About us
Free, volunteer-led day hikes for fit and confident walkers across London and the surrounding counties
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🥾 What to expect
We are a London-based hiking group exploring routes across London and the surrounding counties, from scenic woodlands and rolling hills to the occasional muddy stretch. Our hikes are typically 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) at a moderate to brisk pace and are best suited to walkers comfortable with longer distances over mixed terrain.
All hikes are free and led by experienced volunteer organisers. Walks usually start around 10:00 and finish mid to late afternoon. Most routes are accessible by train, with optional group travel from central London or the option to meet directly at the hike start point.
The group is open to adults aged 21 and over who enjoy longer and more challenging walks in a friendly and well-organised community that values fresh air, adventure, and good company.
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🌱 About Us
Founded in April 2025, we are a lively group that values fresh air, good conversation, and shared adventure.
Hiking is about people as much as distance, and we aim to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere on every walk. While many of our hikes are longer and more challenging, those newer to long-distance hiking are welcome, provided the event matches their fitness level.
You finish a weekend in the hills tired, muddy, maybe a little achy, but smiling. The fresh air, the miles, the laughter, the challenge, the conversations, the new friendships, and the views stay with you long after the hike is over. By Monday you're recovering, by Tuesday you're already looking for the next adventure.
We call it the hiker's high.
At Hike Together, what matters most is that we get out there and hike together. The route brings us together, but it is the connection with nature, the shared experiences, and the people we meet along the way that make each day memorable.
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👋 First Time Joining a Hike
If this is your first hike with the group, welcome.
We encourage newcomers to introduce themselves to the organiser at the start of the walk. Many members join their first event without knowing anyone, and we aim to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Please make sure you are comfortable with the distance and pace described in the event before joining. If you are unsure, feel free to ask questions in the event comments.
During the hike, stay aware of the group and avoid becoming separated, particularly at junctions or in remote areas.
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🏛️ How We’re Run
The group is run by a small team of volunteer organisers. We plan and lead walks as peers rather than professionals. We organise UK day hikes only and do not run or promote activities involving travel providers.
Our event hosts and organisers volunteer their personal time to plan, organise, and lead events for the benefit of the community. They do this freely because they enjoy helping people get outdoors, meet new people, and explore nature together.
By attending our events, members acknowledge that organisers volunteer their time and organise activities in good faith. While we always aim to provide a great experience, not everything will go exactly as planned. Flexibility, understanding, and a positive attitude are appreciated.
Hike Together is first and foremost a social community. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where people can make new friends, enjoy the outdoors, and share memorable experiences.
To maintain a positive atmosphere, we ask all members to treat others with courtesy, respect, and consideration. We are committed to maintaining a respectful and welcoming community. Members whose actions negatively impact the group, its organisers, or other attendees may be removed from events and, where appropriate, from the group.
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✅ Who Can Join
Participation is limited to adults aged 21 and over. Children and pets are not permitted, as routes can be long and physically demanding.
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🔒 Group Independence
This group is dedicated to free, volunteer-led UK day hikes. External trips, paid events, or other organisations should not be promoted through group channels.
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💰 Cost
All hikes are free to attend. In some cases, organisers may arrange optional group rail tickets to help reduce travel costs, and participants using these must travel on the same train and contribute their share. Optional social events may sometimes require a venue or accommodation deposit. Organisers do not profit from any payments.
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💪 Walk Distance and Conditions
Most hikes cover around 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) across hilly and varied terrain.
Typical moving pace is around 4.5 to 5.5 km/h, depending on terrain and conditions. These are not slow or casual walks, and pace may vary slightly between events.
Routes explore classic English countryside including woodland paths, rolling hills, open ridgelines, and farm tracks. Underfoot conditions can change quickly and may include mud, chalk paths, uneven ground, and occasional steeper sections.
After wet weather, standing water and large puddles may be encountered, sometimes reaching above the ankle of standard walking shoes. On rare occasions short scrambles up steeper sections may require using your hands.
If you are new to longer hikes, we recommend starting with an easier event and building up gradually.
Breaks are limited, and the group maintains a steady forward pace throughout the day. We typically pause for a couple of minutes at junctions to allow everyone to catch up, take a drink, or use the toilet if needed. Longer stops are generally limited to lunch and any planned refreshment stops. As each event is different, please review the event page for specific details.
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🗺️ Hike Difficulty Levels
- Easy: Up to 12 km, mostly flat
- Easy to Moderate: Up to 15 km, some slopes
- Moderate: Up to 20 km, mixed terrain
- Moderate to Strenuous: Up to 30 km, steep sections
- Strenuous: 30+ km, rough terrain
- 👉 Full grading reference available HERE.
