London is full of green spaces, from the sweeping views of Greenwich to the wild beauty of Hampstead Heath and the vast expanse of Richmond Park. These spots are undeniably stunning (seriously, they’re gorgeous), but you can usually explore them in just an hour or two.
Londoners are no strangers to walking either. No, indeed most would rather brave a snowstorm than endure a packed Tube ride, but if you’re craving a proper hike, not just a stroll along the Thames or a climb up Primrose Hill, you’ll need to venture a little further afield.
London’s Walking Groups
If, like me, you don’t have a car or have failed the driving test five times, you might be unsure where to start. Maybe your friends would rather spend their weekends dancing at Infernos than facing the so-called joy of a British hike. If that sounds familiar, you’re probably wondering who you can go with and where you can go, all while relying on train travel from the city.
This isn’t just for London locals. If you’re visiting the city and fancy a day escaping to the rolling hills of the British countryside or the dramatic slopes of the Peaks, this guide is for you too. And likewise, if you’re new to London and looking to meet people, you’re in the right place. I assure you, the city’s hiking groups offer plenty of opportunities to make new connections.
There are a few hiking groups around the city, but one that stood out to me was Walk This Way. Partly because, as a marketing girly, I was in awe of whoever runs their socials, but also because I couldn’t believe how many people my age were joining a hiking group. It was so refreshing to see that I wasn’t alone in wanting to spend my weekends on wholesome retreats, exploring different parts of the UK. And while my nights at Infernos aren’t behind me just yet, I was glad to find a way to socialise that didn’t revolve around alcohol for a change.
And the best part? All the planning is done for you by the incredible team who started the group. The walks have been such a hit that they’ve even had to introduce ticketing because of the sheer number of people showing up. To put it in perspective, their February walk had 150 attendees. It’s seriously impressive.
Whether you’re going solo or signing up with a friend, everyone is incredibly welcoming and friendly. You’ll no doubt meet some amazing people along the way.
Take it from me, someone who usually finds this sort of thing, especially sober, rather intimidating. I ended up chatting to so many people and soon felt right at home. So take the leap and get outdoors. You never know who you might meet or what you may see!
How to Get Involved
Walk This Way hosts a monthly walk, sharing details on Instagram about the date, location, and ticket release. You can also join their WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with upcoming walks and take part in other activities organised by members, including quiz nights and bouldering. I’ve linked their page here, so be sure to give them a follow!
Another popular group I discovered through word of mouth is Overground, which also organises walks to help people escape the city. You can keep track of their upcoming walks here.
But for now, here are some very muddy highlights from my most recent walk. Enjoy!
Thank you for reading Calendar Girl Blog! If you’re looking for new experiences in London, want to meet new people, or fancy trying something off the beaten track, make sure to subscribe to my blog and check out my socials linked here. I’m here for plans made easy!
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