To find a hiking group, check local hiking or walking clubs, outdoor shops, community centres and event listings, then message the walk leader before your first hike to ask about distance, pace and terrain. Choose a walk graded below your ability for the first outing. Good leaders welcome questions and tell you honestly if a hike is too hard.
Why group hikes work for meeting people
Walking side by side is easy to talk during, and it comes with built-in pauses at viewpoints and lunch stops. You do not need to keep up constant conversation, and the route gives you something to talk about. Many groups also meet regularly, which is the repetition friendship needs. If you already walk alone, see our guides to solo hiking tips and solo hiking safety; a group can be a complement, not a replacement.
Where to look
| Source | What you find | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local hiking or walking club | Regular scheduled walks, often graded | Check the club's own site for membership and guest rules |
| Outdoor or sports shop | Noticeboards, shop-run events | Ask staff: "Do you know of a beginner-friendly walking group?" |
| Community centre or library | Walking groups for all ages | Often low-cost or free |
| University, workplace or faith groups | Informal outings | Ask at an office, society or community |
| Conservation or volunteer groups | Trail work and guided walks | See also volunteering as a way in |
| Online event listings and social groups | Local meet-ups | Check the most recent events and group size |
| National or regional walking organisations | Directories of local groups | Use their official pages |
Always confirm the date, meeting point, cost and any membership rules on the organiser's own page. Details change.
Questions to ask before you join
Ability grading differs between groups, so do not assume a label means what you expect. Ask the leader:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How far, and how long will it take? | Check against your longest recent walk |
| How much climbing? | Hills change effort more than distance |
| What is the pace, including breaks? | Some groups walk briskly; others stroll |
| What is the terrain like? | Paths, rocks, mud, scrambling |
| How many people usually come? | Smaller groups are easier to talk in |
| Is there a plan if someone is slower? | Good groups wait or have a sweeper at the back |
| What should I bring? | Footwear, water, food, layers, navigation |
| What happens if the weather turns? | Should show the leader has a plan |
| Are beginners and solo walkers welcome? | You want a clear yes |
| Can I join a trial walk before becoming a member? | Avoid paying before trying |
Check any safety information the organiser publishes, and see solo hiking safety for general habits such as telling someone your plan and checking the forecast.
Messaging the leader (scripts)
First message: "Hi, I saw your walk on [date]. I'm new to the group and walk about [distance] comfortably, mostly on [paths/hills]. Would this one suit me? I'd like to join if so."
Asking about pace: "Roughly what pace do you keep? I'm happy at a steady walk with stops, but not very fast."
Asking about a back-up: "If I need to slow down, is there a sweeper or a shorter option?"
Replying to an invitation: "Thanks! I'll be there. Is there anything I should know about parking or meeting at the start?"
If it is too hard: "Thanks for being honest. I'll try a shorter one first and join you for a harder route later."
Good leaders reply with detail and do not mind being asked.
Pick your first walk
| If your usual walking is... | Try a first hike that is... |
|---|---|
| Occasional, flat | Short, flat to gently rolling, with a cafe stop |
| Regular, a few hours | Moderate, some hills, in the middle of your range |
| Experienced | The group's standard route, but ask about pace |
Choosing easier than you need keeps your energy for chatting and gives a good first impression. You can always step up.
At the start
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Introduce yourself to the leader: "Hi, I'm [name], I messaged you."
- Check you have what the leader asked for. Do not skip the water and layers.
- Ask the person next to you: "Have you done this route before?" or "How long have you been walking with the group?"
- Walk at different spots in the line over the day so you chat with different people.
- At the lunch stop, sit near people rather than at the edge.
Conversation while walking
Walking lets you chat without eye contact, so it is a good setting for shy people. Easy openers:
- "What got you into walking?"
- "What's the best hike you've done?"
- "Have you done this one before?"
- "Any tips for [place] I should know about?"
If you run out of things to say, comment on the view, the weather or the path. For more, see how to keep a conversation going and how run clubs handle the same issue in how to go to a run club alone.
Safety habits for group hikes
- Tell someone where you're going, even in a group.
- Carry your own water, food, layers and any medication you need.
- Know the leader's phone number and the meeting point.
- Do not go beyond your ability to impress. Say "I'll turn back here" if you need to.
- Agree where the group will wait for stragglers.
- Check the official guidance for the area, which may include seasonal closures.
This is general information, not a replacement for training, medical or navigation advice.
After the hike
Follow up the same day or the next: "Great day, thanks for leading." If you got on with someone: "I'm planning to do [route] next Saturday. Want to join?" Then go to the next walk. Three walks with the same people changes things more than one with different ones. Clubs and groups that make friendship easy and the 8-week test for hobby groups help you decide whether to stay.
If you prefer fitness-class settings to trails, try how to go to a group fitness class alone.
Practising the solo part
Solo Era's movement category has a level 1 mission, "Get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way." It is a gentle way to practise getting outside on your own before you join a group. The app does not find hiking groups for you.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try a gentle outdoor mission
Solo Era is an iPhone app for practising things alone. Choose a movement or people mission, rate how nervous you feel before and after, and keep notes in your journal. It is not a meet-people app. Free to download. A subscription is required to start missions. Prices and any free trial are shown in the app and depend on the offer and eligibility.
FAQ
Do I need to be fit to join a hiking group?
Not usually, but pick a walk graded for your level and ask the leader. Many groups run shorter, slower walks.
What if I'm the slowest?
Tell the leader beforehand. Good leaders plan for different paces, with regroup points and someone at the back.
Do I need special gear?
Often sturdy footwear, water, food and layers. Ask the leader what is required for that route and season.
Is it safe to hike with strangers?
Groups led by organised clubs add some safety, but check the organiser's information, meet in public places and tell someone your plans.
What if I don't like the first group?
Try another. Pace, size and atmosphere differ a lot between groups.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