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👨👩👧👦 Travel and Meeting Points
Most hikes are accessible by train. Participants should buy their own ticket unless using an organised group option. Some hikes may offer two meeting points, either at a London station or at the hike start. Please arrive on time, as the group cannot wait for late arrivals.
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👥 Group Size
Most hikes typically have between 25 and 50 participants, depending on the event and conditions, with larger groups being less common. As we move as one group, staying with the leader is important.
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🎒 What to Bring (Essential)
- Packed lunch, snacks, at least 2L water
- Proper hiking footwear is essential. Trainers are not suitable for most of our routes, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
- Layers, waterproofs, warm layer
- Sun protection
- Personal medication and blister plasters
- Fully charged phone and head torch
- Offline maps or GPS app
- Some cash or bank card
Recommended: Walking poles, power bank, whistle, dry bags, navigation apps such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS and know how to use them.
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🚻 Facilities
Facilities can be limited or unavailable on rural routes.
Mobile signal may be unreliable in remote areas.
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🧭 Navigation
Please read the event details carefully and bring appropriate navigation tools, such as AllTrails, GaiaGPS, or OS Maps, on your mobile device or a suitable alternative.
If you become separated from the group, stop and remain where you are if it is safe to do so, and contact the host so we can assist in reconnecting you.
If you are unable to contact the host, make safe and sensible decisions using your own judgement and available resources.
We do our best to keep everyone together, but we can’t stop frequently for individuals who are unable to maintain the pace. In these situations, you may need to continue at your own pace.
Do not rely solely on other participants for navigation.
If you choose to move ahead or leave the group structure, you’ll be considered to be continuing independently and responsible for your own route and safety. If you do so without informing an organiser, it will be assumed you’re managing independently.
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⛈️ Cancellations
Hikes run in most weather but may be cancelled for safety or organiser availability. Always check the event page before travelling.
Walks generally go ahead in rain, wind, and cold conditions. Expect wet paths, mud, and exposure at times. Comfort is your responsibility.
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⏰ Typical Schedule
Each hike is slightly different, but most follow a similar structure.
Some participants choose to meet in central London and travel together by train, while others make their own way directly to the starting point.
Once everyone has arrived, the organiser will give a short briefing covering the planned route, key safety points, and what to expect during the walk.
Most hikes begin at around 10:00. We walk at a steady, comfortable pace, with short rest stops along the way and a longer lunch break of approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The hike leader will guide the group throughout. All participants are expected to follow the leader at all times and must not walk ahead or fall too far behind. The leader will also provide instructions and share important information as needed during the event.
Walks typically finish in the mid to late afternoon, usually between 16:00 and 17:00, depending on distance, conditions, and pace. When possible, there may be an optional pub stop near the finish or close to the train station.
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📸 Photos and Media
Group photos may be taken during hikes and shared on Meetup or social media.
If an image includes you and you prefer not to appear, you may ask the organiser to remove it or replace it with a version where you are blurred or not recognisable. All requests will be respected and choosing not to appear in photos will never affect your participation in the group.
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🛡️ CODE OF CONDUCT
👥 Lift Sharing
Members are welcome to make their own private arrangements for lift sharing and group travel. Any lift sharing arranged between members is undertaken voluntarily, at each individual’s own discretion and entirely at their own risk. Any agreements relating to travel, insurance, costs, timing, or other related matters are strictly between the individuals involved. Once members have established a connection, please arrange privately and move any lift-sharing discussions off this platform.
🌿 Behaviour & Respect
Our events are intended to be social, safe, and welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy hiking and good company.
Members are expected to behave in a respectful, courteous, and considerate manner at all times. Please be mindful of personal boundaries and maintain appropriate personal space. Unwanted physical contact is not acceptable.
Conversations should remain friendly and respectful. Comments, jokes, or behaviour that make others uncomfortable are not appropriate.
Respect the diversity of our members and treat everyone with kindness.
Conversation on hikes is encouraged but optional. Some people enjoy chatting throughout the walk while others prefer quieter time outdoors. Both are welcome.
👤 Personal Conduct
Smoking, recreational drug use, and the use of loudspeakers are not permitted during group events.
Medications prescribed by a medical professional are permitted. If listening to music or audio, please use headphones so that others can enjoy the natural surroundings.
📝 Attendance, Waiting List and No-Show Policy
Our events often have limited spaces. When a place is taken, it may prevent someone else from joining.
