FREE Outdoor Trips From London

Discover the beauty of the South Downs National Park on this hilly 15-mile circular hike, starting and ending in the charming village of Amberley. This route follows sections of the iconic South Downs Way, with breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a relaxing lunch stop at the picturesque Duncton Mill.

South Downs Way: we will begin by joining this renowned long-distance path, offering panoramic views of the rolling countryside.

Bignor Hill: Ascend to one of the South Downs’ most scenic viewpoints, rich in history with remnants of the Roman road, Stane Street.

Glatting Beacon: Pass through this lesser-known gem, where stunning vistas stretch across the countryside, making it a perfect spot for a quick rest and photos.

The route loops back to Amberley via scenic trails and undulating terrain, offering more of the South Downs’ characteristic beauty.

This hike includes several steep ascents and descents, ideal for experienced walkers with a good level of fitness.

Please note this is a strenuous walk and therefore not suitable for beginners.

Meet outside the ticket office

Outward travel: Get the 9:05 train from London Victoria to Amberley, arrives 10:28. The return is the 18:18 train from Amberley to London. Tickets are currently £7 return, currently on sale this week, or you could get a group day saver ticket for 4 together, or about £22 on the day

Walk starts at 10:20 from Amberley station.
Walk ends at approx 18:00 at Amberley station. Return train 18:18 from Amberley to London.
Pub/Cafe stop for lunch. Bring a packed lunch

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:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
• Please answer the RSVP question; Guests with missing or incorrect answers will be removed from the list!

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:
https://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.

Any questions, feel free to ask below or send a private message!

There was a reason why early inhabitants of the South Downs placed their settlements and structures where they did. In part at least it was strategic, with the best views of the surrounding countryside for spotting any unwelcome visitors, and the steepest ground making it easiest to say 'no callers today please'. Perhaps a more aesthetic or spiritual dimension as well - the best place to watch the Sun's passage and ensure its return, or where the first signs of Spring emerge on a south-facing slope.

See for yourself at two of the best South Downs places to be at in the Bronze and Iron Ages visited on this walk.

TRAVEL
Take the 9.35 train from London Bridge to HASSOCKS.
Buy an off peak day return ticket to HASSOCKS is £10.95 with a Network card or Groupsave. Walk starts at Hassocks rail station 10.35. 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:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

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:
https://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 and (if required) accommodation - this gives everyone the freedom and choice to join from wherever they want and stay wherever they want. 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.
We advise not to buy tickets until the day. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

The Ides of March. 44 BC.

Ten years earlier, Caesar was enjoying Caesar-like pursuits invading Britain, chasing round the country after local tribes, which led him as far inland as an oppidum stronghold of Cassivellaunus, north of the Thames.

Accompanying Caesar, Cicero wrote of Britons' inclination for painting themselves blue with woad and hiding in swamps. Today the internet speaks of a wild daffodils walk round Ayot, which will be explored along the way to the Belgic oppidum. As well as Shaw's Corner in whose garden it is said more daffodils grow.

Wheathampstead retains its charm. On a corner near the church is an unusual octagonal building. Hills look down upon the village and the River Lea, and the riverside path is overhung with trees.

Travel Details:
Take the train departing 9.57 AM from London King's Cross to WELWYN NORTH arrives 10.30.
Buy an off peak day return to WELWYN NORTH which is £8.15 with Groupsave or a Network card.
Walk start: 10.30 from Welwyn North rail station. The organizer will meet people at Welwyn North.
Walk ends at WELWYN GARDEN CITY.
Bring a packed lunch. Village stop at Wheathampstead.

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:
  https://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.
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
https://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.

Join us for an invigorating circular hike exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Seven Sisters. Starting in Eastbourne, this scenic adventure begins with a gentle ascent through undulating hills and opens up to sweeping views of the South Downs National Park.

We’ll traverse the charming Friston Forest, a serene woodland filled with towering trees and peaceful trails, perfect for a refreshing pause before tackling the more dramatic coastal sections. Emerging from the forest, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the iconic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the UK’s most stunning coastal landscapes.

The coastal path is a hiker’s dream, with its dramatic rises and dips offering both a physical challenge and an unparalleled visual feast. Along the way, we’ll pass Cuckmere Haven and the River Cuckmere’s meandering estuary, a perfect spot for a short rest and photo opportunities.

The loop concludes back in Eastbourne, where we’ll celebrate our adventure with a sense of accomplishment and perhaps a chance to explore the local town. This hike is suitable for experienced walkers with a good level of fitness, as it includes hilly terrain and some steep sections.

Please note this is a strenuous walk and therefore not suitable for beginners.

Meet outside the ticket office

Outward travel: Get the 8.54 train from London Victoria to Eastbourne, arrives 10:20. The return is the 19:05 train from Eastbourne to London Victoria. Buy advance tickets which are currently £7 return, currently on sale this week, or you could get a group day saver ticket for 4 together, or £29 on the day

Walk starts at 10:20 from Eastbourne station.
Walk ends at approx 18:30 at Eastbourne station. Return train 19:05 from Eastbourne to London.
Pub/Cafe stop for lunch. Bring a packed lunch

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:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
• Please answer the RSVP question; Guests with missing or incorrect answers will be removed from the list!

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:
https://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.

Any questions, feel free to ask below or send a private message!