About us
Free, volunteer-led day hikes for fit and confident walkers across London and the surrounding counties
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We’re 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 usually cover 20 to 35 km (12 to 22 miles), with most day hikes around 25 km (15.5 miles). We walk at a moderate to brisk pace of about 5 to 5.5 km/h (3.1 to 3.4 mph), so our walks are best suited to people comfortable with longer distances and mixed terrain.
All hikes are free and led by experienced volunteer organisers. We usually set off around 10:00 and finish in the mid to late afternoon, often around 17:00. Most routes are accessible by train, and you can travel with the group from central London or meet us at the start.
Our event hosts pre-walk each route before publishing the hike. This helps them identify potential issues and plan an enjoyable day out.
We welcome adults aged 21 and over who enjoy longer, more challenging walks and value fresh air, adventure and good company in a friendly, well-organised group.
Before you RSVP: Please read the event description carefully and make sure the distance and difficulty suit you. Sign up only if you genuinely plan to attend.
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🌱 About Us
Hike Together was founded by AdrianB in April 2025, and AdrianB remains the group owner.
Our volunteer hosts play an important part in the group’s success. They take turns leading hikes, each bringing their own routes and style, so every event has its own character. We believe hiking is as much about people as it is about distance, and aim to make every walk friendly and welcoming.
Many of our hikes are long and challenging. If you’re new to long-distance hiking, you’re welcome to join an event that matches your fitness level.
After a day in the hills, you might be tired, muddy and 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.
For us, the route is only part of the experience. What matters most is exploring nature, sharing the day and getting to know the people we meet along the way.
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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
Any agreements relating to travel, insurance, costs, timing, or other related matters are between the individuals involved. Please arrange privately and move any lift-sharing discussions off this platform where possible.
🌿 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 organiser AdrianB so that the situation can be reviewed.
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📞 Contact During Events
Each event host should 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 group owner, AdrianB, via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663 on the day of the event only.
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📩 Contact, 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. However to help keep discussions constructive and manageable, and to avoid turning the meetup 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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Iconic White Cliffs of Seven Sisters and Beachy Head (~22km)
Seaford (Sussex) Train Station - Southern Railway, Seaford station, Station Approach, Seaford BN25 2AR, UK, Seaford, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾Level 4 - Difficult
ABOUT:
Starting at Seaford (Sussex) Train Station, this path follows the Panoramic clifftop hike along the white cliffs of Seaford and Seven Sisters, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel, Seaford, the South Downs, and Eastbourne. Public toilets are available at the lunch spot. The hike will finish at Eastbourne Train Station.
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SUMMARY:
🥾 ~22km (~14 miles) | Point-to-Point Walk |
📈Elevation gain: ~550m | Duration: ~6-7 hours.
📍 Start: Outside Seaford (Sussex) Train Station at 09:50 (as soon as check-in is complete).
🏁 Finish: Eastbourne Train Station, approx. 16:00-17:00.
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⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:
Cliffs, fields, uneven ground, chalk grass, and several ups and downs. Please stay well away from the cliff edge throughout the hike, as coastal cliffs are prone to crumbling. Cattle may be in the fields. The route can be muddy and very slippery during the rainy season, so we recommend using walking poles and wearing proper hiking boots.Total distance: approx. ~22km (~14miles)
Elevation gain: ~550m
Grade: Difficult
Pace: Approx. 4.7 km/h (~3mph)
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DESCRIPTION:
Join us on this stunning hike in Southern England, with striking landscapes. This coastal trail ascends from Seaford beach to Seaford Head Nature Reserve. Throughout the hike, we keep a safe distance from the cliff edge. The hike continues to Hope Gap, where we can descend to the beach. Next, the trail takes us to Cuckmere Haven. Afterwards, we take a series of ups and downs as we make our way across the cliffs. We will make several short stops to regroup, take pictures, and enjoy the breathtaking views. We stop at the Birling Gap Cafe for lunch, where you can use the toilets, refill your bottle, and buy snacks and lunch. After lunch, we will see the Belle Tout Lighthouse on the way, then the Beachy Head Lighthouse. As we approach Eastbourne, we will enjoy spectacular views of the town and the pier. We will finish the hike at a pub near Eastbourne Train Station.
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🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:- Seaford Head Nature Reserve
- Cuckmere Haven
- White Cliffs of Seven Sisters
- Birling Gap
- Belle Tout Lighthouse
- Beachy Head
- Eastbourne
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📍 MAIN MEETING POINT AND TIME:
Walk starts: 09:50 (as soon as check-in is complete) Outside Seaford (Sussex) Train Station
Walk finishes: Approx. 16:00-17:00 at Eastbourne Train Station.
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TRAINS FROM LONDON
Buy a return ticket from London Victoria to Eastbourne and a one-way ticket from Lewes to Seaford.Take the 08:24 Service to Eastbourne from London Victoria, arriving in Lewes (platform 1) at 09:26. Then take the 09:30 service to Seaford (Sussex) from platform 3, arriving at Seaford (Sussex) Train Station at 09:48.
