Part of HikeTogether - 1 group

Hike Together

4.9•1975 ratings

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

See all

The King’s Escape: Devil’s Dyke to Bramber Castle and the Sea🏖️| Free Hike 30km
Sat, Aug 8 · 9:50 AM BST
Hassocks, Hassocks Train station, GB
Grade 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4.5/5
⚠️For experienced hikers only
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📕ABOUT
A proper big day out on the South Downs. 30km (18.6mi) of chalk ridge, rolling downland, a Norman castle and the slow, satisfying descent to the sea.

We start at Hassocks station, climb up onto the Downs and drop into Pyecombe, then up again to the iconic Devil’s Dyke, the longest, deepest and widest dry valley in the UK. This is our lunch stop, with the whole Weald laid out below us and paragliders overhead on a good day (there’s a pub and café at the top too, if you’d rather not picnic).

From the Dyke we carry on west along the South Downs Way over Truleigh Hill, then drop off the ridge into the Adur Valley to Bramber Castle, an 11th-century Norman ruin perched above the river, with one great wall of its gatehouse tower still standing. From there we pick up the Monarch’s Way, the trail that follows Charles II’s 1651 flight to the Sussex coast, and make our way down to finish with boots in the salt air at Lancing Beach, ready for an optional swim 🏊🏼‍♂️ and a drink on the beach! ⛱️
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🌟HIGHLIGHTS

Saddlescombe Farm (National Trust), an ancient farmstead with over 1,000 years of history, sheep, and a tucked-away

Devil’s Dyke, Britain’s largest dry valley and our lunch stop, with paragliders soaring overhead on a good day

Truleigh Hill, the South Downs Way at its most expansive, with big skies and the communication towers on the ridge

Bramber Castle, a free-to-wander Norman ruin above the River Adur, once the seat of the de Braose family, where Charles II is said to have sheltered on his escape to the coast

The Monarch’s Way, walking in the footsteps of the fleeing king as the chalk gives way to river meadows and reedbeds

Lancing Beach, a wide pebble shore, perfect for unlacing boots and letting the sea do its work
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📖SUMMARY
30km (18.6mi) | Ascent 770m | Descent 825m | Max Elevation 213m
🚆Train: Return ticket London Victoria ⇆ Lancing
1- Outbound: London Victoria ➡️ Hassock
2- Inbound: Lancing ➡️ London
⛳️ Meeting Point: 2 Options
1- London Victoria station- Ticket Office | 08:20 (Train is at 08:46)
2- Hassocks- Outside train station | 09:45
⚠️This is a Point-to-Point (not circular) Hike
📍 Hike start: Hassocks train station | 09:50
🔚 Hike finish: Lancing | approx. 18:00
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🚊 TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION
I would recommend you get
🎟️Off-Peak Day Return ticket London Victoria ⇆ Lancing with a Network Railcard is £26.70 (instead of £40.10).

➡️ Outbound: London Victoria 08:46 → 09:43 Hassocks

⬅️ Inbound: Lancing (Any Off-Peak Return) → 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 for details
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💷 COST: Free
This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets.
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🎒WHAT TO BRING
- 2L Water
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen)
- Optional: trekking poles, camera
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  ✅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.
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  🚨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.
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  ☯️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.
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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, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.
75 attendees
£13.00
6 seats left
GROUP TICKET | Seven Sisters and Eastbourne Airshow
Sat, Aug 15 · 7:50 AM BST
London Victroia Train Station, London Victoria Station, Victoria Street, London, Greater London, SW1V 1JU, Greater London, GB
Group Travel Ticket (Optional)
The organiser will coordinate and pre-purchase Southern Railway DaySave group tickets a few days before the event. Tickets can be viewed [HERE].

Each group ticket costs £52 and covers exactly four people, making the cost £13 per person. Payment must be made in advance, and all four people covered by the ticket must travel together.

As attendees may have different travel plans, the organiser will try to arrange compatible groups of four and assign a ticket holder to each group.

If a ticket holder cannot be mutually agreed, the organiser will retain the ticket and coordinate the group’s travel.

The ticket allows the group of four to make unlimited journeys on the Southern Railway network for the day.

