Heathrow Hikers - Outdoor Group for West London

The Basics

Heathrow Hikers is a friendly outdoor group started in September 2004 for those living in London, Middlesex and Surrey. Affiliated to the YHA, its aim is to provide a varied range of outdoor activities for people of all ages and abilities. These outdoor activities include walking / hiking, climbing, mountain biking, cycling, and various watersports like kayaking. We also sometimes meet socially, whether it be for a meal out, a trip to the cinema or a ten pin bowling evening. The group is run by the members, and we like to think by constantly consulting its membership the group offers the locations, events and accommodation YOU want.

How the group operates:

Cost
Heathrow Hikers charges an annual membership fee of £10, with the membership year running 1 August – 31 July. The club may offer a reduced rate to members joining in the latter half of the membership year. Membership fees cover the administrative costs of running the club, a kitty for trip organisation, our affiliation to the YHA etc. To join, please register on-line here. Once you have signed up, you're welcome to come on one of our day walks or a social event where you can meet us in person and decide if we are the group for you prior to having to pay your membership fee. To view the list of upcoming events, have a look at our programme.

Events
All events are organised by a member of the group. This member will be responsible for paying any costs involved in making the booking (for example accommodation). Please bear this in mind and pay promptly when asked by the organiser. Please note that in the event that you have to cancel, deposits are non-refundable unless your place can be filled by another member. The events themselves vary in difficulty from the very easy to the very tough. It is each member's responsibilty to speak with the organiser who will be able to tell you more about any requirements for the event in terms of equipment or ability.

Accommodation
With trips that involve nights away, the group uses a range of inexpensive accommodation such as:

Youth Hostels
Youth hostels generally have a selection of differently sized rooms suitable for couples, families and dormitories for larger groups. Most are operated by the YHA which require you to become a member to stay (though Heathrow Hikers has a group membership card). Membership of the YHA is cheap and among the benefits included are discounts in certain outdoor shops and on travel insurance. Most youth hostels have kitchen facilities allowing visitors to self cater and many also offer cooked breakfasts, packed luches and evening meals.

Chalets, cottages and lodges
Usually sleeping less people per room than hostels, these types of accommodation are often used on longer trips away, for example bank holiday weekends. Generally facilities are better than hostels and we have the place to ourselves.

Camping
During the summer you can expect a few trips away camping. We generally only consider campsites with good facilities. For those that do not want to camp but would still like to attend these weekends we will try and find a budget B&B option close by.

Other
Besides the options mentioned above, on rare occasions we also like to try and stay somewhere slightly different. If the idea of staying in a lighthouse, windmill, watermill or castle appeals then we're the outdoor group for you!