Friendly Faces of Warwickshire

FFW: Warwick Monthly Social

Fri, Aug 21 · 7:30 PM BST

New Bowling Green, 13 St Nicholas Church Street, Warwick, CV34 4JD, GB

Tis the season to hang out in a pub garden and soak up the incredible sunshine in good company. So with the New Bowling Green being the best pub garden for miles around (actual photo of our June 2026 visit above) this event is a must for your diary and the perfect way to meet friendly like-minded people and to give your social life a big boost.
There's absolutely no need to find someone you know to come with you because coming alone is perfectly normal and is what 99.9% of attendees do. We're all in the same boat after all.

So whether you're a first-timer or a regular, hit the attend button now to join this mixed casual group-tour around the town centre on a relaxed Friday evening, and we'll descend together upon its most popular bars one at a time, staying long enough for a drink or two before we all move on to the next one.

What is a Friendly Faces Monthly Social?...
Either read on for a written explanation of the format of this event, or watch this YouTube video that I put together in 2023 when we first started doing them...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st6irM814UM

To the untrained eye this event looks like a pub-crawl, but rather than being about getting drunk (as pub-crawls are) this monthly meetup event instead focuses on the social aspects : getting out there and meeting new people, mingling, and expanding your social circle.
The changing of venues helps encourage the mingling upon us, and typically by the end of the evening - each attendee will...
(1) have met most (if not all) of the other attendees present,
(2) feel pretty chuffed about having chatted with a group of nice friendly people and made some cool new connections,
(3) feel like they fit right in,
(4) be checking the diary to see if they can make another event!

If you're driving, or (like me) alcohol isn't your thing, then do as I and any other non-drinkers do, and instead sip on a glass of cordial, coke, or zero beer. There is no pressure to buy drinks. If you decide to skip the bar and just enjoy the social occasion, you certainly wont be judged.

Big Win #1...
Unlike the usual sit-down or stand-still-all-night meetups, this style of event will keep mixing us up as a group every time we change venue, and the mingling will happen automatically as we go with the flow.

Big Win #2...
As a big group of people it will be great fun and a guaranteed laugh watching the bewildered faces of the non-meetup people in the bars as we all walk in the door together and fill the place, and then after an hour or so of meetup chatter - all leave together and empty it again!

Venues...
As you may know there are several cool bars in central Warwick so we wont have to walk far between venues. We'll visit around 3 or 4 venues throughout the evening, and stay close to the Market Square in the town centre.

I'll keep our location-changes communicated as the evening progresses so you can join at any point along the route, but lateness is not recommended. Obviously if you're on time at the start you'll be present for introductions, and you'll get much more out of the evening.
So to start we'll meet in the amazing New Bowling Green garden at 7:30pm and let the socialising commence.
Meet-point here... https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gi4kerViG8FsFJkH8

Click the 'Attend' button now so you don't forget.

Take advantage of the free parking in the Cape Road car park which is free from 6pm on Friday, and its near to where we'll finish the tour.
Car park here... https://maps.app.goo.gl/4JSpR2ZoavrPPNP8A

Very Important Note...
A polite reminder that Friendly Faces events are for meeting new people, networking and expanding social circles. This means positive energy only.
The following 5 rules apply, as a way of safeguarding members from a few things. By attending this and any subsequent events, you agree to abide by them.

(1) Friendly Faces events are not dating / singles events. Anyone engaging in persistent or unwelcomed attention towards others (either at an event or afterwards) may be removed from the group.

(2) Having respect for others is non-negotiable. Anyone who is disrespectful to others (whether this is directed at members of the group or outsiders) may be removed from the group.

(3) Drinking alcohol is normal (and optional) at these events, however our primary focus is on socialising, not on drinking to excess. Anyone being or becoming excessively drunk (or exhibiting drunken behaviour) may be removed from the group.

(4) We are all Friendly Faces group ambassadors at the places we visit. Anyone misusing/abusing a venue/location (or the staff or property within it) may be removed from the group.

