Advanced Hiking London

Bank Holiday trek - Hampstead Heath, 6 miles

* We will meet opposite the Hampstead Heath Overground station. For members who prefer the tube – Belsize Park is 6 mins away. * We will then make our way to explore the Heath. Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient London heath, covering 320 hectares. This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to Highgate. * We will be passing via the ponds and make our way to see the hollow tree via the Viaduct bridge (pictured). We will then make our way via Hampstead Heath Tumulus, which is a burial site of Boudicca, a British folk hero. * We will carry on via the ponds to see the Kenwood House and Estate – a total area of 50 hectares (120 acres) which is maintained by English Heritage. Kenwood House is free to visit and art lovers can always come back to see the wonderful art collection, including original Rembrandt and Gainsborough. This is where we are going to have our lunch break, so please bring a packed lunch. * We will then make our way towards Jack Straw's castle. Not that Jack Straw -:), this site is named after the rebel leader Jack Straw, who led the Peasants' Revolt in 1381 and who is said to have taken refuge on the site until he was caught and executed. It is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, where Professor Van Helsing and Doctor Jack Seward stop to dine, and also in Harold Pinter's play No Man's Land. * We will finish our by the whitestone Pond. For members who prefer the Overground – Hampstead Heath is 10 mins away. What to bring: Packed lunch Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). ***'No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organisers on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

CLASSIC HAMPSTEAD HEATH🌲🌿🌳 £5 WALK💧🌱

A CLASSIC WALK through north London's top green and wooded area with its impressive Kenwood House. WALK START: **Meeting at Tufnell Park Station (Northern Line - High Barnet Branch** \- Zone 2\)\. Look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge\. WALK FINISH: Finishing at Golders Green Station (Northern Line). WALK ROUTE: We will walk through the meadows and woods of Hampstead Heath. taking in Parliament Hill and passing by Kenwood House. WALK STOPOUT POINT: We cross a couple of London bus routes. More info: Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some new friends at the same time. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. FEE: There is a £5 fee for this walking event for those members and guests not holding the Ken's Events Membership card. RAIN POLICY: What about the weather? Light rain or occasional showers is not a problem and the walk will proceed. Only book a walk if you are sure you can attend! Walks will only be cancelled if there is very heavy rain! RISKS: In these walks we use; country stiles,pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, paths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Wear good sturdy shoes/walking boots. Take care as surfaces may be uneven, there may be low branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion we may encounter wild and farm animals. If you require insurance for these walks you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCLAIMER:All Events on Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [(http://www.meetup.com/EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/Explore_London_Secrets_Disclaimer/) ](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/14591782/KEN'S_EVENTS_DISCLAIMER/)to view disclaimer. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Kens Events also has a facebook page. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) If weekday and evening walks are your thing, then you should join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. Click here for more information. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station.

