Advanced Hiking London

The Six Woods Trail: Nature Reserves & Hidden Paths | Free Hike 23km (14mi)

**GRADE 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3.5/5** —— **📕ABOUT** Join us for a **peaceful, green London-edge escape along the Six Woods Trail**. 👉🏻A point-to-point hike that links six different woodlands 🌳between **Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills Underground Stations (Zone6)** This route is all about calm nature time: Forest tracks, quiet nature reserves, open clearings and gentle countryside paths with the soothing feeling of being far from the city even though we’re still on the Tube network. —— **🌟HIGHLIGHTS** * 🌲 **Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve** – One of London’s most important ancient woodland areas, with a real “deep forest” feel, seasonal colours and loads of birdlife. * 🍃 **Mad Bess Wood** – A quieter, tucked-away stretch where the path feels properly secluded—great for that calm, mindful hiking vibe. * 🌳 **Bayhurst Wood** – Classic Chiltern-edge woodland atmosphere: soft trails, tall trees and a lovely sense of being enveloped by nature. * 🌿 **Old Park Wood Nature Reserve** – A beautiful reserve section with a wilder feel and rich habitat, perfect for slow moments and wildlife spotting. * 🌲 **Bishop’s Wood** – A gorgeous woodland network with winding paths and plenty of “choose-your-own-adventure” trail vibes (with the main route keeping us on track). * 🍂 **Copse Wood** – A charming final woodland chapter: smaller, peaceful and a lovely way to finish before we return to civilisation at Northwood Hills. * 🦌 **Wildlife spotting** – This whole corridor is known for wildlife, so keep your eyes open for woodland birds and other surprises. * 🚤 **Grand Union Canal nearby** – Calm waterside atmosphere on the western side of the route with amenities close by. —— **📖SUMMARY** 🥾23\.1km \(16mi\) \| Ascent 490m \| Descent 470m \| Max Elevation 106m **🚊Train - London Underground Only** 😁This is a *Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip*. No advance tickets are needed. ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **Ruislip Manor** Tube Station \| **09:50** ⚠️This is a **Point to Point (not Circular)** Hike **📍Hike** **start:** **Ruislip Manor** tube station \| **10:00** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Northwood Hills** tube station \| approx\. **\~17:00** —— 🎟️ **TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION** * Pay by **Oyster / contactless bank card (Tube at both ends)** * Plan your journey at **[TfL Website](https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/)** —— **💷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.

WALK: The beautiful Isle of Wight & beach 🐠🌞🌸

ISLE OF WIGHT DAY TRIP & SCENIC COASTAL WALK 🌊
📅 Saturday 25th July Join us for an exciting day trip to the beautiful Isle of Wight, combining stunning coastal scenery, woodland paths, country views, a traditional pub stop and great company.
⛴️ Travel: Waterloo → Portsmouth → Ferry to Ryde ⭐ ORGANISER FEE: £8(cash or contactless on the day)
📍 MEETING POINT
Meet under the clock at Waterloo Station at 9.20am on 25th July . 🚆 Outbound Journey
★ 09:20 – 10am train London Waterloo (WAT)
★arriving 12.07– Ryde Pier Head (RYP), Platform 1
💷 TRAVEL COST
★ Approximately £46 return including ferry with 1/3 off using GroupSave.
 ★ Price shown is after discount.
includes ferry to the island ⭐ THE DAY INCLUDES
★ 5-mile easy circular walk along coast, woodland and countryside
★ Flat route with no significant inclines
★ Guided information along the route
🏖️ Appley Beach
★ Time for refreshments, food and drinks at one of the Isle of Wight’s most beautiful beaches
🍺 The Mermaid Pub
★ Optional drinks and food stop
★ Home to a microbrewery producing botanical spirits
★ Opportunity for a tasting of their gin, rum and vodka (subject to availability and group size)
📸 PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
★ Upload your photographs to the Meetup app
★ Win an amazing prize
👟 Please wear suitable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.
💧 Bring water and sunscreen.
😊 Looking forward to a wonderful summer day exploring one of England’s most beautiful islands together!
Contact - 07527 346152

North Downs & Fields of Oaks (14 miles)