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Riddle me:
Question: I am always hard when dry but smooth and soft when wet. What am I?
🍫🍫🍫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
- Head torch
- Weather-appropriate layers and proper waterproofs
- Fully charged phone
- 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 or late cancellations 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.49 attendees
🌲Surrey Hills Winter Hike | Leith Hill & Dorking | Free Hike 25 km (15.5 mi)
Dorking station (main), Station Approach, Dorking, at 1700hrs, Dorking, leaving RH4 1TF, UK, Dorking, GB📌 This hike is FULL
📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5 (Moderate, very steep hill)
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🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers → comfortable overall, though some climbs are steep
Casual walkers → challenging, especially on the steep climbs
Newcomers → a very tough and demanding day
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Join us for a winter walk through the Surrey Hills, starting and finishing in Dorking. We’ll follow open fields and peaceful woodland trails through rolling countryside, with a few steep climbs along the way. This full-day hike is best suited to experienced walkers looking for a rewarding winter challenge.Our toughest climb takes us through ancient woodland to Leith Hill, the highest point in southeast England. At the summit, we’ll enjoy the views from Leith Hill Tower before warming up with tea, coffee or cake at the cosy café.
The return route winds through woodland and past Denbies Wine Estate. We’ll keep a steady, comfortable pace, with time to catch our breath and enjoy the scenery.
The final hour may be in the dark, along wide, straightforward paths, so a head torch is essential. Back in Dorking, you’re welcome to join us for an optional drink at a pub beside the station before heading home.
🌇 Sunset on Sunday 15 November is at about 16:13 GMT. Please bring a head torch!
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OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate
📈📉 Elevation: 453 m of ascent and 453 m of descent
🚶 Pace: We’ll walk at a steady, sociable pace of around 4.5–5.5 km/h (2.8–3.4 mph). If you usually walk faster, please be prepared to adjust. This isn’t a race or an endurance walk, but it won’t be a slow, leisurely stroll either. If you prefer to maintain a faster or much slower pace, this hike may not be the right fit for you.
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 Meet: Dorking Main railway station entrance at 09:40
▶️ Start: As soon as check-in is complete, around 09:50
🏁 Finish: Dorking Main railway station at approximately 17:00 to 17:30
⏱️ Estimated walking time: Approximately 6.5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: Approximately 7.5 hours, including breaks and stops
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📍 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
For those travelling from London: A return ticket to Dorking Main costs £10.50 with a Network Railcard or £15.80 without one. If you wish to travel as a group from London Victoria and do not have a Network Railcard but would like to benefit from a discounted fare, please arrive at the meeting point on time. The organiser or another group member may be able to include you in a group booking.08:10 Meet at London Victoria, next to the ticket office
08:25 Walk to the platform
08:40 Depart London Victoria
09:37 Arrive at Dorking Main
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🚗 BY CAR
Parking is available at Dorking railway station. [Website]
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FOOD AND FACILITIES
🍔 Lunch: Around 13:00. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and water.
🚻 Facilities: Nature stops only; there are no toilets along the route.Note: It may be chilly at the top of Leith Hill, so consider bringing a hot drink, a hat and gloves. A sit mat is also useful in case the benches are wet.
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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
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
🔦 Head torch
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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 plan to attend, and cancel as early as possible if your plans change. Repeated no-shows or last-minute cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.If you’re on the waitlist and are sure you can attend, please message the event host directly. I’ll do my best to fit you in.
Waitlist: Waitlists are managed manually and may not update automatically. Once the attendance cap is reached, the event is effectively full. The host may move people from the waitlist based on their attendance history and reliability, helping to allocate places available for members who are likely to attend.
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social hike. Please stay within sight of the group and wait at junctions if you walk faster. A back marker may not always be present. If you leave the group or walk at a very different pace, you’re responsible for your own route and safety. By attending, you agree to these guidelines.
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EXIT POINTS
Coldharbour and Westcott. Call a taxi to return to Dorking.
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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.62 attendees
Hidden Rails, Ancient Rocks & Woodland Paths 🌿 | Free Hike, 21 km (13 mi)
East Grinstead Railway Station - Southern Railway, East Grinstead station, Railway Approach, East Grinstead RH19 1EB, UK, East Grinstead, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5 (Moderate)
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🧠 How it will feel
Experienced hikers: Comfortable overall.
Intermediate hikers: Moderate, mainly because of the distance and mixed terrain.
Beginners: Not recommended due to the distance and mixed terrain.
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Step back in time on a countryside adventure through West Sussex. We’ll leave East Grinstead’s medieval and Tudor High Street behind and follow a broad, level gravel path along a former railway line. It’s a gentle start, giving us time to settle into the walk before the countryside opens around us.We’ll keep a steady pace, but this isn’t a race from A to B. There’ll be time to pause, take in the views, snap a few photos and enjoy the day together.