CLASSIC HAMPSTEAD HEATH🌲🌳💧 and SECRET PERGOLA £5 WALK🌿🌱

A CLASSIC WALK through north London's top green and wooded area with its impressive Secret Pergola and Kenwood House. We will travel through various parts of Hampstead Heath and Highgate Woods. ENJOY the UNDULATING HILLS and VALES, WOODLANDS LAKES and PONDS of HAMPSTEAD HEATH and HIGHGATE WOODS and visit the SPLENDID SECRET PERGOLA, and don't miss the in season. blooms. All this is followed by more socialising in a pub with cheap food and drinks in a convivial atmosphere. Todays walk also passes through Golders Hill Park with its forgotten zoo and manicured gardens, before heading to the SECRET PERGOLA (a section of which is pictured above). PERGOLA: *Well hidden amongst the trees and constructed during the years 1904 to 1925. It is a magnificent Edwardian extravagance built as the setting for garden parties and summer evening strolls.* *Overgrown with vines and flowers, Hampstead Pergola is pretty magical, in any season. However in spring, wisteria and other spring flowers curl around the trellises, making the Pergola a beautiful and popular backdrop for wedding photographs and fashion model shoots.* WALK START: **Meeting at Golders Green Station (Northern Line - Edgware Branch** \- Zone 3\)\. Look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge\. WALK FINISH: Finishing at the Mossy Well pub in Muswell Hill. which is a 15 minute walk or short bus ride to East Finchley Tube Station, Highgate Tube Station or Archway Tube Station (all on the Northern Line). WALK ROUTE: Our walk is through Golders Hill Park and Zoo, before heading to the SECRET PERGOLA. Afterwards we head across Hampstead Heath and will pass by the beautifully and recently restored KENWOOD HOUSE with its glorious views across the heath before heading through Highgate Woods to the Mossy Well pub in Muswell Hill. WALK STOPOUT POINT: We cross several London bus routes. More info: Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some new friends at the same time. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. FEE: There is a £5 fee for this walking event for those members and guests not holding the Ken's Events Membership card. RAIN POLICY: What about the weather? Light rain or occasional showers is not a problem and the walk will proceed. Only book a walk if you are sure you can attend! Walks will only be cancelled if there is very heavy rain! RISKS: In these walks we use; country stiles,pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, paths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Wear good sturdy shoes/walking boots. Take care as surfaces may be uneven, there may be low branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion we may encounter wild and farm animals. If you require insurance for these walks you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCLAIMER:All Events on Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [(http://www.meetup.com/EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/Explore_London_Secrets_Disclaimer/) ](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/14591782/KEN'S_EVENTS_DISCLAIMER/)to view disclaimer. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Kens Events also has a facebook page. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) If weekday and evening walks are your thing, then you should join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. Click here for more information. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station.

East Head - (16 or 8 miles)

West Wittering is most famous for its sandy beach, and as popular a seaside venue as any within reach of the capital, with everything a visitor can hope for 😎🏖️ 82 years ago, this place was absolutely teeming - however the circumstances then were very different. On the anniversary of the momentous events that began from these shores in 1944, this walk heads to Wittering's memorial. East Head is only a stone's throw from the popular beach; yet must be walked to, which means the unspoiled dunes will be ours. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/east-head If Wittering's beach proves too delightful for some, there is a bus that one can catch back to Chichester when the day is done. A couple of options for the return walk. Depending on numbers and logistics, the optimum would be via Bosham's historic harbour. It was from here in 1064 that Harold Godwinson sailed to Normandy, invoking a chain of events destined to culminate two years later. From Harold to Eisenhower, history resonates through these sands. TRAVEL 1\. Take the 9\.05 train from London Victoria to CHICHESTER\. CHEAPEST TRAIN TICKETS - £13.00 PER PERSON RETURN: By far the cheapest train fare is to purchase a Group DaySave which allows unlimited travel on Southern trains and for a group of four (£52) is £13 each. It is also possible to buy this ticket for two (cheaper) or three people. NB the ticket must be purchased at least three days before travel from Southern's website. The link is: [Buy DaySave Train Ticket | DaySave Train Ticket | Southern Railway](https://www.southernrailway.com/discounts-and-offers/daysave) Feel free to use this event page or the event chat to find fellow travellers for DaySave tickets Alternatively, an off peak day return ticket purchased on the day to CHICHESTER is £26.70 with a Network card or Groupsave which will cover all travel. WALK DETAILS Walk starts 10.40 AM from CHICHESTER station. Circular walk The 8 miles walk involves a Service 52 bus back to Chichester from West Wittering. Every 30 minutes (24 & 54 past hour) bus stop opposite the beach *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: http://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: http://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.