As our events are free, we ask members to be mindful when RSVPing and only sign up if they genuinely plan to attend. Please also avoid booking multiple events on the same day. If your plans change, we understand that things come up, but please cancel as early as possible so your place can be offered to someone on the waitlist.
If an event has a waiting list, the event host may allocate places at their discretion, taking into account factors such as attendance reliability, previous no-shows, and overall commitment to attending. This helps make the best use of limited places.
If you are on a long waiting list and are particularly keen to attend, you are welcome to message the event host. Where appropriate, members with a reliable attendance record may be given priority if places become available. Any decision remains at the event host's discretion.
If your name is not listed as Going, please do not simply turn up and assume you will be able to join the event. Organisers reserve the right to refuse participation at their discretion.
When attending an event, it is important to locate the event host and check in using the QR code.
If you do not check in, you may inadvertently be recorded as a no-show, even if you attended.
If you are unable to attend at the last minute, we understand that unexpected situations happen. However, it is important that you let the event host know as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be recorded as a no-show.
Members who accumulate three no-shows without providing any explanation or context for their absence may be removed from the group.
Members who repeatedly sign up "just in case" and then cancel at the last minute may be deprioritised when places become available from the waiting list. Where this becomes a persistent pattern, it may also result in removal from the group.
Accounts that appear to be fake or suspicious, particularly those with no previous attendance that sign up and then no-show, may be removed much sooner at the organisers' discretion to help protect the integrity of the group.
🚶 Fitness, Pace and Group Movement
Our hikes are designed for participants who are confident they can maintain the stated group pace over the full distance and terrain.
Pace and difficulty may vary depending on terrain, elevation, and conditions. Event descriptions aim to clearly explain the distance, terrain, and difficulty so members can decide whether a hike is suitable for their fitness level.
Please ensure you read the event description and fitness requirements carefully before signing up.
🌱 Respect for Nature
Please follow the Leave No Trace principle by taking all litter with you and leaving the environment as you found it. Stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect gates, signage, farmland, and landowners at all times.
🛡️ Safety and Responsibility
This is a self-supported hiking group. While we walk together, each participant is responsible for their own safety, preparation, and decision-making throughout the event.
Participation is at your own risk. Hiking involves hazards such as changing weather, uneven terrain, and the possibility of injury.
Participants should be honest about their fitness and come properly prepared with suitable equipment, clothing, food, water, and navigation tools.
Organisers are volunteers and may refuse participation if they believe there is a safety concern.
Decisions made by organisers regarding safety, pace, and participation are final on the day.
Organisers are not liable for injury, accidents, or loss of personal items. The group does not provide personal accident or travel insurance.
Leaving a hike early is not always straightforward and may involve a significant walk to the nearest exit point or station. You should only join if you are confident you can complete the full distance. An organiser may help identify an exit option but cannot leave the group.
Organisers may have basic first aid knowledge but are not medical professionals. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services may need to be contacted. Response times in rural areas may be delayed.
🩺 Illness
Please do not attend events if you are unwell or recovering from illness. You are welcome to join again once fully fit.
🚩 Reporting Concerns
If you experience behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please report it directly to Meetup through their reporting channels: Meetup Trust and Safety. Meetup may contact the organisers so that the situation can be reviewed and appropriate action taken.
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📞 Contact During Events
Each event host will provide a working mobile number at the start of the walk for use in case of separation or emergency. If you are unable to reach the event host and require urgent assistance, you may contact the Hike Together organiser, AdrianB, via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663 on the day of the event only.
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📩 Feedback and Complaints
Contact the group owner and founder (AdrianB) directly. Members are welcome to provide constructive feedback, suggestions, or comments regarding group wording, policies, organisation, or any other aspect of the group.
To help keep discussions constructive and manageable, and to avoid turning the platform into a debate forum, please share feedback privately with the organiser (AdrianB) rather than posting it publicly on the platform. This allows feedback to be considered carefully and addressed appropriately while keeping group discussions focused on hiking-related activities and events.
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☑️ Final Acknowledgement
By joining an event, you confirm that you have read and agree to these guidelines and understand that participation is at your own risk.
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📢 Stay Connected
Follow us on: Online | 📸 Instagram | 🐦 X | 🎥 YouTube | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌳 LinkTree
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🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail and sharing many great walks together.
Upcoming events
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👻 Pluckley’s Orchards & Bunny Trails | Free Hike 20 km (12 miles)
Pluckley Train Station, Pluckley,, Ashford, TN27 0RT, GBGrade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5 (Moderate)
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🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers: A comfortable “bunny hike” 🐰, not demanding.