Joining the group travel arrangement is optional. You are welcome to attend the hike using your own ticket or transport. The hike itself is free.

Each group-ticket holder will need to travel with three other people and sit together on the train and go through the barrier at London Victoria. If a ticket holder cannot be allocated to a group of four, for example because the four people cannot agree on a mutually suitable travel arrangement, the organidser (AdrianB) will hold the ticket and coordinate everyone’s travel when we go through the barriers.

Anyone who has not paid by Tuesday 11 August 2026, will not be included in the group ticket.

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PAID:
1. Mila
2. Lenie
3. Adrian
4. Sandra
5. Fabian (Ada;s group)
6. Raquel Misis Misis
7. Robinski
8. AVAILABLE
9. AVAILABLE
10. AVAILABLE
11. AVAILABLE
12. AVAILABLE
13. AVAILABLE
14. AVAILABLE
15. AVAILABLE
16. AVAILABLE
17. AVAILABLE
18. AVAILABLE
19. AVAILABLE
20. AVAILABLE

NOT PAID:
everyone else
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EVENT
Sign up for the Seven Sisters and Eastbourne Airshow 🛩️ | Free Hike ~21km (~13mi) [HERE].
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EVENT DATE
Saturday 15 August 2026
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THIS OFFER IS FOR YOU IF
- You want to pay £13 for your total rail travel that day.
- You are happy to travel as part of a group of four.
- You understand that the group must travel together.
- You understand that individual tickets are not provided.
- You will travel to and from London Victoria with the group.
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REFUNDS
A full refund will be issued if a complete group of four cannot be formed.

Once the National Rail ticket has been purchased, no refunds can be provided. However, if another participant takes your place and pays for the ticket, your payment may be recovered from the replacement participant.
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PAYMENT
Pay using the link:
https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_MnR3HdT1s2cpW1

OR bank transfer:

Adrian Barnett trading as Hike Together
Account number: 79677613
Sort code: 04-00-05

After payment, message AdrianB with:
- Transaction ID
- Meetup profile name
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CONTACT
WhatsApp - AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663
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📍 MEETING POINT

AdrianB will be at the meeting point with the group tickets. I will ask for volunteers to act as group ticket holders.

07:50 – Meet at the London Victoria ticket office
08:10 – Leave meeting point and board the train
08:24 – Train departs London Victoria
09:26 – Arrival at Lewes
Change at Lewes
09:30 – Take the 09:30 service to Seaford (Sussex)
09:48 – Arrival at Seaford (Sussex)

If you are late and miss the group, the group will continue without you. You will need to purchase your own ticket and make your own travel arrangements.
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JOINING EN ROUTE
You may join at stations like Clapham Junction or East Croydon. You must have your own valid ticket to pass through barriers at those stations.
23 attendees
🛩️ Seven Sisters and Eastbourne Airshow 🛩️ ~21km (~13mi)
Sat, Aug 15 · 9:50 AM BST
seaford train station, seaford, GB
📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾Level 4/5 Difficult