Workers were planting lime trees in the village of Merstham when they came across buried swords. Dating from the Neolithic and better known since Thomas A Becket as the Pilgrims' Way, the "Harroway" Old English *hereweg* passes through Merstham. Whether in AD 851 this was the site of *Aclea,* "the field of oaks", is a debate contested by various places named Ockley. What is certain, is that troublesome Norsemen passed this way. This walk from Merstham follows their footsteps along the *hereweg*, through Gatton Park, where oaks grow. Then it's up onto the Downs for far reaching views and lunch by a mere pond. [Gatton Park – What’s on at Gatton Park](https://gattonpark.co.uk/) Outward Travel: Take the train departing 10 AM from London Bridge arrives at Merstham 10.31 AM. Buy a return ticket to MERSTHAM. The return train fare with a Network Card or GroupSave is £9.95. People gather outside the ticket office to arrange group tickets. Walk start: 10:35 AM from MERSTHAM rail station. Bring a packed lunch. Circular walk. *How to join?* * The walk is entirely free of charge; * You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses; * Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part); * Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ *What to bring* * Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended * Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk * Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case * Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy * Spare socks * Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-) * Yourself... * ...and your camera! * Cash for train ticket * Cash for pub at the end of the walk? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-) By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer. Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered. As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

🟢🚶‍♂️ Day Trip & Hike:Winchester (The Original/Ancient Capital of England). 🏰

⛪ A beautifuly day trip to the original and ancient capital of England, with scenic walks to surrounding areas and ruins of Wolvesey Castle + Hike to St Catherine's Hill. We will have lunch/picnic at St Giles Hill viewpoint after sightseeing and then head off for our short hike. 🟢 **HIKE:** 📏 7.4km (4.6 miles )\* 🏔️ 150m 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) *[\*Hike: Total walking: \~12km. The small St Catherine's Hill needs a little effort, up/down and can be slippy in areas]* *✊ **Pace & Purpose:** Active Muslims is about focusing on the actual activity. These are **paced walks and hikes (not strolls)**, so please join us with that* ***[active mindset and purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBhPWpdIMKq/)*** *in mind.* 📍 Waterloo Station, opposite platform3. ⌚ Meet from 09:31am inside Waterloo Station. We catch the **09:53** train *\[arrives at 11:06 at Winchester \| Estimated return train at 17:43 or 18:17 \]* **Option 1: Buy Your Own Ticket** We recommend buying on the day. Use a **Network Railcard** or a **GroupSave** discount where possible. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ **Option 2: Group Ticket (3+ People)** I can help purchase group tickets to save costs, **BUT you must arrive at the station before the platform is announced to collect your physical ticket.** To join this: 💳 **[PayPal Here (£22.60)](https://paypal.me/mubasher001/22.60)** ↕️ Or 💳 **[Revolut Here (£22.60)](https://revolut.me/mubashermalik?currency=GBP&amount=2260)** *Please send via **Friends & Family** and make sure no fee is charged.* ⏳Deadline: Saturday 9:01pm 📱 **Confirmation:** Message on **[WhatsApp](https://tinyurl.com/5n68255b)** with your **Meetup Name** once paid. *ℹ️ No refunds once tickets are bought.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Available near the Cathedral / High Street. **🎒 Essentials:** * **Gear:** Appropriate Footwear * **Food/Water:** Packed lunch, snacks, and water. * **Tech:** Fully charged phone * **Prayer:** If you are praying, please ensure you have **wudu** beforehand. **📋 Attendance Policy:** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* ⛑️ **Disclaimer**: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