(5) Our encouragement of others to attend more Friendly Faces events benefits us all. However anyone harvesting/sharing phone numbers to promote products, events, or other social groups may be removed from the group.

I feel very proud that members of the Friendly Faces group are known for being so warm and welcoming to each other (and the expectations of first-timers are often exceeded) so good times and happy vibes naturally flow at our events.
With these rules in place and acknowledged we shouldn't need to refer back to them, but we have them and can use them if needed.
With that out of the way - lets do what we do so well, and enjoy these super-sociable group experiences and meeting new people.
If we haven't met you before we are all looking forward to meeting you, and if we have met you before - we're looking forward to seeing you again!

Finally...
Your first Friendly Faces event is free.
'First-timer' attendees are always welcome to come along and check out who we are and how we do things. After that if you wish to return for another one, becoming an official subscribing group-member is necessary, so provided you're (strictly) within the permitted group age range of 25 to 55, read the details here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/

FFW: The Malvern Hills - A walk along the hill-tops (VERY hilly 6-mile hike)

Sun, Aug 23 · 1:00 PM BST

Abbey Road Coffee, 11 Abbey Road, Malvern, GB

First-timers and regulars are welcome to admire the S T U N N I N G scenery of this magnificent location. Another repeat of the first ever Friendly Faces group hike which has been revisited many times since, and always puts contented smiles on faces for the drive home.

What to expect...
I can honestly say that being at the top of the Malvern hills looking down is a truly amazing experience, and if I describe it its easy to imagine, so lets take a moment...
All you can hear is birds singing softly, and the faint sound of the odd motorbike engine riding through the country lanes far away. Maybe a light breeze brushes past, rustling the leaves of the trees.
The views from the top are absolutely breath-taking, and as you let your eyes relax into the distance and rest on the tiny houses below, you realise how therapeutic it is being away from the bright monitors and mobile-phone screens of daily life.
As you breath deeply and feel the fresh air in your lungs, you smile and feel satisfied at having reached the top and wonder why you don't get out to places like this more often.

So make this dreamy guided meditation into a reality and utilise a lazy Sunday afternoon to drive out to the bottom of the hills with a group of like-minded people, and hike up and along the tops to take in this outstanding experience.

It's perhaps worth noting that this is not a hike for the weak or unfit. The initial ascent generates a lot of huffing and puffing, and when we reach the top - the route along the top is up and down smaller peaks for the duration. Please consider that unlike other easy walks/hikes you may have attended, this hike is for intermediate hikers - not beginners.
Rest assured that the entire route consists purely of normal pathways (as per the one in the photo) that are well-trodden by families and people of all age-groups. It's 100% walking and no climbing with your hands is needed.
There are plenty of places to stop and sit down along the way so lots of opportunities to take a break for a while before continuing. The views get better the closer you get to the top, and upon reaching the top you'll agree it was worth the effort.

Depending on how we move as a group it shouldn't take us much more than 3 or 4 hours before we are back down at the bottom of the hills again.
As is customary when we reach the end of a Friendly Faces hiking route, we'll call in at a nearby pub (this time the very convenient local Wetherspoons) for a well-earned drink and a sit down / final chin-wag, before heading home.
Bear in mind that although dogs are allowed to attend this event, Wetherspoons pubs don't allow dogs anywhere on their premises, so if you bring yours then you'll have no choice but to miss out on the pub stop.

Getting there...
Drivers offering lifts from their local town will undoubtedly gain hero/heroine status, so if you have an empty space or two in your car please write a comment on this page below with your preferred pick-up point.
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift to and from the starting point, leave a message here asking if anyone is driving from your home town that could help.
In fact - do that now, because leaving that request until the last few days before the event is too late.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.
The meet-point is x miles away from...
Warwick 51; Leamington 52; Kenilworth 54; Coventry 54; Rugby 61; Central Birmingham 40.
We'll meet outside the Abbey Road Cafe which is near the bottom of the hills, grab a coffee / take a quick trip to the toilet, and then begin our ascent.