SUMMARY:
Starting at Seaford (Sussex) Station, this path leads us to the scenic Seven Sisters, with incredible clifftop views along the way. We will also watch the Airbourne as we approach Eastbourne. There are toilets and a water refill point at the lunch stop. We conclude at a pub near Eastbourne Train Station.
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ABOUT:
🥾 ~21km | point-to-point hike
📈 Elevation gain: ~550m | Duration: ~6 hours
📍 Start: Seaford (Sussex) Train Station at 09:50
🚆 For trains and group/discounted tickets from London, please see below.
🏁 Finish: Eastbourne Train Station, approx. 16:00-17:00
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⚠️ TERRAIN:
Uneven, hilly, chalky cliffs with loose stones and fields. The coastal cliffs are prone to crumbling, so please keep well back from the cliff edge. There may be cattle in the fields.
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DESCRIPTION:
Come join us on one of England's classic, most striking landscape hikes.
Starting from Seaford (Sussex), we walk towards Seaford Beach, then to the Seaford Head Nature Reserve, and on to Hope Gap. Next, the trail takes us to Cuckmere Haven. The trail between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap has a series of ups and downs, with spectacular views of the chalk cliffs. For safety, we keep a good distance back from the edge. We stop for lunch at Birling Gap, where you can use the toilets, refill your bottle, and treat yourself to an ice cream.
After lunch, we continue walking towards the Belle Tout Lighthouse and then to Beachy Head. As we approach Eastbourne, we will be able to see more of the Eastbourne International Airshow. We make short stops as needed to regroup, take photographs, and enjoy the breathtaking views. We finish our hike at Eastbourne Train Station.
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🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:
- Seaford Beach
- Cuckmere Haven
- Seven Sisters
- Birling Gap
- Beachy head
- Eastbourne Airshow 🛩️🛩️🛩️
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🚂 TRAINS from London
- Ticket: Return from London Victoria → Eastbourne. For the group saver ticket, click HERE
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📍 MEETING POINT AND TIME:
Walk starts: 09:50 (as soon as check-in is complete) from Seaford (Sussex) Train Station
Walk finishes: Approx. 16:00 to 17:00 at Eastbourne Train Station.
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📍 OPTIONAL GROUP TRAVEL FROM LONDON
07:50 – Meet at the London Victoria ticket office
08:10 – Leave meeting point and board the train
08:24 – Train departs London Victoria
09:26 – Arrival at Lewes
Change at Lewes
09:30 – Take the 09:30 service to Seaford (Sussex)
09:48 – Arrival at Seaford (Sussex)
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⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:
Total distance: approx. ~21km (~13miles)
Elevation gain: ~550m
Grade: Difficult
Pace: Approx. 5km/h (~3mph)
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Riddle me:
Question: What can you hold in your right hand, but never in your left hand?
🍫🍫🍫If you know the answer, come tell me, and you will get a chocolate. The first three people will receive a chocolate.
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🎒WHAT TO BRING:
- Packed lunch, snacks, and sufficient water
- Suncream and sun hat
- Proper hiking gear
- Fully charged phone and power bank
- Camera if needed
- Personal medication and basic first aid
- Trekking poles recommended for slippery/steep ascents and descents
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📋 RSVP POLICY:
RSVP only if you plan to attend. If you can no longer make it, please update your RSVP as early as possible so others may join and organisers can plan fairly and safely. Repeated no-shows without prior notice may result in removal from the group or restrictions on future attendance.
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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 slower, feel free to pass and remain with the main group.
- Organisers may pause at suitable points to regroup.
While reasonable efforts will be made to keep the group together, it is not practical or safe to stop frequently for individuals who are 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.
68 attendees
Rolling Hills & Weald Views: Emmetts Garden 🌺 & Chartwell | 28 km (17 mi)
Sat, Aug 22 · 9:10 AM BST
Sevenoaks station, Tubs Hill, TN13 1DP, Sevenoaks, GB
📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4.5/5 (Moderate–Challenging)
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🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers: Moderately challenging, The hills and distance require a reasonable level of fitness, but nothing out of the ordinary for experienced walkers.

Casual walkers: Challenging. The combination of distance, repeated climbs, and cumulative elevation gain is likely to be tiring, particularly in warm weather.

Newcomers to long-distance hiking: A very tough day. The route may prove significantly more demanding than expected due to the length, hills, and sustained effort required throughout the day.
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🛑 IMPORTANT: This hike is not suitable for beginners.
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Join us for a scenic but demanding 28 km circular hike through the Kent Downs National Landscape. Starting in Sevenoaks, we’ll explore ancient woodlands, rolling hills, hidden valleys, open farmland and panoramic viewpoints along the Greensand Ridge.

The route passes through the picturesque areas of French Street, Toys Hill, Ide Hill and Yorks Hill, as well as the historic surroundings of Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill. Along the way, we’ll enjoy sweeping views across the Weald, peaceful woodland trails, open farmland and quiet country lanes that showcase the character of the Garden of England.

At the Emmetts Garden lunch stop, you will have the option to enter and explore the gardens. Please note that entry generally requires a National Trust membership card or payment of the admission fee.

After lunch, we’ll continue through a mixture of wooded ridges and open countryside before looping back towards Sevenoaks. Expect a varied and rewarding day, with changing scenery, impressive viewpoints and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the Kent Downs.