The River Medway and Weir Wood Reservoir bring us into the countryside, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. At Kingscote, we’ll step into the railway past at a peaceful country station restored to its mid-1950s appearance. We can explore the heritage trail and, if a steam train is running, watch it arrive or depart. We may even hear its whistle carry across the landscape as we continue.
Leaving the railway behind, we’ll follow winding woodland paths near Gravetye Manor, once home to pioneering gardener William Robinson. Mixed woodland and towering redwoods create a quieter, more sheltered stretch of the walk.
We’ll then make our way to Standen, a hillside Arts and Crafts house with views across the Sussex countryside. We won’t tour the house, but we’ll stop at the visitor area, where there’s a café, shop and facilities.
On the way back, the landscape opens up again at Stone Hill Rocks. These sandstone outcrops, formed around 135–140 million years ago, overlook Weir Wood Reservoir and offer a chance to pause and enjoy the view.
Our final stretch takes us across open pastures, where we may spot grazing deer, then through narrow, winding woodland paths. We’ll rejoin the former railway line for an easy, level walk back to East Grinstead.
Back in town, we’ll pass the historic Tudor buildings before heading towards Wetherspoons, conveniently on the way to the station. You’re welcome to join us for a relaxed drink before heading home.
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Please note: The route isn’t especially hilly, though narrow paths, gates, stiles and occasional fallen trees may slow us in places. Some woodland paths are overgrown, and brambles may brush against your legs. We’ll cross one busy road carefully in small groups. We may finish after dark, so please bring a head torch. A phone light isn’t sufficient.
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HIGHLIGHTS
🛖 East Grinstead’s medieval and Tudor High Street
🌿 A gentle start along a former railway line
🦆 The River Medway and Weir Wood Reservoir
🚂 Kingscote Station and its Bluebell Railway heritage trail
🌲 Woodland and towering redwoods near Gravetye Manor
🏡 Standen Visitor Centre, café and shop (admission normally applies)
🪨 Stone Hill Rocks overlooking the reservoir
🦌 Open pastures, winding woodland paths and possible deer sightings
📸 Time to pause, enjoy the views, take photos and chat along the way
👻 The last stretch in the dark!
🍻 Optional drink at Wetherspoons near the station
🚆 About an hour by train from London
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OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 21 km (approximately 13 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate, Level 3/5
📈 Elevation: Approximately 219 m of ascent and 224 m of descent
🚶 Pace: We’ll walk at a steady, sociable pace of around 4.5–5.5 km/h (2.8–3.4 mph). If you usually walk faster, please be prepared to adjust. This isn’t a race or an endurance walk, but it won’t be a slow, leisurely stroll either. If you prefer to maintain a faster or much slower pace, this hike may not be the right fit for you.🌇 Sunset is around 16:23, so please bring a head torch as the last section may be dark.
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TRAINS
Buy a return ticket from London Victoria to East Grinstead: £13.10 with a Network Railcard or group discount, or £19.80 without either discount.
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📍 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
Meet at London Victoria ticket office at 08:00
08:10 Walk to the platform (usually 12–14)
08:20 Depart London Victoria (via: Clapham Junction, East Croydon)
09:20 Arrive at East Grinstead
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 Meet: East Grinstead railway station main entrance at 09:20 [what3words]
▶️ Start: As soon as check-in is completed, around 09:30
🏁 Finish: East Grinstead railway station about 17:00
⏱️ Estimated walking time: 5.5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: Approximately 7.5 hours, including lunch and short stops.Please arrive on time, as we cannot wait for latecomers.
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RETURN TRAINS
Trains to London Victoria run every 30 minutes, at 6 and 36 minutes past each hour.
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🚗 BY CAR
Paid parking is available at East Grinstead railway station, subject to availability.
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FOOD AND FACILITIES
There will be two stops with toilet and café facilities: one for an early lunch and another in the mid-afternoon. Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water.Standen admission: Paid admission is usually required to access Standen’s visitor area, including the café and toilets. On a previous visit, we were able to enter without paying, but this may not be possible on the day.
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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
🔦 Head torch
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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 plan to attend, and cancel as early as possible if your plans change. Repeated no-shows or last-minute cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.If you’re on the waitlist and are sure you can attend, please message the event host directly. I’ll do my best to fit you in.
Waitlist: Waitlists are managed manually and may not update automatically. Once the attendance cap is reached, the event is effectively full. The host may move people from the waitlist based on their attendance history and reliability, helping to allocate places available for members who are likely to attend.
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social hike. Please stay within sight of the group and wait at junctions if you walk faster. A back marker may not always be present. If you leave the group or walk at a very different pace, you’re responsible for your own route and safety. By attending, you agree to these guidelines.
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EXIT POINTS
There are no planned public-transport exit points along the route. If you leave the hike early, you will be responsible for arranging and paying for your own transport back to East Grinstead station from the nearest main road.
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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.55 attendees
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