack and Jill windmills ✨
London Bridge Station, Tooley Street/ St Thomas Street, SE1 3QX, London, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾🥾 Level 4/5
Join us for a South Downs adventure from Hassocks to Brighton, complete with rolling hills, iconic windmills and a magical Christmas lights finale on the seafront.
We will journey along one of the most scenic and uplifting stretches of the South Downs Way, a route that is considered challenging thanks to its mileage, steady elevation changes and exposed ridgelines where wide skies and gusty winds add extra drama to the day.
With the Christmas season approaching, this walk offers a perfect blend of fresh winter air, open landscapes and a festive finish by the coast. Expect a few hills that will warm the legs nicely, plus the occasional gust that might steal your hat if you are not careful.
We begin with a bold climb out of Hassocks, which sits just below the famous Jack and Jill Windmills. Jill is a restored white post mill that originally stood in Brighton before being taken apart, hauled uphill by horses and oxen and rebuilt at Clayton. She still grinds flour on special open days. Jack stands beside her as a tall brick tower mill that is privately owned. Together they create an iconic landmark often seen on film and TV, and on a clear day they perfectly frame the sweeping views over the South Downs. The climb to reach them is the first leg tester of the day, but the views at the top tend to make everyone forget how much they were questioning their life choices five minutes earlier.
A little further along the ridge we reach Ditchling Beacon, one of the highest points on the South Downs. The climb is steady but rewarding, offering wide open views across the Sussex Weald and out toward the coast. It is a classic landmark on the South Downs Way and a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the sweeping landscape.
From there the trail winds across classic chalk downland, past wind shaped hawthorn trees and wildflower grasslands, before dipping into the shady calm of Stanmer Park. This peaceful stretch through ancient woodland and the flint built village offers an ideal stop for a relaxed lunch.
After lunch we continue towards Brighton, briefly skirting the University of Sussex where pockets of modern architecture and student life contrast with the timeless rural landscape.
Soon after, the countryside opens up again as we turn toward the coast. Expect more rolling hills, the kind that look innocent from a distance but somehow grow taller as you approach. Nothing too dramatic, just enough to keep things interesting and remind you that snacks are important.
The final descent flows through open farmland and gentle hills until you reach Brighton Beach where chalk cliffs, rolling waves and the lively energy of the city greet you.
Once we reach the seafront we will stroll toward the pier, soaking up the Brighton Christmas lights, festive displays and seaside sparkle. With Christmas approaching and it being the last Saturday before the holiday, Brighton will be buzzing with life. The city comes alive with festive energy, colourful shop fronts and seasonal lights that give the pier and promenade an extra magical glow. After enjoying the atmosphere we will make our way back to the station, with the option to stop at a cosy pub for a cheerful pre Christmas drink before catching the train back to London.
🛑 Important: This hike is rated moderate to strenuous and is not suitable for beginners. Since we are close to the shortest day of the year, a head torch is essential.
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1 - (London departure):
Buy a return from London Bridge to Brighton: £12.10 with Network Railcard, valid on Thameslink only.
- 08:00 Meet at London Bridge ticket office
- 08:20 Leave meeting point and board the train
- 08:35 Train departs London Bridge
- 09:32 Arrive at Hassocks
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2 - (Join at Hassocks):
🚶 WALK STARTS:
- 09:45 Walk begins from Hassocks railway station car park
🏁 WALK FINISHES:
- About 16:00 to 17:00 at Brighton Pier
🍔 LUNCH:
- Bring a packed lunch and some snacks. We will stop at Stanmer village for about 30 minutes.
- There is a shop that sells tea, coffee, cake and has outdoor seating.
↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON BRIDGE:
- Regulare trains run from Brighton railway station
- 17:28 → Arrive London Bridge 18:35
- 17:44 → Arrive London Bridge 18:45
- 18:14 → Arrive London Bridge 19:15
- 18:28 → Arrive London Bridge 19:35
🚻 TOILETS:
- Nature facilities, Stanmer village and garden centre, Brighton
🏞️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY
- Distance: approx. 24 km (15 miles)
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging
- Ascent and descent: 537 m and 531 m
- Max and min elevation: 242 m and 9 m
- Average pace: 4.2 km per hour
- Walking time: around 6 hours
- Total duration (including breaks): about 7 hours
- Expect a mix of very steep ascents, exposed open plains, peaceful woodland trails and uneven gravel tracks that keep the terrain varied throughout the day.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING:
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Water (at least 2L)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers and wind and waterproof clothing
- Extra clothing to change into (for example a fleece) in case you finish sweaty or wet
- Spare socks
- Sun or winter protection
- Medication and basic first aid (Compeed for blisters)
- Optional walking poles
- Fully charged phone
- A small wish list for Santa for extra festive spirit
📞 CONTACT:
- Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.
⚠️DISCLAIMER:
By joining, you confirm you’ve read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.29 attendees
🍁 FREE post-festive hike: 26 km Leith Hill with Forest Views 🔦
Victoria Station,, London,, SW1V 1JU., GB📈 Grade: 🥾 Level 3/5
Let us burn those post-festive calories with a demanding but rewarding full day adventure across the beautiful Surrey Hills National Landscape.
This is a chance to enjoy one of the most scenic winter viewpoints in the South East while spending the day with a friendly group of hikers who value good company and a motivating challenge at a comfortable walking speed that is relaxed yet steady enough to feel like gentle exercise.