FREE HIKE - Nature & Wildlife Hike: Wimbledon to Richmond Park Circular

**Meeting Point:** Outside Wimbledon Chase Station at 10:30 am and start at 10:45 am sharp! **Difficulty:** Moderate - medium paced hike **Distance:** 14 to 16 miles **Elevation Gain:** approx., 450 m **Transport:** Wimbledon Chase Station is accessible via train services. If driving, you can park in the car park at Wimbledon Chase Station. **Description:** We will explore the scenic beauty of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park during this hike in London. Starting from Wimbledon Chase Station, the route takes through iconic landmarks such as Wimbledon Windmill Museum, Queensmere, Treebox Wood, Pen Ponds, and the vibrant Isabella Plantation. The trail offers stunning landscapes and opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds and deer. Expect mixed terrain, with forest paths, grassy trails, and sections that cross a golf course and busy roads. We will go to a pub close to the station and socialise after the hike. **What to Bring:** * Comfortable hiking shoes or boots * Weather-appropriate clothing * Water (recommend 2 liters) * Snacks and lunch * A good positive spirit (preferably the kind that laughs when there are any uphill sections) **Important Notes:** * Ensure you are physically prepared. * Be mindful of busy road crossings and golf course sections. * Respect fellow walkers, wildlife, and other natural surroundings. **Additional Notes:** * RSVP to secure your spot. * Update your RSVP if your plans change so others can join. * **Rules:** Please make sure to read the about us section of the group before joining - https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities * **Stay Together**: Please stay with or behind the hike leader to maintain group pace and cohesion. * **Safety Reminder**: This is a voluntary activity. Participants are responsible for their own safety and for respecting fellow walkers, wildlife, and the environment. No risk or liability is inferred or accepted by the organizer. Looking forward to hiking with you and exploring this adventure together. 📱 For any issues, contact me via mobile/WhatsApp at 07830374629.

Early summer in Epping Forest to Lee Valley | Free Hike 23.5km (14.6mi)

**Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 🥾23\.5km \(16mi\) \| Ascent 394m \| Descent 429m \| Max Elevation 115m **🚊Train:** **1- Outbound:** *Single Ticket* **London Liverpool Street ➡️ Chingford** **2- Inbound:** *Single Ticket* **Chesthunt ➡️ London** 😁This is a *Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip*. No advance tickets are needed. ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Liverpool Street train station \- Information desk \(Opposite Platform 10\) \| **09:40** (Train is at **10:02**) **2-** Chingford \- Outside train station \| **10:30** ⚠️This is a **Point to Point (not Circular)** Hike **📍Hike** **start:** **Chingford** train station \| **10:35** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Chesthunt** train station \| approx\. **\~17:00** —— 🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: 🎟️This is a **Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip**, both for the outward and return journeys. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, as fares are paid directly by tapping in and out at the stations. * **➡️Outbound:** London Liverpool Street **10:02 → 10:28** Chingford * **⬅️Inbound:** Chesthunt **→** London 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. 🚦Visit **[National Rail](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)** for details —— **📕ABOUT:** \- A proper London\-edge adventure that strings together two of the capital’s most underrated wild spaces in a single walk — ancient Epping Forest and the lakes and waterways of the Lee Valley\. \- We start at Chingford\, where Queen Victoria opened the Forest to the people in 1882\, then head straight in past Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and pretty Connaught Water\. \- From there it’s miles of rolling\, knobbly oak and beech woodland — some trees as old as the Anglo\-Saxons — climbing gently to the High Beach ridge at 115m\, the day’s high point\. \- A long\, lovely descent through Sewardstone drops us out of the trees and into the Lee Valley: marshes\, lakes\, reedbeds\, and the calm of the Lee Navigation towpath all the way into Cheshunt\. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Chingford & Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge:** 1543 Tudor grandstand on the edge of the Forest. * **Connaught Water:** peaceful early-morning lake, popular with herons and swans. * **Epping Forest ancient woodland:** 5,900 acres of veteran oaks, beeches and hornbeams; some trees as old as the Anglo-Saxons. * **High Beach ridge:** the day’s high point, classic Forest views. * **Sewardstone:** the Forest’s quiet western edge, opening into farmland. * **River Lee Country Park:** lakes, wetlands and excellent birdwatching. * **Lee Navigation towpath:** tranquil canal walking right into Cheshunt. —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING:** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** * Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. * For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. * We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it 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 becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **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.