⚽5/7-a-Side Football❗

From the historic royal grounds of Hyde Park—surrounded by ancient trees, wandering tourists, and highly aggressive geese who will absolutely slide-tackle you for a piece of bread—we are setting up the pitch for a legendary football session. ⚽ THE FIXTURE: 🏃 Format: 5-a-side, 7-a-side, or a full-blown 11-a-side tactical masterclass (depending entirely on interest). 📍 Location: **Hyde Park** \- Exact coordinates are pinpointed using the app **What3Words:** *///danger.became.highs* [https://w3w.co/danger.became.highs](https://w3w.co/danger.became.highs) 🚇 Nearest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) ⌚ The Meet: **6:45pm** (To argue about who plays in goal and do some light stretching) ⏱️ Kick-off: **7:00pm** (Thursday 23rd July) ✊ Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity. In this case, this is a highly competitive clash of titans (although we aim to keep it easy 😅), not a leisurely stroll in the park. It is advised to approach this event with the intention of improving fitness and the purpose of proving you’ve still "got it" (even if your knees disagree). 📈 THE VISION (SUMMER TO WINTER PROMOTION) We are testing the waters here! If the engagement is good and we don't spend the whole time arguing over whether it should have been a penalty: ☀️ Summer: We’ll keep dominating the park for free. 🍂 September: We will level up, pool some funds, and hire a proper weekly pitch to keep the momentum going through the winter. 🎟️ TICKETS & FEES No booking fees & no ticket links. RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by Tuesday 21st so we know if we are playing 5s, 7s, 11s or cancelling. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Facilities: Public toilets are available in the park (some require card/cash, so come prepared). 🧎 Prayer: Please have/keep wudu. As we are playing outdoors, be prepared to pray on the grass—bringing a travel prayer mat is highly recommended. We may end by praying maghrib. 🎒 What to bring: A massive water bottle (1.5L+ to survive the running), both a white and a dark t-shirt (so we don't spend 20 minutes sorting out who is on whose team), and your competitive spirit. 🥾 Footwear: Astro trainers or moulds. Metal studs are strictly banned—we want to take home three points, not a lawsuit. ⛑️ Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety and fitness levels. Please stretch beforehand; we do not have a team physio on standby. You are also responsible for your belongings at all times. **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

Lez Meet & Hike! Seven Sisters - Seaford to Eastbourne

***Freak heatwaves and train cancellations can't stop us- the hike is back on!*** The plan: Meeting at 8.20am on Saturday 25th July at London Victoria to catch the 8:54am train to Seaford. Arrive at Seaford station at 10:19am, set off to climb the Seven Sisters cliffs and take in the beautiful views! Once we arrive in Eastbourne, if we have time we'll have a few well-earned drinks at spoons (just opposite the station) and then be on our way back to London. We don't want to be leaving much later than 7pm. Best suggestion is to book a flexible ticket from Eastbourne to London. **IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE:** **The Seven Sisters cliffs are stunning but also potentially dangerous as the chalk cliffs are constantly eroding and can collapse without warning.** **For your safety, remain 5 metres back from the edge of the cliffs.** There is the option to book your tickets individually or as a group to get a discount. Whatever you prefer, please organise the train tickets for yourselves based on what works for you. It will be a single ticket from London to Seaford, and then a single ticket from Eastbourne to London. **Recommended tickets:** Single from London Victoria - Seaford Time: 08:54 - arrive at 10:19. Cost £19.90 but may change Single from Eastbourne - London Victoria Time: 19:05 - arrive at 20:36. Cost £28.40 but may change. **FOOD** Bring a packed lunch! **DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY** Distance: 14 miles (22km) Grading: Intermediate/Challenging Ascent: 580m Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours **WHAT TO BRING** • Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket. Sensible clothing basically. • Sunscreen. • Water (2 litres minimum) • Lunch. • Optional: dogs can come along! Please only bring if you feel confident of your dog's capability and safety, this will be a long day and we cannot take responsibility for any pets. **TOILET** • We highly recommend to use the station toilets before we set off, there are limited toilets along the way and often very busy as it's a popular hike. This link has more information on the Seaford to Eastbourne route: [https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/east-sussex/seaford-to-eastbourn](https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/east-sussex/seaford-to-eastbourne?sh=p8znlp&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality)e We have a few recommendations for hot weather hiking: • Sunscreen is a MUST • Everyone please bring 2 litres of water minimum • UV protected clothing if possible • Change of socks 🧦 • Sun hats and sunglasses • Electrolyte supplements (you lose a lot of nutrients when you sweat so please consider buying some and adding to your drinks for the hike) If anyone has any questions, please feel free to DM me 👍