Oh and parking...
Aim for the Priory Road South carpark as its the biggest and best (and a bargain at £4 for 24 hours) but please bear in mind that there is a 15-minute walk from the carpark to the coffee shop meet point, so factor that into your planned arrival time.

Other things to note...
- Well-behaved dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this walk, but must be kept on a lead. Remember also that some people can be fearful of dogs and hide it well, so please be respectful of that and keep your dog under control at all times.
- Compared to other hiking routes in the huge Friendly Faces library of routes, the terrain for this one is very hilly. Ankle-protecting boots are always recommended for hiking distances like this, and for this event they are essential.
You'll hopefully be attending many more Friendly Faces hikes scheduled for the year ahead, so if you don't own proper walking boots then it will be a great investment.

Finally...
With this fantastic area of outstanding natural beauty only an hours drive away from Warwickshire, we dont need any flight bookings or suitcases or airport transfers - lets just get in the cars and take advantage of what this country has to offer for free!
So with your imagination excited at the prospect of a super afternoon out, hit the attend button now so you dont forget.

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions in the meantime.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS

1. 'First-timer' attendees are always welcome to come along and check out who we are and how we do things. After that if you wish to return for another one, becoming an official subscribing group-member is necessary, so provided you're (strictly) within the permitted group age range of 25 to 55 qualifying you to join, read the details here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/

2. This event starts at 1pm. Do not be late. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we will leave without you. In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks on the day.

3. To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, hike-fit, free from injury, and have experience of covering this distance in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks on the day.

4. Well-behaved dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend this event, but should be (without exception) kept on a lead at all times.

5. This is a hiking event, and all attendees are expected to wear proper hiking footwear. No matter how confident/familiar you feel about walking in the countryside - due to the uneven terrain on this route, ankle-protecting waterproof footwear is compulsory.
If you do not currently own any - please invest in a pair in advance. The many Mountain Warehouse stores offer an excellent selection, so there is no excuse to not be equipped for this event.
Trainers may not protect you from a nasty injury - which could bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone.
(* 2026 UPDATE *) To ensure that all attendees sensibly follow this request respectfully of everyone else : Anyone who injures themselves and is not wearing ankle-protecting hiking footwear will be removed from the group.

FFW: Leamington parks, along the canal to Warwick and back (7-mile hike)

Sat, Aug 29 · 11:00 AM BST

Newbold Comyn Carpark, Leamington Spa, GB

To start this special Friendly Faces double-hike Bank Holiday weekend, get your name down for this first one - a very easy-going local hike through much-loved parks and scenic beauty-spots.
Either read on for the event description, or save time and watch this 2-minute briefing video that explains all you need to know about this event, which I recorded just before we did this route for the first time in early 2024...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlHc9LNwRhc

Check out this tried and tested, flat, local route - guaranteed to help you tick your boxes to (a) get out more, and (b) meet more people.
This hike will take in the amazing parks and countryside scenery right on our doorstep, starting in central Leamington, trekking along the footpaths out of town, all the way out to St Nicholas' park in Warwick, before returning to the start point in Leamington again.

This is a superb route which will get you outdoors, breathing the fresh air and rubbing shoulders with like-minded Friendly Faces group members - both new and regular.

Despite the fantastic views and peaceful natural beauty throughout the route, please be warned that at 7 miles this is not a short stroll and you should not sign up if you have any recurring injuries that could flare up, or you do not have a good level of stamina for physical and enduring exercise for this distance.

We will take a half-way stop outside the cafe in St Nicholas park to consume one or more of...
- a home-made sandwich,
- an icecream (from the shop), or
- a coffee (from the shop)
...and then when we finish we'll take a well-earned sit down and drink back at the Newbold Comyn Arms pub.

We'll meet in the free-to-park Newbold Comyn overflow carpark to commence. (not the one outside the pub)
You are strongly advised to plan to arrive in town at least 15 minutes early so that you've got time to find a parking space and get yourself ready to start. (boots on, etc)
Its not nice to make the group wait because you didn't plan your journey. If you don't make it to the starting point on-time we will start without you.

