Foraging Walks London

'Sole to Soul' Walk & Talk

Join us for a chilled out, circular, stroll around Wanstead Park. The Park is a peaceful space with old trees, open grassland, woodland paths and a beautiful chain of lakes. It has history, with traces of the grand Wanstead House estate that once stood there. We'll take this time to slow down, engage and enjoy nature. We ask that you bring a specific topic you'd like to explore, or a question that's slightly unusual to the every day thinking we get caught in. Examples could be something like: * If you were to be born again, which career would you try out? * What's the best decision you made in the last year? * What is the smallest thing you could change in your life that would have the biggest positive impact right now? No need to bring the cleverest question. Come curious, open, prepared to share and ready to hear new perspectives and maybe even meet life long friends. We'll meet at the park entrance at 10.30am (see photo and map). We'll wait until 10.45am (only) iff we know someone is delayed. We'll share our questions all together and then head off as a (loose) group, in pairs or threes, returning to the same park gates around 12.30pm. Access to the park entrance on Wanstead Park Road is easy by public transport, Central Line or Elizabeth Line. By joining the walk you (of course) take full responsibility for your wellbeing. We look forward to meeting you!

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.

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.

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.

London Society HIKE - Crystal Palace to Streatham Common

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Crystal Palace to Streatham Common. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 4. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Crystal Palace Station Ending point: Streatham Common station Walking length: 6.3km Duration: 2 hours Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Crystal Palace to Streatham common WHEN - 2pm - 5pm MEETING POINT - Outside Crystal Palace Station NEAREST STATION - Crystal Palace station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

Yorkshire Coast Walking Break: Seabirds, Smugglers & Seaside Strolls

### Yorkshire Coast Walking Break: Seabirds, Smugglers & Seaside Strolls 📅 **Tuesday 24 – Friday 27 June 2025** 🛌 **Midweek Hotel Stay** – Single & Shared Rooms Available 📍 **Yorkshire Coast – Based in Ravenscar** This is a brand new three-night walking break with **Large Outdoors**, exploring clifftop trails, hidden smugglers’ coves, and wide sandy beaches along the Yorkshire Coast. Expect sociable days of walking from our base at a peaceful hotel overlooking the sea. We’ll be looking out for puffins and other seabirds, strolling sections of the Cleveland Way, and stopping for seaside treats along the way. This is a midweek break designed to be relaxed, sociable, and with a proper holiday feel. *** 🔗 **Full details and booking:** [https://www.largeoutdoors.com/yorkshire-coast-walking-break-seabirds-smugglers-seaside-strolls](https://www.largeoutdoors.com/yorkshire-coast-walking-break-seabirds-smugglers-seaside-strolls)

Monument to Millbank FREE Thames Path Walk

Starting from The Monument a most wonderful 4 mile walk starting at 6.45pm by walking on the north side of the Thames before crossing Millennium Bridge, walking by Tate Modern then along the lovely scenic South Bank passing The Wheel in Westminster until we cross The Thames at Lambeth Bridge to finish by Tate Britain. We shall have a drink at the end of the walk. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

London Society FOOD - The Food District

Have you ever wanted to discover a variety of cuisines to choose from where you end up being spoilt for choice? If so, then this is the right place for you. Welcome to the food event where all of this is possible. This is your chance to select any cuisine of choice and converse amongst one another. With this particular event, we’ll be eating at ‘The Food district’. The food district only opened up 6 months ago hence that pristine appearance but nevertheless, they offer 15 different varieties of food and possibly cuisines from their vendors including one of my favourite chains. They’re the first food court to be 100% halal. To check out more, feel free to see their website at https://www.thefooddistrict.co.uk. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy WHAT - Food at ‘The food District’
WHERE - The Food district https://maps.app.goo.gl/MESbuXRTJhFtq7E96?g_st=ipc WHEN - 7:15pm - 9:15pm
MEETING POINT - Outside The Food District
NEAREST STATION - Edgware Road Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

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

The Canopy to Canal Traverse | Free Hike 24km (15mi)

**📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾Level 3/5 - (Moderate)** —— **📖 SUMMARY:** 📏 Distance: 24km (15mi) ⛰️ Ascent 221m \| Max Elevation 202m **📍**Meeting Point: Ruislip Manor tube station at 10:00 🚊Train: London TFL Tube Station (Metropolitan Line) 🏁Hike start: Ruislip Manor tube station (**[What3Words](https://what3words.com/grew.stored.formal)**\) \| 10:00 🔚Hike finish: Uxbridge tube station (**[What3Words](https://what3words.com/edgy.chats.farm)**\) \| approx\. 17:00 📈Pace Steady: Intermediate 5 km/ph \-\-\- **📍 MEETING POINT** 10:00 outside Ruislip Manor station **[What3Words](https://what3words.com/grew.stored.formal)** \-\-\- **📕ABOUT:** This premier North London loop is a masterclass in "hidden" greenery. Moving from the suburban fringe of Hatch End into some of the most historic and ecologically diverse landscapes in the Home Counties, this hike offers a perfect blend of high-altitude views, Victorian intrigue, and deep-forest immersion. —— ⭐️**HIGHLIGHTS:** This premier West London point-to-point is a masterclass in "hidden" greenery. Moving from the suburban fringe of Ruislip into some of the most historic and ecologically diverse landscapes in the Colne Valley, this hike offers a perfect blend of lakeside vistas, ancient hornbeam forests, and narrowboat charm. **1\. The Ancient Canopy** Setting off from **Ruislip Manor**, you quickly trade the high street for the sprawling **Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve**. This isn't just a park; it’s the largest remnants of ancient semi-natural woodland in Greater London. Navigating through **Park Wood** and **Mad Bess Wood**, the "Deep Woods" phase offers a thick canopy of hornbeam and oak that makes the Metropolitan line feel a world away. **2\. The Lido & Miniature Rails** The trail skirts the edge of **Ruislip Lido**, a 60-acre reservoir complete with a natural sand beach. You’ll likely hear the whistle of the **Ruislip Lido Railway**—the UK's longest 12-inch gauge line—as it chugs through the trees. It adds a touch of quirky, nostalgic "Victoriana" to the wilderness. **3\. The Ascent to the Orchard** Leaving the woods behind, the trail gains elevation as you push toward **Harefield**. This is the "High Ground" section. You’ll emerge at the **Old Orchard Pub** for lunch. The reward is one of the most expansive vistas in the Home Counties, overlooking the lakes and wetlands of the **Colne Valley Regional Park**. On a clear day, the horizon feels endless. **4\. The Steep Descent & Lock Life** From the pub, it’s a sharp, leafy descent down toward the water. You’ll enter the "liquid highway" phase at the **Grand Union Canal**. The landscape shifts from rugged forest to the rhythmic, engineering marvels of the British canal system. **5\. The Liquid Highway** The final major leg follows the towpath south toward Uxbridge. You’ll pass **Denham Deep Lock**—the deepest on the canal—and witness a vibrant community of colourful narrowboats. This is a serene, level "breather" where the local heron population often provides a stately escort along the water’s edge. **6\. Optional Social Pub Stop at the end of the Hike\.** —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. \-\-\- **🍔**🚻 **LUNCH AND FACILITIES** Bring water and snacks, we will stop at a pub for lunch. \-\-\- **🎒WHAT TO BRING:** * 1-2L water/snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** Adults aged 21 and over. No children. No pets. —— **🚨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. \-\-\- 📞 **CONTACT** For questions, please message the event host **Ashantel** —— ⚠️ **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.

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

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.