Combine nature and nattering with these rambling groups where you can make friends every step of the way.
It’s safe to say that people have been finding their feet with walking over the past few years. In 2025, trends such as walking yoga and the Japanese walking method took social media by storm, and there was much debate over the exact number of steps we should take be taking per day — as well as how best to reach that goal.
Little wonder, then, that our Living360 Health Report 2026 predicts a continued rise in moderate-intensity cardio this year. And with the growing appetite for inclusive, community fitness spaces — coupled with a longing for community in general — joining a walking club feels like a natural next step.
And why not? Some things are better shared. Just like reading, eating and running, walking can be even more enjoyable when it becomes a social activity. Plus, combining something we do more or less every day with meeting new people or catching up with others is really rather sweet.
Why should you join a walking club?
Scores of walking groups already exist in London and many of them were started with the intention of bringing people together. For some, the added benefit is exercise, while for others, it’s the chance to build community and feel understood.
Baby and parent walking group, Blaze Trails, falls into the latter category. Founder Katy O’Neill Gutierrez started the group in London in 2018 because she wanted to keep doing the things that she loved after having a baby but couldn’t find a local group that suited her needs.
At first, the idea was just to get out and walk with friends, but it’s now grown to more than 80 groups of parents across the UK, and the benefits felt by those who take part are clear.
“Having a baby can be a really vulnerable, isolating time, so it’s important that we provide a welcoming space for new parents,” Katy explains. “Some people who’ve joined us have said that they’ve made lasting friendships through Blaze, others have said it supported their recovery through postnatal depression, and for some it helped grow their confidence.”
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The good thing about a walking club, she says, is that it can benefit anyone who’s able to participate: “It’s a gentle, entry-level way to stay active. It’s not about results, it’s more about the connections and getting together and making friends, finding community.”
And of course, there are many mental health benefits of getting outside, socialising and staying active, too.
If you’re thinking about getting into walking — or already love it — there are plenty of clubs in London that combine walking and social community. These five are completely free to join.
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The Inner London Ramblers
While walking might seem like it’s becoming a big thing for some, for national walking charity The Ramblers, it’s a way of life. In fact, the Inner London Ramblers already has around 12,000 members, organised into 10 groups across the city. Some groups are specialised — for over-40s or for short, leisurely walks — while others tend to be moderate rambles.
Routes are planned with difficulty level in mind and often include a lunch stop at a pub or cafe, making them a genuinely lovely way to get your steps in, meet new people and discover parts of London you might never have seen before.
Plus, the charity actively works to protect London’s paths and green spaces, ensuring they remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.
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Blaze Trails
Socialising can be hard for new parents, but community is everything. Blaze Trails’ free walking groups are specifically designed for new mums and dads. You can find local groups across the UK, so you can even get a walk in while travelling or visiting family.
Members are more than welcome — in fact, encouraged — to bring their baby along, as that’s the whole point. Organised by parents, for parents, these groups offer a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature at a pace that suits your needs.
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Saturday Walkers Club
Though the name might suggest otherwise, London- and South East England-based hiking club Saturday Walkers Club meet mostly on Saturdays, as well as the occasional Sunday, Monday Thursday or Friday.
Joining is free and there’s no need to book, though you may have to purchase a rail ticket to some of the walks, which are mostly reachable by train from London. You can find helpful information about the cheapest ticket options on the group’s ‘This week’s walks’ page.
If you really get into the spirit of walking and discovering new places, there are even a few overnight walking trips planned for later in the year in pretty locations such as Salisbury and Scotland.
Read more: ‘I’m walking straighter, feeling toned and smiling more — here’s what happened when I upped my step count to 20,000 a day’
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Wild South London
If you’re also interested in nature, community group Wild South London organises walks that educate attendees on local wildlife.
The group’s aim is to raise awareness of local biodiversity and the importance of conservation, and its walks are a great way to combine socialising and wellbeing with learning about local wildlife and sustainable practices. There are also walks where participants can learn how to forage sustainably and safely.
There’s plenty of seasonal and wild walks, many of which are free to join, but the group also offers a membership option if you’d like special access to events such as talks and hands-on workshops.
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Mental Health Mates
Founded by journalist and author Bryony Gordon in 2016, Mental Health Mates encourages those who are struggling with their mental health to get outside and connect with new people without feelings of fear or judgement.
It’s volunteer-run and led and each walk is completely free to join. Walks are hosted all over the UK on an ad-hoc basis and you can find which ones are closest to you on the Mental Health Mates walks web page. If you can’t find a scheduled walk close to where you live, you can find the leader of your local walk’s email address on the site and reach out directly.
Feature image: Freepik