Seven Sisters Seaford Hike

This Is No Bunny Stroll🐇The Watership Down Trail: 23 miles / 2090ft - Fast pace

GREEN £5 WALK: 🌳🌲🌿 DOLLIS BROOK VALLEY and MUSWELL HILL

A Green Walk along the DOLLIS BROOK VALLEY and through several North London Parks. Overall, the Dollis Brook Valley Walk is a **tranquil green corridor in north London**, ideal for anyone looking to escape the city bustle without leaving urban reach. It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers, families, and walkers seeking a mix of **river scenery, parks, and local history**. **WALK START: MILL HILL EAST Underground Station** (Northern Line - Zone 4). When you arrive at the start look for Ken with the Meetup/ 'KEN'S EVENTS' Flag/Sign/Badge. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6.5 miles with some gradients. WALK ROUTE: Hendon Park, Sunny Hill Park, Copthall Fields and Old Railway Line, Dollis Brook Valley, WALK FINISH: At the Mossy Well pub at MUSWELL HILL. A short bus ride away from Highgate Station or East Finchley Station. STOPOUT POINTS: We cross a few London bus routes on this walk and go past East Finchley Tube Station. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. BREATHE FRESH AIR: Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Improve your overall fitness levels. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub with a convivial atmosphere where the socialising can continue. *Be sure to join us in the pub for the whole experience!* COST: A £5 meetup organiser's contribution is payable if you do not hold the Ken's Events Card. The walk is free for holders of this card. **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join, post and view photos and comments etc.. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) RAIN POLICY: Walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. However if torrentail rain is forecast, check on the morning of the event around 10am for latest update. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **DISCAIMER** All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.

GROUP TICKET | South Downs Circular via Ouse Valley

**Group Travel Ticket (Optional)** Participation in group travel is optional. You are welcome to attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge. \-\-\- **PAID:** TBC **NOT PAID:** everyone else \-\-\- **EVENT** South Downs Circular via Ouse Valley \| Free Hike \~21km \(\~13mi\) \[**[HERE](https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/315558039/?eventOrigin=group_events_list)**] \-\-\- **EVENT DATE** Saturday 1 August 2026 \-\-\- **IMPORTANT** Anyone who signs up for a group ticket but does not pay may be removed to allow others to take their place. \-\-\- **THIS OFFER IS FOR YOU IF** * You want to pay £13 total travel cost for the day * You are happy to travel in a group of four * You understand that individual tickets are not issued * You will travel ⇄ London Victroia \-\-\- **HOW IT WORKS** * You pay **£13 in advance** * Once a group of four is confirmed, tickets are purchased * If a group is not formed, you receive a full refund \-\-\- **REFUNDS** A full refund will be issued if a minimum group of four participants is not reached. After National Rail tickets have been purchased, no refunds can be provided. If another participant takes your place and purchases your ticket, the ticket cost may be recovered from the replacement participant. \-\-\- **PAYMENT** Pay using the link: **[https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_AeRVQWb4aRkCRN?from_qr=true](https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_AeRVQWb4aRkCRN?from_qr=true)** **OR bank transfer:** Adrian Barnett trading as Hike Together Account number: 79677613 Sort code: 04-00-05 After payment, message AdrianB with: * Transaction ID * Meetup profile name \-\-\- **CONTACT** WhatsApp - AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663 \-\-\- **CLOSING DATE** Tuesday 28 July \-\-\- 📍 **MEETING POINT** 08:20 – Meet at the London Victoria ticket office 08:35 – Leave meeting point and board the train 08:54 – Train departs London Victoria 09:56 – Arrival at Lewes \-\-\- **JOINING EN ROUTE** You may join at stations like Clapham Junction or East Croydon. You must have your own valid ticket to pass through barriers at those stations. \-\-\- **❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **Can I leave the group and travel alone later?** No. You must stay with your group of four for the entire journey. **Will I get an individual ticket?** No. This is a group ticket only. **Who holds the tickets?** The organiser holds the tickets and the group passes through barriers together. \-\-\- **⚠️ FINAL NOTE** If you are late and miss the group, the group will continue without you. \-\-\- **NOTE** If you prefer to arrange your own travel, you can purchase tickets directly from National Rail **[HERE](https://ticket.southernrailway.com/daysave/2026-08-01/VIC/4/)**.

Day trip by train - Hiking in the New Forest, Hampshire!