Starting and finishing at Dorking main railway station, this circular route is perfect for strong walkers who like a proper workout. Expect steep climbs, peaceful forest trails, open fields and varied terrain that will give both your legs and lungs a great boost. The effort is real, but the views make every step worthwhile. Along the way we will stop for photos, take a moment to appreciate interesting trees and regroup at key turning points.
We head out of Dorking into the Nower nature reserve woodlands area. The land was gifted to the town in 1931 by Charles Barclay so it would remain open green space for public use. We will pause at The Temple vantage point to admire the scenic views over Dorking and the surrounding hills.
We continue south into deeper woodland, leaving the main trail as we pass through Coldharbour Common, a peaceful and slightly remote area that offers a real sense of escape.
We then begin the main climb of the day, heading toward Leith Hill at 294 metres, the highest point in Southeast England. Enjoy the panoramic views from Leith Hill Tower and reward yourself with a lunch break, tea, coffee, cake or ice cream from the cosy café.
Leith Hill Tower was built in 1765 by Richard Hull to give visitors wide views across Surrey and toward London. The tower and hill together reach one thousand feet above sea level, and on a clear day you can see the English Channel and well known London landmarks. Now cared for by the National Trust, it is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Surrey Hills.
Our return journey follows a rapid and steep descent back onto wide woodland gravel trails with gentle declines as we make our way toward the Tillingbourne Waterfall. Although picturesque when the water is flowing, the waterfall is man made and was once part of the water system that served local mills powered by the Tillingbourne stream. Along its ten mile route the stream supported gunpowder mills, paper mills, iron forges and even a flock mill used for fabric production.
We skirt around the edge of Westcott village before tackling the second steep climb of the day, a lung busting ascent from the valley floor to the top. As you look up from the bottom you may find yourself wondering whose idea this was. At the top we will take a short pause to admire the views and catch our breath before continuing upward toward the North Downs Way ridge. No hike along this section feels complete without that extra bit of effort, and the ridge rewards you once again.
The final stretch takes us across Ranmore Common with wide views over the Denbies vineyards. If time allows we can stop at the Denbies Visitor Centre where you can explore the shop, use the facilities, take a short break or pick up a bottle of wine before we return to Dorking railway station.
At the end of the hike there is an optional pub stop next to the railway station where everyone can relax, chat and celebrate the day’s achievement before the group splits and begins the journey home.
This hike suits intermediate walkers who are comfortable with hills. Beginners may struggle with the pace and some of the steeper sections.
🔦 Remember your head torch. The only thing that should be twinkling is your light, not your ankles in the dark.
✅ WHO CAN JOIN:
- 🧑🤝🧑 Adults aged 21 and over
- 👶 No children for safety reasons
- 🐾 No pets due to allergies and phobias within the group
💰 COST:
- The hike is free
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 1 - (London departure):
Buy a £10.50 return from London to Dorking (main) with a Network Railcard discount. If you wish to travel as a group from London Victoria and do not have a Network Railcard but would like to benefit from a discounted fare, please arrive at the meeting point on time. The organiser or members can offer to include you in a group travel discount.
- 08:00 Meet at London Victoria ticket office
- 08:25 Leave the meeting point and board the train
- 08:41 Train departs London Victoria (via Clapham Junction 08:48)
- 09:40 Arrive at Dorking (main)
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2 - (Join and hike start point):
🚶 WALK STARTS:
🍔 LUNCH:
- About 13:00 at Leith Hill Tower. Bring a packed lunch.
- There is a small cafe that sells hot and cold drinks, cakes, hot sausage rolls, and other tasty although slightly pricey items.
- Bring an ass-pad to sit on in case the benches are wet or you end up sitting on the ground.
- It might be chilly, so you may want to bring a hot drink, a hat, and gloves.
🏁 WALK FINISHES:
- About 16:30 to 17:00 at Dorking (main) railway station depending on group pace
↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:
- 16:17 to London Victoria, arrival 17:15
- 16:43 to London Victoria, arrival 17:45
- 17:17 to London Victoria, arrival 18:15
🚻 TOILETS:
- Nature facilities only.
⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY
- Distance: Approximately 26 km (16 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Ascent and descent: 479 m up and 479 m down
- Max and min elevation: 294 m high point and 46 m low point
- Average pace: About 4.5 km/h, up to 5 km/h where possible, slower on hills, a bit quicker on the flat.
- Walking time: About 6 hours
- Total duration: Around 7 hours including breaks and miscellaneous stops.
- This route includes a mix of wide and narrow woodland trails, well marked gravel tracks, uneven chalky and stony ground, and a few short boggy or slippery sections after rain. Proper hiking boots are strongly recommended to protect your ankles and improve grip.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
- Packed lunch, snacks and at least 2 litres of water
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers and waterproofs
- A warm layer such as a fleece or insulating jacket
- Sun protection
- Personal medication
- Basic first aid and blister plasters
- Optional walking poles (recommended for some descents)
- Fully charged phone
- Head torch
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Dry bags or a waterproof cover for your backpack
- Whistle for emergencies
- Offline maps or GPS
- Some cash or a bank card
📅 RSVP and Attendance
RSVP only if you plan to attend. Cancel as early as possible so others can join. A no show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
👣 Staying Together
A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone being separated from the group.
📞 CONTACT:
Please message the event host AdrianB directly via Meetup with any questions.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss or damage.
🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail.31 attendees
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