Pangboune to Wallingford via Goring Stunning Thames Path walk

A most glorious and stunning 11.5 mile gently undulating walk that takes in wonderful Pangbourne, Coombe Park and the Goring Gap - one of the most beautiful and dramatic stretches of the River Thames ! Please arrive by 9.05am so as to facilitate the purchase of group return train tickets for the 9.38am train that arrives at Pangbourne at 10.33am. Train ticket : Pangbourne return Or you may decide to drive. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 by Saturday in advance by bank transfer, details available upon request. No PayPal. Please use the toilets on the trains as much as possible as there shall be no toilet stop at Pangbourne train station. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/ boots or trainers. We shall have a lunch break in delightful village of Goring and then have a drink in wonderful Wallingford. We shall aim to take the bus at 4.52pm from Wallingford to Reading followed by the subsequent train to London. Some of us shall be staying over in Wallingford for the Oxford to Abingdon walk on Sunday. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

FREE Evening Walk 🌿 Sunset Trail – Epsom's Twilight Woodland Loop

**📍 Meeting Point:** Outside Epsom Station **🕔 Time:** Please arrive **promptly at 6 PM** **🔁 Start & Finish Location:** Epsom Station Join us for a moderate paced evening walk through some of the most peaceful green spaces around Ashtead and Epsom. This circular route takes us past quiet ponds, woodland paths, and open commons that feel especially atmospheric as the daylight fades. Expect a mix of forest tracks, gentle inclines, and plenty of calm, scenic moments along the way. We’ll aim to finish around **9 PM**, just as the last light slips away — so bring a torch and enjoy the magic of walking at dusk. ## 🌿 **What to Expect** * A scenic **up to 15 km loop** through Stew Ponds, Ashtead Common, and surrounding woodland * Easy to moderate terrain with occasional gentle climbs * A relaxed but swift pace suitable for most fitness levels * Beautiful evening light over ponds, trees, and open commonland * A friendly group atmosphere — perfect for unwinding after a long day ## 🍻 **After the Walk** We will head to a nearby pub recommended by popular locals for a well‑earned drink and some social time before heading home. ## 🎒 **What to Bring** * Good shoes * Weather‑appropriate clothing * A torch or headlamp 🔦 * At least 1 litre of water 💧 * Cash or card for post‑walk drinks 💳 The walk is completely free — just bring good energy and a positive and happy spirit. ## ⚠️ **Important Guidelines** * Please stay **with or behind the walk leader** at all times to keep the group together * You are responsible for your own safety * Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow walkers 🌱 * This is a voluntary activity — no risk or liability is assumed ## 🤝 **Group Etiquette** * Please read the **About Us** section before signing up 👉 [https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities](https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities) * Be respectful, friendly, and considerate to all participants ## 📞 **Contact** If you have any issues on the day: **Mobile / WhatsApp:** 07830 374629

No Drama, Just Distance 🥾 The Roach Valley Way 🌾 23 miles / 1,000 ft Fast pace

BEGINNERS HIKE 14km Fishing Towns & Nature Reserves of the Thames Estuary

📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 9 miles (14km) • Grading: [Beginners](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) with one main hill that we take gently • Ascent: 140m • Hiking time: 4 to 4.5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub 📍 **Meeting Point** • Location: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY before leaving home - you need to enter on the correct main entrance to the station, only this entrance leads to our meeting point, we advise allowing 10 minutes to find it: Fenchurch Street station inside the main entrance at the front of the station. Meet at the top of the escalators in front of the ticket office and the platform ticket barriers – [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Fenchurch.jpg). Please note - you must come in the main entrance at the front of the station, not any of the other station entrances. The main entrance is on a street called "Fenchurch Place", you can see it here on this Google Maps [LINK](https://www.google.com/maps/place/51%C2%B030'42.3%22N+0%C2%B004'45.3%22W/@51.51174,-0.079249,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d51.51174!4d-0.079249?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQwMi4xIKXMDSoJLDEwMjExNDUzSAFQAw%3D%3D) • Time: Meet 8:40am, leave 9am for the 9:18am train • Return: 5:31pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • **Hadleigh Country Park** \- one of the largest in Essex • **Hadleigh Castle** \- enchanting 13th\-century ruins • **Estuary island of Two Tree Island Nature Reserve** \- a sanctuary for birdlife and marine species • **Leigh-on-Sea** \- often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK\, a historic fishing town famous for its freshly caught cockles \- a local delicacy • Sweeping views of **the River Thames** estuary throughout the trail • Spot iconic bird species like herons, kestrels and peregrines, for all full list of birds you can see and seasons - [LINK](https://www.ebws.org.uk/birdsites/two-tree-island-leigh-sea) • Remnants of local fishing traditions at the **"Graveyard of Lost Species"** 🥾 **Hike Description** Our hike begins as we follow scenic trails into **Hadleigh Country Park**, a sprawling 387-acre area of meadows, marshes, and woodlands recognized for its natural beauty and biodiversity. We ascend toward **Hadleigh Castle**, perched atop a ridge with captivating views over the Thames Estuary. Built in the 13th century, the castle was a strategic defensive position and later immortalised in a painting by John Constable. We pause to soak in the panoramic views and immerse ourselves in Essex’s medieval past that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Continuing along the **Thames Estuary Path**, we journey toward **Two Tree Island**, a 634-acre nature reserve surrounded by saltmarsh and tidal mudflats. This peaceful island is crucial for various bird species, providing winter refuge for migratory birds. It is a haven for birdlife, including avocets, brent geese, and Mediterranean gulls. Finally, we arrive in **Leigh-on-Sea**, a charming seaside town with a proud fishing heritage that still continues today. Known for its vibrant maritime culture and delicious cockles and often ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, Leigh-on-Sea offers the perfect end to our hike, we have time to explore and also enjoy a drink in a coastal pub. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [PAUL](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07873 221480 🍽️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒**What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) 📄 **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

