The best walking groups in London

Founded in 1935, Ramblers is a national walking community that runs over 500 walking groups throughout the country, meaning there's high chance they'll be the top search hit for “walking groups near me” regardless of where you are. As a charity dedicated to walking, they help everyone enjoy the outdoors through campaigning, donations, and volunteer efforts. There are various volunteer-led Rambler groups to choose from in the city, covering different regions, age groups, and abilities, including walking groups for over 50s.

Not to be confused with TfL's well-known public transport service, Overground assists Londoners in escaping the city to relish the great outdoors in good company. This London walking group gained popularity on social media, soon attracting hundreds of participants to its monthly countryside hikes around the city. On one of their group walks, you can expect to spend about half a day exploring scenic views, meeting like-minded people, and forming new friendships.

London Walking Group comprises a close-knit community of individuals who appreciate the fellowship of walking and exploring London and the Home Counties together. They schedule approximately two walks monthly, typically within an hour's journey from Central London, and host an annual weekend trip further afield. They are open to welcoming new members, and they're a good choice for those looking for walking groups for over 50s.

London Circle Walk is a unique walking group that convenes formally just once a year, typically in September. They undertake an unconventional route: a one-day urban hike that encircles the official centre of London at Whitehall, tracing a circular path. The journey starts and ends at Tower Bridge, covering over 20 miles and taking about eight hours to complete, including a stop for lunch.

Saturday Walkers Club is a hiking club that covers London and South East England. Their website features a comprehensive database of over 400 free-to-access walks, each complete with directions, maps, and GPS data, and varying from brief ambles and city walks to full-day hikes and coastal treks. The club also arranges various free group walks each week, open to everyone, including visitors to London.

The Lonely Girls Club is a community endeavour designed to assist women in forging connections and finding new friends. With a membership exceeding 80,000 and continuing to expand, the club boasts chapters in major UK cities alongside digital forums and a newsletter. The London Lonely Girls Club hosts various weekly events throughout the city, including a regular London walk group designed to be attended solo so you can meet new friends.

The North London Rambling Club is a venerable walking club established in 1919. It still organises weekly rambles and visits around London and the surrounding areas, always using public transport to reach starting points. While the club welcomes members of all ages, the primary age group spans from 30 to over 60. Their countryside walks are typically not too strenuous, covering distances ranging from six to more than 15 miles.

CleanupUK is a national charity dedicated to tidying up the UK. They coordinate litter-picking efforts across the country. Their community litter-picking groups offer a practical way to exercise, meet individuals with similar interests, and contribute to a cleaner environment. You can join one of the existing litter-picking walking groups in London, or even start a new one in your neighbourhood.

Based in London, The Girls That Walk social club gathers weekly in Battersea Park, assisting women in forging new connections, alleviating loneliness, and getting some exercise in within a sociable environment. Alongside the walking club, this community initiative also frequently organises a variety of meetups, such as wine tastings, fitness classes, and more.

The London Colour Walk is a playful community initiative that offers a chance to get outdoors, boost your creativity, and meet new people. This monthly walking club invites participants to ransack their wardrobes for their most vibrant attire to add a splash of colour to the streets of East London. Open to everyone, the walking group convenes at Old Spitalfields Market and is impossible to miss.

The Hiking in London club provides a range of walking activities, from leisurely park strolls to more demanding hikes, promoting physical well-being and a deeper appreciation of the city's environment. The club prioritises inclusivity and enjoyment, tailoring events to suit various fitness levels and ensuring safety with skilled leaders and frequent breaks. Club members have the opportunity to make new friends, discover new locales, and lead a more active lifestyle.

The app-based social club Gather hosts various events in London aimed at fostering new connections and friendships. Their monthly walking groups are especially popular, and are dog-friendly so your regular best friend can get in on the fun as well. Gather also organises other activities, such as brunches, member mixers, supper clubs, and group swimming sessions.

The Central London Outdoor Group (CLOG), established in 1937, is a congenial group catering to Londoners passionate about walking and cycling. It has around 300 members, most of whom are over 40. CLOG organises a wide range of outdoor activities throughout London and Southeast England, including rural and urban walks, leisurely cycling tours, social events, and excursions within the UK and abroad.