Casual walkers: Moderate, mainly because of the distance.
Newcomers: Manageable but challenging because of the distance.Overall: Relatively easy terrain and an easy-going route, but still a long day on foot. Some sections may be muddy, particularly across harvested fields where the ground can be uneven. There are no significant hills; the route is mostly flat, with only gentle undulations. See route topography.
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Join us for a scenic circular walk starting and ending in Pluckley, famously known as “the most haunted village in Britain” and associated with The Darling Buds of May.We’ll wander through peaceful woodland, country lanes, apple orchards and beautiful Kent countryside, following sections of the Stour Valley Walk and Greensand Way. Along the way, we’ll discover the atmospheric ruins of a medieval parish church and explore the charming village of Pluckley.
We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch near a local pub, where refreshments and toilet facilities will be available.
With relatively flat terrain, this promises to be a relaxed and sociable day out, combining countryside, history, village folklore and plenty of scenic highlights.
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HIGHLIGHTS
👻 Explore Pluckley, famously known as “the most haunted village in Britain”
📺 Discover some locations associated with The Darling Buds of May
🌲 Wander through peaceful woodland and beautiful Kent countryside
🍎 Walk through picturesque apple orchards
🥾 Follow sections of the Stour Valley Walk and Greensand Way
🏚️ Discover the atmospheric ruins of a medieval parish church
🍻 Stop at a pub for refreshments and toilet facilities
😊 Enjoy a relaxed, sociable and relatively flat circular walk
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OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 20 km (approximately 12 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate, Level 3/5
📈 Elevation: Approximately 73 m ascent and 73 m descent
🚶 Pace: Approximately 5 to 5.5 km/h (3.1 to 3.4 mph)This is not a race or a fast-paced walk, but neither is it a slow, leisurely stroll.
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OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
📍 Meet at London Bridge ticket office at 08:15. We’ll leave the meeting point at 08:30 and walk to the platform together.
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TRAINS FROM LONDON
OUT: Catch the direct Southeastern train departing Charing Cross at 08:34 or London Bridge at 08:43 and arriving at Pluckley at 09:46. Journey time: approximately 1 hour 12 minutes.RTN: Trains back to London run hourly at 16:37 and 17:37. We aim to catch the direct Southeastern service towards Charing Cross, departing Pluckley at 16:37 and arriving at London Bridge at 17:43 or Charing Cross at 17:51.
🎟️ Ticket: Super Off-Peak Day Return: £18.55 with a Network Railcard or £26.70 without.
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 Meet: Pluckley railway station entrance at 09:50 (what3words)
▶️ Start: Pluckley railway station
🏁 Finish: Pluckley railway station, approximately 16:20
⏱️ Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: Approximately 6.5 hours, including breaks and stopsPlease arrive on time, as we cannot wait for latecomers.
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🚗 BY CAR
Limited parking is available at Pluckley railway station.
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FOOD AND FACILITIES
🍔 Lunch: Bring a packed lunch, snacks and sufficient water.
🚻 Facilities: Toilet facilities and refreshments will be available at the pub stop.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Packed lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water, and more in hot weather
Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
Weather-appropriate clothing and waterproofs
Sun protection
A fully charged phone
Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
Optional trekking poles
More snacks than you think you need
A smile, good vibes and a sense of adventure
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
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📅 RSVP & ATTENDANCE
Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. If you can no longer come, cancel as early as possible so someone else can take your place.A no-show means RSVPing but not attending, or cancelling shortly before the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.
If you are stuck on the waitlist and would like to attend, please message the event host directly.
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and everyone is expected to stay reasonably connected with the group rather than rushing far ahead or falling behind.Please keep the group in sight and remain within a reasonable distance, as a back marker may not always be present. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may stop at suitable points to allow the group to regroup.
If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and will be responsible for your own route and safety.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
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EXIT POINTS
Pluckley village, approximately a 25-minute walk to the railway station.
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📞 CONTACT: For questions, please message the event host via Meetup. On the day of the walk, you may contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
You are responsible for deciding whether this hike is suitable for you and for taking reasonable care of your own safety. Please read the group policy before attending. The host and group accept no responsibility for injury, loss or damage.50 attendees
Deal to Folkestone ~31km (~19 miles)
Deal Train Station, Queen Street, Deal, CT14 6HD, GBGRADE: Level 5/5 - STRENUOUS with several ups and downs.