When we are done we will have our traditional well-earned sit down and refreshing drink, this time in the awesome outdoor garden of the Newbold Comyn Arms before heading home.

Need a lift?...
If you aren't a driver and would like a lift to and from the starting point, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Do that now, because leaving that question until the last few days before the event is too late.
Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver towards petrol money.
Drivers...
If you are a driver, the start-point is x minutes drive away...
Leamington 0; Warwick 3; Coventry 11; Stratford 12; Rugby 16; Central Birmingham 30.
Don't forget to factor in any pickups on the way.
ALWAYS plan your journey and check for traffic (first thing in the morning) on the day!

I really hope you can make this relatively easy Friendly Faces walk.
Notwithstanding the warm and sociable Friendly Faces group members (first-timers and regulars) that you will share this experience with - this is a very pleasant walking route out in the local countryside, providing scenery and company well worth coming along for.

Hit the Attend button now so you don't forget.

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions in the meantime.

Important Note : Attending both hiking events this weekend is only for the hardcore among you, the second is one of our most challenging routes. So if you haven't hiked this distance for a while, it's really not a good idea to attend both.
Getting half way through a route and then announcing you are unable to go further would mean the event cannot continue for anyone, and you will not be popular.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS

1. 'First-timer' attendees are always welcome to come along and check out who we are and how we do things. After that if you wish to return for another one, becoming an official subscribing group-member is necessary, so provided you're (strictly) within the permitted group age range of 25 to 55 qualifying you to join, read the details here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/
2. Be respectfully on time, not disrespectfully late. Make sure you arrive early enough to get parked, and be ready at the start point for this time or we will leave without you. In the past, several people have discovered how unpleasant it is to arrive at a meet-point and find it deserted, only to have to turn around and drive home again. Plan your journey beforehand and check for traffic/roadworks.
3. To attend this hiking event you must be physically active, hike-fit, free from injury, and have experience of covering this distance in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.
4. Well-behaved dogs ARE allowed 🐶✔️ to attend, however emphasis on the words "Well-behaved". Keep your dog close-to-heel and do not allow him or her to run amok.
5. This is a hiking event, and all attendees are expected to wear proper hiking footwear. No matter how confident/familiar you feel about walking in the countryside - due to the uneven terrain on this route, ankle-protecting waterproof footwear is compulsory.
If you do not currently own any - please invest in a pair in advance. The many Mountain Warehouse stores offer an excellent competitively-priced selection for men and women, so there is no excuse to not be equipped for this event.
Trainers may not protect you from a nasty injury - which could bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone.
(* 2026 UPDATE *) To ensure that all attendees sensibly follow this request respectfully of everyone else : Anyone who injures themselves and is not wearing ankle-protecting hiking footwear will be immediately and permanently removed from the group.

FFW: Burton Dassett (Option 2 of 2) Bank Holiday Monday 8-mile Hike & Sunset

Mon, Aug 31 · 3:00 PM BST

Burton Dassett Country Park, Burton Dassett, CV47 2AB, GB

Experienced hikers - add your name to the attendees list for a full-repeat of the summer-solstice hike-and-sunset event back in June, which received an incredible amount of positive feedback from those present.
So if you missed that one, this is your second (and final) chance in 2026 to attend a Friendly Faces group hike and sunset viewed from way up high on the superb Burton Dassett hills.

Setting off at 3.15pm prompt (not a minute later) we will walk the full 8 miles of the hilly Friendly Faces Burton Dassett route.
Timing will be everything, so we must be efficient in our pace and not dragging our heels as we go round to make it back before the sky turns orange and the sun dips slowly down on this special occasion.

IMPORTANT NOTE : This event is Option 2 of 2. If you are not an experienced hiker, or may struggle on this very hilly route - please instead sign up for Option 1 : the separate "Picnic & Sunset" meetup event starting at 2.30pm, (with whom we will converge before the sunset).
***Option 1 Link here: ***https://meetu.ps/e/Q97KF/BSFBF/i
The two sets of event attendees will converge to watch the sunset together, so to help us establish separate attendee numbers for both events please pick only one of the two events - Do not sign up to both.