Although the route is not technically difficult, it is a long-distance hike with several significant climbs and approximately 583 m of ascent. The combination of distance and cumulative elevation makes this a moderately challenging walk, best suited to those who are comfortable spending a full day on the trails.

At the Chartwell Visitor Centre, depending on the time available, we may make a short stop to rest, refill water bottles and buy an ice cream. At Ide Hill, we may also stop at the local pub for a brief rest, to refill water bottles and prepare for the final section of the route.

For those who would like to round off the day socially, there will be an optional stop at The Sennockian, a Wetherspoon pub in Sevenoaks [What3Words]. This is an opportunity to relax with a drink or meal, chat with fellow walkers and reflect on the day before heading home. Participation is entirely optional, and walkers are welcome to make their own onward travel arrangements.
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OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 28 km (≈17.5 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
📈📉 Elevation: 583 m ascent / descent
🚶 Pace: 4.5 to 5.5 km/h (steady throughout; not a race, but not a leisurely stroll)
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TERRAIN
This circular route follows a varied mix of countryside trails, woodland paths, sections of the Greensand Way, tracks alongside crop fields, and quiet country lanes. The walk includes several climbs and undulating terrain typical of the Greensand Ridge. Some paths may be narrow, uneven, or seasonally overgrown with nettles and brambles. Suitable walking footwear is essential, particularly after wet weather when sections can become muddy.

During periods of hot summer weather, some exposed sections can feel particularly demanding and energy-sapping, so walkers should carry sufficient water and be prepared for the conditions. The route features a number of hills, ranging from short, steep ascents to longer sustained climbs that can continue for close to a kilometre. While none of the climbs are technically difficult, the cumulative elevation gain can make the route feel more challenging than the distance alone might suggest.
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 09:10 – Meet at the Sevenoaks railway station ticket office [What3Words], next to Costa Coffee.
▶️ Hike starts once check-in is complete.
🏁 17:30–18:00 – Expected finish at Sevenoaks railway station.
⏱️ Estimated moving time: 7 hours.
🕒 Estimated total duration: 8 hours, including breaks and regrouping stops.

Times are approximate and may vary depending on pace, breaks, and conditions.
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TRAINS
Buy a return ticket to Sevenoaks, costing approximately £11.10 with a Network Railcard. Catch the 08:43 train from London Bridge, or the 08:34 service from Charing Cross, arriving at Sevenoaks at 09:06.

📍 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
08:15 Meet at London Bridge station ticket office
08:30 Walk to platform
08:43 Depart London Bridge
09:06 Arrive at Sevenoaks

Journey time about 23 minutes, use toilets on the train!
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🚗 BY CAR
Parking is available at Sevenoaks railway station (What3Words) - Car Park A Sevenoaks Station
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FOOD AND FACILITIES
🍔 Lunch: Bring a packed lunch
🚻 Facilities: Café, toilets and refreshments are available at Emmetts Garden (9 km). Chartwell Centre (14 km) has toilets and a café, while Ide Hill (18 km) has toilets at the pub.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Packed lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water (more during hot weather)
Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
Weather-appropriate layers and waterproofs
Sun protection
Fully charged phone
Personal medication and basic first aid
Optional trekking poles
A smile, good vibes, and a sense of adventure
More snacks than you think you need
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
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📅 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 shortly before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group. Reliable regular members who find themselves on the waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.

🚨 The organiser may prioritise members with a reliable attendance history when allocating places from the waitlist. Members with a history of no-shows or frequent last-minute cancellations may receive lower priority.
If you are stuck on the waitlist, you may confirm your attendance in writing directly with the event host.

Please only sign up if you genuinely plan to attend.
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and we ask everyone to stay with the group rather than rushing 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 for regrouping. If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and responsible for your own route and safety. By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
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EXIT POINTS
Emmetts Garden, approximately 9 km from the start
Chartwell House, approximately 13 km from the start
Ide Hill, approximately 18 km from the start
Each exit point will require you to call a taxi or walk to the nearest bus stop and check the bus timetable.
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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: 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.
34 attendees