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⚠️ This challenging hike is suitable only for fit hikers.Take on a challenging 31 km coastal adventure from Deal to Folkestone, following dramatic clifftop paths along the English Channel. This strenuous point-to-point hike passes the White Cliffs of Dover, historic landmarks, and sweeping sea views, with France visible on a clear day. With a lunch stop at South Foreland Lighthouse in Dover and a well-earned pub finish near Folkestone Central station, this is a full day of distance, elevation, and iconic Kent coastline.
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IMPORTANT
Please read the event details carefully before signing up. This hike is intended for experienced hikers and requires a good level of fitness.
Please come prepared with suitable hiking clothing and footwear. We strongly recommend proper hiking boots or walking shoes with good grip and ankle support. Trainers are not advised.
The group will aim to maintain the advertised pace. If you find you are unable to keep up, you may need to continue the hike independently.
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OVERVIEW
Distance: ~31km (~19miles) - Point-to-Point Hike
Difficulty: Strenuous
⛰️ Approx. ~750m ascent and descent
⏱️ Walking time: approx. 7.5 hours
Total time: approx. 9 hours (with various stops along the way)
Pace: Steady and sustained with limited waiting. Moving average around 5 km/h (~3 mph) on easier sections, slower on climbs and descents.
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⚠️ TERRAIN
Exposed clifftop coastal paths across chalk grassland and gravel tracks, with sustained hills and uneven footing. Sections can become muddy and slippery in wet conditions, so proper waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential.
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 09:30 Walk starts from Deal Train Station Car Park (as soon as check-in is complete)
🏁 18:30-19:00 Walk ends at Folkestone Central Train Station
Note: With a steady group pace, minimal stopping and waiting time, and good group dynamics, we could reach the end point around 18:00 to 18:30.
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LONDON TRAVEL
Buy a return from London St Pancras International to Deal via Folkestone Central, £28.70 with Network Railcard discount.- Take the 08:07 High-Speed train from London St Pancras International to Deal → Train arrives at 09:30 at Deal Train Station
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DESCRIPTION:
The hike begins in the coastal town of Deal. We pass through places such as Kingsdown, Walmer, and St Margaret Bay. En route, we see several castles and historic monuments (see the highlights). We stop for lunch in Dover, at South Foreland Lighthouse, a National Trust site. The view from there is spectacular and offers a great photo opportunity. After lunch, we continue our hike along the White Cliffs of Dover. On a clear day, you may even spot the cliffs of France. This route offers stunning panoramic views of the English Channel. We finish our hike at Folkestone Central Train Station and relax at the Park Inn with a drink.
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HIGHLIGHTS:- Deal Castle and Walmer Castle
- English Channel views with France visible on clear days
- St Margaret's Bay
- Dover Patrol Memorial
- White Cliffs of Dover
- South Foreland Lighthouse
- Dover Castle views
- Folkestone Warren
- Saxon Shore Way coastal section (Folkestone to Dover)
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Riddle me:
🍫🍫🍫 Question: What do the numbers 11, 69 and 88 all have in common?
If you know the answer, come tell me, and you will get a chocolate. Only the first three people will receive one.
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🎒WHAT TO BRING:
- Packed lunch, snacks, and sufficient water (at least 2L), suncream, hat
- Proper hiking gear
- Fully charged phone
- Camera (optional)
- Personal medication and basic first aid
- Trekking poles recommended for slippery/steep ascents and descents
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a friendly, social hike where we walk together and enjoy the experience as a group.
Please stay with the group rather than walking ahead independently, as the aim is to connect, share the journey, and help maintain safety and group cohesion.
Participants should choose events suitable for their fitness level and be able to maintain the advertised pace. The overall pace and schedule will not be adjusted for individuals.
A back marker may not always be present, so participants should keep others in sight and remain within a reasonable distance of the group.
To help keep the group together:- Faster walkers should wait at junctions.
- If someone ahead is moving significantly more slowly, feel free to pass and rejoin the main group.
- Organisers may pause at suitable points to regroup.
While reasonable efforts will be made to keep the group together, it is neither practical nor safe to stop frequently for individuals unable to maintain the required pace. In such cases, participants may need to continue at their own pace or make their own onward arrangements.
If you choose to move ahead of the group, fall significantly behind, or leave the group structure, you will be considered to be continuing independently and responsible for your own route, decisions, and safety. If you do so without informing an organiser, it will be assumed that you are managing independently.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
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CONTACT:
Message the event host, Saeideh, directly via Meetup with any questions.
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⚠️ 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. Neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.28 attendees
Past events
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