Come along on Saturday 8th August for a day trip hiking in the New Forest! **About the day** The New Forest is an area of Hampshire, southern England which includes one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in southern England. It covers about 219 square miles. The New Forest was created as a royal forest by William I in about 1079 for the royal hunt, mainly of deer. Today, 90% of the forest is still owned by the crown. The forest is fantastic for spotting wildlife and also farm animals as the local people of the area have pre-existing rights of common: *'to turn horses and cattle out into the Forest to graze'*. They do this during the summer months, so we will hopefully see horses, ponies, donkeys, cattle and maybe some sheep whilst walking. The village where we will be starting and finishing the walk; Brockenhurst is right in the heart of the New Forest and as animals have right of way in the forest, its not uncommon to see ponies and cattle walking around the village. **The Walk** We will walk about 6-7 miles. The area is fairly flat and we will be walking on heath and forest land, so walking boots or sensible shoes are advised. **Food & Drink** Please bring food and drink for the day, as there isn't anywhere on the route to buy anything. **Aprox Itinerary** 9:30am - meet at the station 10:05am - catch train (please purchase your own tickets in advance - a return to Brockenhurst) 11:37am - arrive at the village of Brockenhurst in the New Forest and have a toilet stop 12:00noon - start walk (it's a circular walk that finishes back at the station) 1:30pm - stop for lunch in the New Forest 2:00pm - continue walk 4:30pm - arrive back at Brockenhurst 4:30pm - freetime, you can either head back to London, look around the village or head to the 'Snakecatcher pub', which has a large outside area **Return Trains to London** Trains going back to London: 4:14pm, 4:44pm and at the same times past each hour, it takes 1h 30mins. **Payment** Full Members of the group will be free, everyone else, the walk will be £7 per person (payable on the day by cash or credit card). **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers\) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), then click on 'Pay & Get Paid‘, then click on 'Send Money’, put in the email address: [general@cultureseekers.org](mailto:general@cultureseekers.org) in the 'Send Money' box, then 'Next' and then enter the amount to pay. Click 'Next', then 'Goods & Services', then 'For Friends & Family', then 'Continue' Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Train Tickets** The cheapest train tickets are two singles, which work out at about £31 each. The destination station is Brockenhurst. You can purchase your train ticket at: [www.thetrainline.com ](www.thetrainline.com) Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign/flag. If you can't see us, please text. Look forward to seeing you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](http://general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -* ***[https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Rare River Walk - Derelict cool lost area Deptford Creek, Deptford & River Walk

Rail Connections direct to Deptford Rail Station Cannon Street, St Pancras, London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, West Hampstead and many more stations. Easy to get to.. Hi all, cost & info below, please join everyone for a fun, healthy, scenic, 3 or 4 mile walk with some brief local info along the way while meeting new friends! While London becomes more gentrified, it is an absolute delight to find derelict parts of London before they are changed forever! You can see the early changes being made in Deptford, so here is a perfect opportunity to see the old areas before they disappear! Highlights include beautiful historic old buildings and warehouses, cobbled alleyways and a cobbled street dating back to the early 1700's, derelict ghost boats, tugs and ships abandoned in historic Deptford Creek, the former Royal Dockyard built by Henry VIII that built ships to fight in the Spanish Armada, a murder of an Archbishop in an ancient alleyway, where Sir Francis Drake was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I, onboard the Golden Hinde and where Sir Walter Raleigh laid down his cape for the Queen! (At present the former Royal Dockyard is closed due to development) Old parts of Deptford still connected to World War II, where Peter the Great and John Evelyn lived, cool murals, Deptford Market, where the mostly forgotten Battle of Deptford Creek took place, a 35,000 army in 1497, stunning River Walk, where Dire Straits had their first gig, Cutty Sark listed by National Historic Ships as part of the National Historic Fleet, 30 mins stop en route for refreshments on the river's edge with stunning views of The River Thames. ***3 mile*** ends at Cutty Sark DLR Station (Victoria Line (Please note: former Royal dockyard not on this walk) ***4 mile*** ends back at Deptford Rail Station **Please meet outside of** Mouse Tail Coffee which is situated very near to Platform 1. This is very near the lift of the station Rail Connections direct to Deptford Rail Station Cannon Street, St Pancras, London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, West Hampstead and many more stations. Easy to get to Also rail connections to Abbey Wood for the Elizabeth Line **£10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day** ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 25 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. No Dogs allowed sorry We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!