Which ever event you decide to attend, dont forget to bring snacks / cake / drinks, and we'll have a relaxed chat as we wait to watch the sun set on the horizon, which will occur at at approximately 7.40pm. With the cars then just 5 minutes further, we'll be driving off well before it gets dark.

Many previous attendees would agree that our Burton Dassett hike route is pretty incredible any day of the year! And we have done it many times. If you haven't experienced it before then read on...

What are the details for this hike?
This amazing hike will take us around a breathtakingly scenic and undulating route. The dreamy remote and peaceful setting together with the outstanding views and scenery make this a superb experience from start to finish.

It should be noted that this route is VERY hilly and tough on the legs. So if you don't like hills or don't consider yourself an advanced hiker capable of keeping up with the pack - you should certainly stay at home.

Where is it?...
Use map link #1 :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y8AnR9sPPb6wsr25A
and park on free roadside parking anywhere along Top Street.
Then, walk up the hill-path to the event location with map link #2 :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TxuGwwoDrfzptw8x7
on the side of the Burton Dassett hills, where we will have a perfect view of the horizon.

Need a lift?...
If you are a driver, you will certainly attain hero/heroine status if you write a message here on the event page offering your services - stating your location and specific locations that you can collect passengers from.
If you are not a driver and would like a lift, leave a message here on the event page (as soon as you sign up) asking if anyone is kind enough to offer. Leaving that question until the day before the event is probably too late. Don't forget to offer a few pounds to your driver as petrol prices are high at the moment.
Travel planning info for drivers :
The Top Street meet-point is X miles away from...
Banbury 9; Warwick 12; Leamington 12; Kenilworth 17; Coventry 22; Rugby 20; Central Birmingham 35.

At this event you'll have a fantastic outdoorsy evening out, you'll meet a warm group of super-social Friendly Faces (including first-timers as always) and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make new acquaintances / connections.

Feel free to drop me a private message if you have any questions.
If not - click the big "Attend" button now to make sure you don't forget.

EVENT SUMMARY / IMPORTANT POINTS

1. 'First-timer' attendees are always welcome to come along and check out who we are and how we do things. After that if you wish to return for another one, becoming an official subscribing group-member is necessary, so provided you are (strictly) within the permitted group age range of 25 to 55 qualifying you to join - read the joining details here...
https://www.meetup.com/friendlyfaces/events/305407432/

2. This event starts at 3pm. Please be respectfully on time. (instead of disrespectfully late)

3. Dogs ARE NOT allowed 🐶❌ to attend this event.

4. To attend this hiking event (respecting the group age-limits) you must be physically active, hike-fit, free from injury, and have experience of covering this amount of miles in one go. If you are not all of these things - please remove yourself from the attendees list.

5. If you wish to take part in the "Option 1 : Picnic / Sunset-only" event, then please sign up to that event instead and not this one.
Option 1 Link here: https://meetu.ps/e/Q97KF/BSFBF/i
The two event groups will converge to watch the sunset together, so to help us establish attendee numbers please pick only one of the two events - Do not sign up to both.

6. This is a hiking event, and all attendees are expected to wear proper hiking footwear that is both waterproof and covers your ankles. No matter how confident/familiar you feel about walking in the countryside - due to the uneven terrain on this route, ankle-protecting footwear is compulsory.
If you do not currently own any - please invest in a pair in advance, preparing you for this and many more Friendly Faces hikes in the future. The many local Mountain Warehouse stores offer an excellent selection, so there is no excuse to not be equipped for this event.
Trainers will not protect you from what could be a nasty injury - which would bring an unpopular end to the event for everyone.
(* 2026 UPDATE *) To ensure that all attendees sensibly follow this request respectfully of everyone else : Anyone who injures themselves and is not wearing ankle-protecting hiking footwear will be removed from the group.