What we’re about
Trails and Ales is a friendly and welcoming hiking group for anyone who wants to explore the great outdoors, discover new trails, and enjoy the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, you’ll find encouragement, good company, and plenty of awe-inspiring views.
Lace up—your 2026 adventures start with the North Downs Way!
The North Downs Way can be enjoyed at any time of the year. There are big hills and some steep climbs along the way, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the High Weald, Kent Downs and Surrey Hills.
If this sounds like it’s for you come and join me and complete the whole trail over a series of 12 day hikes January – June 2026. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.
The North Downs Way comes with it's own beer passport and brewery map so sampling Kentish Ales at local watering holes after the hike will be well deserved!
Communication
Join the WhatsApp group so we can keep in touch in the run up and on the day – please ensure you join the WhatsApp group via the link in the event pages to receive all of the info and join in the chat.
Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event page and communicated via the Whats App group. Indicative train times below – subject to any rail timetable changes.
Kit
Please note that I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.
I would recommend decent hiking shoes and lots of layers. You will be responsible for bringing your own kit, any personal medications, and food/ snacks/ drinks.
A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)
Other Information
These walks will not be a race to be accessible to as many people as possible, that said I will be conscious of finishing the walk at a time which gives us opportunity to try the local ales at the end of the walk at a local pub.
RSVP and Fees
If you rsvp and can no longer attend, please amend your booking or inform me on the whatsapp so others on the wait list can come.
Walks are restricted to max 20 people to ensure that we have a pleasant walk, get to know each other and walk at a pace which suits the ability of the group.
Fees are charged at a modest £8 per walk to cover organiser time, costs include a finishers certificate for those who complete the entire walk distance.
Fees are strictly non-refundable unless the event is cancelled
See the Events pages for the details of each walk.
Upcoming events
6
- £8.00
Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 1 Farnham to Guildford 17km
Clapham Junction, St John's Hill, Greater London, London, GBSmash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 1: Farnham to Guildford.
Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!
This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.
IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;
1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)
2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec
3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiS5uhHdqSQ7SqMbC3v5J0
Details:
- This hike is 17km long, with a peaceful, relatively flat, linear walk.
- MEET: 08:00am, Clapham Junction. We'll catch the 08:16 train to Farnham (08.08 from Waterloo). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
- STARTING POINT: Farnham Station, 09:17am
- ENDING POINT: Guildford Station (around 3.30-4pm)
What to bring Essentials:
🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication
A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.
Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.
Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!4 attendees - £8.00
Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 2 Guildford to Dorking 20km
Clapham Junction, St John's Hill, Greater London, London, GBSmash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 2: Guildford to Dorking.
Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!
This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.
IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;
1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)
2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec (the link might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)
3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiS5uhHdqSQ7SqMbC3v5J0
Details
- This hike is 20km long, the longest section of this trail but with many rewards, cutting across the Surrey Hills AONB, with gentle climbs, rolling vineyards and sweeping views. There are village walks and gentle climbs along the chalk ridge above the Tillingbourne Valley, with bigger clambers up to the secluded beauty of St Martha’s Church and Newlands Corner that are well worth it for the view. The route then winds through quiet countryside and woodland before reaching Dorking.
- MEET: 08:20am, Clapham Junction. We'll catch the 08:37 train to Guildford (08.30 from Waterloo). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
- STARTING POINT: Guildford Station, 09:11am
- ENDING POINT: Dorking Station (around 3.30-4pm)
What to bring Essentials:
🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication
A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.
Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.
Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!2 attendees - £8.00
Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 3 Dorking to Merstham 15km
East Croydon Station, George Street, London, GBSmash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 3: Dorking to Merstham.
Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!
This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.
IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;
1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)
2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec (the link might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)
3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiS5uhHdqSQ7SqMbC3v5J0
Details
Enjoy a 15km hike across the Surrey Hills with unbeatable views and staggering sights. Start by hopping across the Stepping Stones at the River Mole and then tackle the famous climb at the Box Hill steps before heading out on a trek that’s rich in history. From industrial archaeology to military and social sites of significance, there are plenty of great spots to explore.
- MEET: 09.10am, East Croydon. We'll catch the 09:23 train to Dorking (Deepdene) changing at Reigate. (09.05 from Victoria). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
- STARTING POINT: Dorking (Deepdene) Station 10.18
- ENDING POINT: Merstham Station (around 3.30-4pm)
What to bring Essentials:
🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication
A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.
Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.
Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!1 attendee - £8.00
Trails and Ales: North Downs Way - Section 4 Merstham to Oxted 14km
East Croydon Station, George Street, London, GBSmash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 4: Merstham to Oxted
Join us for a day hike along the North Downs Way, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink!
This hike is part of a series of 12 day hikes, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an official finishers certificate.
IMPORTANT: This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things;
1. RSVP here (this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person - and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉)
2. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 https://wemeet.weroad.com/event/2a9120d9-9ec5-4f58-9d2b-a7f848386fec (the link might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts)
3. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LiS5uhHdqSQ7SqMbC3v5J0
Details
The shortest linear route on the Surrey Hills section of the North Downs Way at 13.6km, it’s one for climbers! There are several hikes up and down the North Downs ridge, but you can guarantee great views over the area of outstanding natural beauty all the way to London. Starting at Merstham, you’ll cover old mining terrain and quarries, as well as the ancient churchyard of St Katherine’s.
- MEET: 10.00am, East Croydon. We'll catch the 10:12 train to Merstham (09.55 from London Bridge). I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals.
- STARTING POINT: Merstham Station 10.26
- ENDING POINT: Oxted Station (around 3/ 3.30pm)
What to bring Essentials:
🥾Hiking shoes
🧥Warm layers
🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks
💊Any personal medication
A basic kit list:
· Hiking shoes/ boots
· Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain)
· Waterproof Jacket
· Fleece
· Base layer
· Hiking trousers – no jeans!
· Rucksack
· Hat & Gloves
· Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder
· Head Torch
· Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain)
· Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!)
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics.
Transport
Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes.
Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!1 attendee