Oxford to Abingdon Stunning Thames Path walk

A most glorious 9.5 miles walk - one of the most beautiful and scenic stretches of the River Thames ! Please arrive by 9.05am so as to facilitate the purchase of group return train tickets to Oxford for the 9.50am direct train that arrives at Oxford at 10.43am. Train ticket : Oxford return. Please note that I shall not be at Paddington as staying overnight in Wallingford after the walk on Saturday. Or you may decide to drive. Walk will commence at 10.55am. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 in advance by Saturday by bank transfer, details available upon request. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/ boots or trainers. We shall have a drink at the end of the walk in Abingdon before aiming to take a bus between 4pm and 4.30pm that arrives back in Oxford by around 5pm followed by direct train back at 5.32pm. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

Lez Hike! Seven Sisters - Seaford to Eastbourne

*Time to hit the South Coast again 😎* The plan: Meeting at 9am sharp on Saturday 27th June at London Victoria to catch the 9:24am train to Seaford. Arrive at Seaford station at 10:48am, set off to climb the Seven Sisters cliffs and take in the beautiful views! When we arrive at Eastbourne, the plan is to have a few drinks at spoons (just opposite the station) and then be on our way back to London. We don't want to be leaving any later than 8pm. Best suggestion is to book a flexible ticket from Eastbourne to London. **IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE:** Kate and Paty are not professional hike leaders, we obviously won't be ditching anyone, but please keep this in mind! 😂 **The Seven Sisters cliffs are stunning but also potentially dangerous as the chalk cliffs are constantly eroding and can collapse without warning.** **For your safety, remain 5 metres back from the edge of the cliffs.** There is the option to book your tickets individually or as a group to get a discount. Whatever you prefer, please organise the train tickets for yourselves based on what works for you. It will be a single ticket from London to Seaford, and then a single ticket from Eastbourne to London. **Recommended tickets:** Single from London Victoria - Seaford Time: 09:24 - arrive at 10:48. Cost £13 but may change. Single from Eastbourne - London Victoria: Time: 19:33 - arrive at 21:06. Cost £26.40 but may change. **FOOD** Bring a packed lunch, but we will visit the spoons pub in Eastbourne after the hike for drinks. **DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY** Distance: 14 miles (22km) Grading: Intermediate/Challenging Ascent: 580m Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours **WHAT TO BRING** • Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket. Sensible clothing basically. • Sunscreen • Water (2 litres) • Lunch • Optional: dogs can come along! Please only bring if you feel confident of your dog's capability and safety, this will be a long day and we cannot take responsibility for any pets. **TOILETS** • We highly recommend to use the station toilets before we set off, there are limited toilets along the way and often very busy as it's a popular hike! This link has more information on the Seaford to Eastbourne route: [https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/east-sussex/seaford-to-eastbourne](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/east-sussex/seaford-to-eastbourne?sh=p8znlp&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality)