See below for details of upcoming socials.
We usually have one social each month. These are often in the pub but in the summer we sometimes do something outdoors instead.
Drinking and carousing.
Video presentation: "10 days in the Dolomites"
Come and experience a thrilling adventure in the Dolomites, from epic multi-pitch climbs to via ferrata, from Octavian and Jolan.
As Octavian and Jolan are two of our new climbing reps, this would be an excellent opportunity for new members (climbers or not) to ask questions or have general discussion about climbing with the Rockhoppers!
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Time: Upstairs room from 7pm, presentation around 7.30pm
It's that time of year again, and you are hereby cordially invited along to the annual Rockhopper Christmas bash!
This year we have secured a most exclusive venue at a convenient central location, namely the India Club Restaurant at the Strand.
For more information and to book a place, please visit the meets page: https://www.rockhoppers.org.uk/meets
We will be hearing from two of our committee members who dared to make friends with the Alpine Club and venture into the Saas Valley. It's the right time of year to hear about icy Alpine adventures, getting you ready for the winter season ahead.
Last year I resigned from my job, moved out of my flat, put all my possessions in my parents’ garage and took the leap. From taking the first step away from Land’s End to walking into John O’Groats was 1,231 miles taking 131 days. I didn’t set out to achieve a new LEJOG speed record nor did I have a set end date, instead this journey was about exploration and learning - not just about myself but about the history, culture and heritage of the places I walked through. By passing through the landscapes at a slower pace - and you can’t get much slower than my walking pace! - I learnt so much about this country.
I also included the islands as a way to bookend my walk. From Cornwall I travelled to Long Point, St Agnes (the most south westerly point of the Isles of Scilly) and from John O'Groats I sailed and drove to Skaw, Unst (the most north easterly point of the Shetland Islands).
Come along if you want to hear more and see some photos of my trip!
From 7pm, presentation around 7.30pm.
Book here: https://www.rockhoppers.org.uk/meets/6034
Use this social to discuss your Easter plans! Save time in Skye or Cornwall - get those maps out and plan your hikes and climbs before you arrive. Secure the best people in your group ;)
If you don't have ambitious plans for Easter just come along for a friendly chat and a beer.
From 7pm.
We will be hearing about Rob and Craig's adventures in Norway, ski touring the Jotunheimen Haute Route.
Time: Upstairs room from 7pm, presentation around 7.30pm.
Drink booze, eat crisps, talk nonsense and plan for upcoming trips. From 7pm.
As it is now officially summer our next social will be a little different! We will be having a picnic in the park to enjoy the long summer nights and (fingers crossed) warm London evenings.
Wednesday 27 June: Picnic in the Jubilee Gardens - next to the London Eye - nearest tube Waterloo.
Time: From 7pm, and don't forget to bring snacks and your beverage of choice!
We look forward to seeing you all there!
It's time to celebrate the summer with your fellow Rockhoppers! On Saturday 21 July, we will combine two of everyone's favourite activities: Walking (a little bit at least) and drinking (probably a whole lot more….).
We will attack the famous Bermondsey Brewery Mile, which consists of a string of micro-breweries set up in railway arches starting in South Bermondsey and stretching all the way into Tower Bridge.
We will start at Partizan Brewing, at 2pm (nearest station is Surrey Quays or South Bermondsey) and then work our way into Southwark Brewing Co (nearest station is London Bridge) with expected finish around 7pm. Below is an approximate time schedule planned for each brewery, which includes walking time in-between. It would be great to see as many of you as possible for the 2pm start, but obviously you can join at any time/location that suits you!
Various food options will be available along the way, including the epically hip Maltby St street food market.
1. 14.00 Partizan Brewing, 8 Almond Road, London SE16 3LR.
2. 14.45 Eebria Tap Room, 15 Almond Road, London SE16 3LR.
3. 15.30 Brew by Numbers: Arch 79, Enid St, SE16 3RA.
4. 16.15 U Brew: Arches 29-30, 24 Old Jamaica Road, SE16 4AW.
5. 17.00 Bottle Shop: 128 Druid Street, SE1 2HH.
6. 17.45 Anspach & Hobday: 118 Druid Street, SE1 2HH.
7. 18.30 Southwark Brewing Co: 46 Druid Street, SE1 2EZ.
There’s no need to sign up to this event in advance (it’s free other than your beer budget…), but if you join at a later stage than Partizan Brewing you may benefit from either texting or calling Mette or Alex when you’re on your way to get a progress report.
We will do our very best to stick to the schedule, but obviously there are no guarantees! (given that most of the breweries are tiny and/or get busy we will likely need to stretch ourselves out a bit in terms of arriving in any case).
At the last AGM and annual dinner we discussed club participation and engagement and agreed we needed to look in more detail about what motivates people to take part in club activities in general and leadership roles in particular.
This month we plan to use the social, at the Old Kings Head, to get your views. Club member Phillippa Banister will be running a session to find out what you think and it would be great if as many of you as possible could make it along.
If you can't make it, never fear, we still want your views. We will be sending out a web survey link in the next couple of days that will take your responses - anonymously or not as you wish.
If you can make it, we'll be in the upstairs room from about 7.30.
A picture-rich, light-hearted presentation and I’ll talk a bit about the different ways I’ve enjoyed having fun rock climbing, ice climbing, summer & winter alpine, ski mountaineering, bouldering, (buildering), scrambling, deep water soloing and generally having as much fun as possible in locations like the Alps, Haute Atlas, Anti Atlas, Pyrenees, Yosemite, as well as popular destinations like N Wales, Peak, Pembroke, Cuillin etc.
Calling all Rockhoppers: We are nearing the end of the club year, and for our last social of the year before the AGM we have a Rockhopper pub quiz lined up, custom-made by our very own Chris Adye!
In the days when the club was advertised in alphabetical listings the Rockhoppers got "lost" somewhere after Rochdale MC. So in order for it to appear with other London clubs we used to advertise it as "London Rockhoppers Mountaineering Club". The rounds for the quiz will therefore be London, Rockhoppers, Mountaineering, and Club. You have been warned, so get revising trivial factoids about penguins! (Probably the shortest round...)
Please come along to the Old Kings Head on Wednesday 26 September at 7.30pm for a jolly night of pints and climbing trivia. You are welcome to put your own team together before the evening of course, but in any case we will make sure to team everyone up on the evening.
The next club social night will be our 2018 AGM.
The AGM is your chance to hear all about the club's activities in 2018, 2019 and beyond, to input into the meets list for the forthcoming year, to the elect the new committee and perhaps even stand for election yourself (!)
7pm start.
7.30pm.
Last Easter 3 Rockhoppers took two sledges and a tent on a tour of the mountains on the border between Norway and Sweden. Mixed weather gave us some fantastic skiing and views, as well as periods to finesse our tea drinking and story telling as we sat out the blizzards.
In the summer 4 Rockhoppers set out kayaking and canoeing from Glen Shiel to travel up the West Coast of Scotland ... 2 made it right into the heart of Knoydart. Along the way we camped on tiny islands, dragged kayaks over a mountain pass, saw dolphins, seals, squid, clams, otters and sea eagles ... and ate fish caught by Charles (he caught 4 in 10 minutes from the canoe!).
Charles is also going to do a slot on canoeing in to do remote Scottish hills. Charles & Sheila were the inspiration for the trip up the West Coast last summer & they appear to have an infinite list of remote hills that are best approached by water! Come and be inspired by Charles!
In association with Mike's Table. Find more info and book here: http://www.rockhoppers.org.uk/meets/6049
We will meet at the bow (pointy) end of the Cutty Sark at Greenwich at 11am and walk along the Thames Path back into town, ending up at London Bridge in time for tea! Enroute we will take in Surrey Docks Farm who are holding their Christmas Fair. There will be mulled wine, peach brandy, and local craft stalls. Come along and pick up some gifts with a difference. There will also be sheep, pigs, goats, turkeys and of course some donkeys.
This is a chance for existing members to catch up and have some exercise, without the need to go away for the weekend. Its also an opportunity for new and potential members to meet us and find out more of what we are about. We hope to have more one day rambles to come in the future.
Email Marcus if you're coming.
Come and join us for festive drinks, plus a robust discussion of plans for the New Year trip! We'll be propping up the bar from around 7pm.
In 1991 I heard a recording of a Tuvan nomad singing to calm a birthing camel. Ever since I have been "Trying to get to Tuva" to visit its throat-singing nomads and to climb its highest mountain Mongun-Tayga. This is the story of my as yet unfulfilled quest, although I did once get within sight of Tuva from remote peaks on the Mongolan/Russian/Chinese border. Expect camels, marmots, fermented horse milk and a total eclipse of the sun.
6.15 showing at the Rich Mix cinema in Bethnal Green (walkable from Liverpool St or Old St tubes), followed by drinks in the Cinema Snack Bar on the first floor. Buy your own ticket and meet us there!
https://richmix.org.uk/
Pete will explain what's involved in alpine ski touring and show a compendium of slides from various trips over the last few years.
Introduction to alpine ski touring: how, where and why
Equipment and safety
Techniques
Spectacular photos and short videos taken on hut-to-hut tours in the Alps and Pyrenees.
"Canyoning is a fun river sport that combines a variety of outdoor skills. Essentially it's descending a river system using a combination of down-climbing, abseiling, jumping, sliding, swimming and plain old walking." So says Craig. Come and join him to find out what it is and how it's done, and hear about a couple of his trips in New Zealand and Europe.
Join Giles, Rockhoppers’s reclusive membership secretary, for a brief canter through his 2018 alpine excursions. He’ll recount the alarming, chossy and slopey ascent of the Frundenhorn; the exhausting 2km vertical approach to, and terrifying gully of, the Tschingelhorn; a glacial odyssey through the Jungfrau-Aletsch area, the alarming ascent of the Jungfrau, an exhilarating descent of the Finsteraarhorn; jolly expensive trains; overcrowded bivvy huts; rond memories of Rostis and queasy memories of cheese soup; high altitude yoga, electrical storms and the Ogre of the Monch hut. Oh, and he’ll do a plug for more fell running in the Rockhoppers.
Jack Cornish, Project Manager for the Ramblers' "Don't Lose Your Way" program will speak about claiming historic rights of way and give us a brief history of the Ramblers and countryside access. Hear how potentially more than 10,000 miles of historic footpaths and rights of way still lie unrecorded: many exist in law, and many exist on the ground and are even in use. However on 1 January 2026 the process by which they can be recorded will end. Those that slip through the net will be lost forever and our access to the countryside permanently reduced.
Find out more about the project here: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/dont-lose-your-way-2026.aspx
We're 65 years old! We will be celebrating, but definitely not retiring.
Our actual birthday falls on a Sunday when we will be in Grasmere, so we are already planning something up in the Lakes for that weekend.
The following Wednesday 26 June is a pub social so let's have a party - a chance to catch up with old friends and new and celebrate our illustrious past. There will be a rolling slide show "65 @ 65" - one image for every year of our history, and by request we will also show the short film we made for the 60th anniversary - apparently lots of you have never seen it.
Rockhoppers was founded on 23 June 1954 following a meeting at The Royal Oak Hotel in New Malden. Apparently the landlord let them have the upstairs room for 10 shillings as long as they didn’t make too much noise and bought plenty of drinks.
To celebrate, we'll have a social walk along the Thames to New Malden to have a pint or two in the Royal Oak Hotel itself and toast our founders. If the weather is nice we will have a picnic in Richmond Park.
A return for our ever popular evening of short talks by members and we have a conservation theme this time.
Sam Hughes: Roads, Runoff and Restoring Rivers: working on the Beverley Brook
We followed the Beverley Brook on our 65th birthday ramble. Beverley means the place where the beavers live.
Mat Mitchell: Cambrian Wildwood: Reintroducing the Beaver to Wales
A brief introduction to the Cambrian Wildwood project and their proposal to reintroduce the beaver to Wales. The project was a recipient of one of our donations in 2017.
Rob Carruthers: Climbing in Kalymnos
The Greek Island of Kalymnos lies just off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea. It was described by UKClimbing as "Possibly the best sport climbing destination ever".
Emiel Tijhuis: on a subject to be confirmed
From 7pm, show kicks off at about 7.30pm
In June Chris Adye sent an email to members stating that "I am planning a hut to hut walking trip with a slight difference. I will be visiting the relatively quiet Ticino canton of southern Switzerland. The difference is that the route involves scrambling. As far as I can gather the scrambling is not technically hard, but the drops are impressive. I'm visualising something like Crib Goch. Accommodation is in small mountain cabins, and the area will not be crowded.So if you are an experienced scrambler with a good head for heights get in touch and I will mail you some details."
This slide show gives details of his adventures (including being attacked by a mob of hungry goats) and explains why you were wise not to respond!!
We had a simple dream and we wondered what it would be like to travel the world by bicycle. Yet many times we have said to ourselves that it is too big and not for us. But then one day something changed. Rockhoppers club has played a very important part in this!
In 2017 April we departed from our home town by the Baltic sea. Our aim was to experience the world at first hand, learn about the earth we live in, meet people, make friends, at any cost avoid any kind of stress and do all that while cycling.
We have travelled halfway around the world and cycled 16000km. This trip has finished, but it is still adding to many lessons that we have learned. This journey was not easy, but we tell a happy story of two years traveling from Europe far into SE Asia
The AGM is where we review the club's activities over the past year, discuss the meets list for next year, and elect a new committee. It's your voice into how the Club is run, so all members are asked to please come along. It's usually also a lot of fun.
From 7.30. Some of us will be there from 6pm to make the most of the pub's "Happy Hour" before proceedings begin.
With a winter season of trips to Scotland, Snowdonia and the Lake District upon us, here's an opportunity to come and ask us what to expect: if you are new to winter walking, climbing and mountaineering, or just want to freshen up on your knowledge, then here's your chance. We will look at gear, weather, navigation and route planning, avalanche awareness: in fact everything you need to know for when the snow and ice comes (we can always hope!!!) and things get a bit gnarly. The evening will be particularly tailored around what to expect on a Rockhopper winter trip, so please do bring along your questions. Help us to cut through the morning faff, be prepared, and manage your expectations.
We're teaming up with Mike's Table for the Rockhoppers Christmas dinner. Tickets are £30 each for a 3-course meal, and your ticket pays for the same experience for someone in need of a night out. We'll be mingling with other guests so prepare to be sociable!
More info: https://www.mikes-table.org/
Book here: https://www.rockhoppers.org.uk/meets/6089
Alpine Club member Nick Smith talks about venturing beyond the Alps for the first time.
Nick is a keen trad climber and mountaineering club aficionado. Having climbed extensively in the UK and Alps he went into a frenzy and completed his first, second and third expeditions in just over a year. Come see some great photos, get inspired for mountain adventure and of course kick off the new year in traditional Rockhopper sociable fashion.
A Rockhopper shares his experiences with sea kayaking and suggests how to get involved.
Nigel Buckley, Alpine Club librarian, will canter through some of the curious goings on and artefacts collected over the club's last 162 years.
A brief introduction into UK Trad climbing: what you should know before going on the Rockhopper's novice meet.
To inform, educate and entertain. Line-up TBC.
Get in touch if you've got a good one. Easily pleased audience, keen to hear good ideas for outdoorsy holidays, routes, wild camping sites, micro adventures, the evils or virtues of Paramo, short histories of cartography, getting into orienteering, great camp food ideas, the rules of Sock Wrestling, etc etc, etc. 10 minutes per topic.
The first pub social of 2021. 7pm.
Pub social with speaker TBC. 7pm.
Pub social. CHANGE OF VENUE to the George near London Bridge, we will try and get a space in an upstairs room.
Tuesday 26th October from 6:30pm
A great opportunity to meet / catch up with other club members, find climbing partners and make plans for adventures.
We also elect the new committee, agree on donations and look at upcoming trips.
This year's AGM will be held at the George Inn. Free food, with vegetarian / vegan options available!
Doors open 6.30ish
Formal AGM starts 7.30
***NOTE NEW VENUE***
George Inn, 75 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1NH
Exit London Bridge at the Borough Market exit onto Borough High Street. Turn left and walk down Borough High Street - do not walk down Southwark Street on the right - the George Inn is down the alley on your left past Rymans and Lloyds Bank.
Please do come along to the next in-person social on Wednesday 24th at the George near London Bridge / Borough.
Usual start time is around 7pm but a couple of us will be there at 6/6:30pm with a little stuffed penguin on the table.
It's a good chance to catch up, drink beer, eat crisps, meet new and old members, and plan for upcoming trips. Feel free to bring friends/family/prospective new members also!
Food is served until late or there's plenty of places to grab an earlier bite nearby.
We have organised a Christmas Dinner for our fellow rockhoppers.
We are going for a CURRY in one of the best curry houses in Brick lane (Monsoon )
What: Set menu - £20 (starter, main, rice and naan)
Drinks: not included, buy on site
Gifts: Every Christmas party needs some gifts exchange as well :) Instead of buying a silly plastic thing that will just end up in the trash I wanted to organise a sustainable gift exchange.
Can everyone please bring an item from their kit box that they do not use much or a guidebook they won't ever use again... And we will exchange this as a fun keep it in the family kind of thing.
To meet old and new members alike. :)
Hi Everyone. Time to brush up on your orienteering skills or maybe just come for a coffee after.
We will be meeting in Queen Elizabeth park at this location (https://goo.gl/maps/UgHCu7WjxF2F6ZRj7 , 51°32'39.9"N 0°01'03.3"W)
Time: 1pm - orienteering
Coffee time: 3 pm (Clarnico Club, Tandy Pl, London E20 3AS )
You can come with a group already set up (max 3 people) or you will be put into groups on location. The course is around 7km long so make sure you have enough time to complete it and join us for coffee afterward.
If you do no fancy running around the park on a Sunday morning then join us for a coffee and meet your fellow rockhoppers
Hi Everyone
Rockhoppers have a new pub. It is based in the Kings cross area.
The Harrison Pub & Hotel
28 Harrison St, London WC1H 8JF
020 7278 3966
https://goo.gl/maps/CSuDhzHobYKXW4nAA
Our first meeting there will be on the 16th February at 7pm. Please come along to meet new and old members.
We have all made some mistakes in our mountaineering journey. Some of those mistakes are small, some are funny, some are well gross but definitely all memorable.
The evening will consist of short talks that will open a discussion around safety, comfort, and everything in between.
The best story or stories will win an award :) so it's definitely worth it.
Pub social in the Harrison Hotel from 7pm, we have a table booked
Come along to meet new and old members. Maybe make some plans for august
Come and meet new and old friends in our lovely Pub in Kings Cross. I am sure you all have amazing stories to share and we are all very interested to hear what was going on during the summer in your climbing and hill walking world.
Some drinks in a lovely pub.
Climb at the Castle (pre-7pm) followed by England v Wales game (7pm-9pm) followed by more drinks (9pm onwards) at the Brownswood pub (271 Green Lanes). Please let Danny Orchard know if you're coming so he can gauge numbers.
Dinner at Tayyabs near Brick Lane, 7:30pm-late (probably meet in a pub nearby for anyone finishing work early). It will be a set menu but there are options for carnivores and herbivores. There are limited numbers here so let Danny Orchard know if you want to reserve a space: https://www.rockhoppers.org.uk/meets/6192
For our next social event we’ll be going to the BANFF film festival at Union Chapel in Islington, London on 21st Feb, 2023. Members or any interested parties should get their tickets via the link below and keep an eye on the forum discussion topic.
Time: 19:30
Please note: You need to buy your own ticket.
Join us for a choice of a gentle stroll along Lea Valley or a climb at The Castle followed by a pub lunch where you can meet old and new members of the Rockhoppers.
The walk starts at East India DLR and takes in paths and muddy wetlands along the Lea Valley up to Tottenham Hale. The climb will involve, well, climbing but our reps will be on hand to offer assistance and find you a partner if you’re new to our club.
Then we’ll all join up for a few beers and a pub lunch to discuss the virtues of walking over climbing (or scrambling if you want to sit on the fence).
It'll be fun! :)
Walkers
- meet at East India DLR at 10am. Dayne, one of the walkers reps, will be there to meet you and guide you across the wetlands of the Lea Valley.
To contact the reps join our walkers WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JKUV0dCGDxQKAcubnsQ4xi
Climbers
- meet from 10am at the Castle Climbing centre where Michel, one of our friendly climbing reps, will be on hand to pair you up with a climbing partner.
To contact the reps join our walkers WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/ImJb4j4CEVp3UvnkvW919O
Each social will be held at or near a different climbing centre to share the love around London.
Time: 10:00-15:00
WALKING THE LOST RIVER TYBURN
Meet at 10:15 outside Hampstead tube to set off by 10.30 to the source and follow the course to Regent's Park where it surfaces, then on to Marylebone, Mayfair, Buckingham Palace, Pimlico and Vauxhall where it flows into the Thames. 3.5 to 4 hours walking time with breaks in Regent's Park and Green Park with time for lunch.
Join us for a few drinks and a chance to socialise while learning some seriously interesting factoids!
This months topic is ‘Why do things hurt? Persistent pain from a neuroscience perspective.’
The talk will explore the reasons we feel pain, often in the absence of injury, and how a greater understanding of how the brain works helps explain, and give us control over, recurring injuries and persistent pains.
Hosted by one of our members, Danny Orchard, who is senior lecture in pain management at the University College of Osteopathy and Director of the Centre of Osteopathic Research & Excellence in East London (CORE Clapton).
We’ll be taking a portable bbq to Waterlow Park in Highgate for a BYO. Also some tunes. Hopefully in nice weather.
Bring whatever food you want to eat and 10% more for good luck. And all the booze you can drink. We’ll have ice and a cool bucket.
Join us for a day's hike a short ride from London (TBC) where we'll pass somewhere with water where the brave can cool off their sweaty bods, followed by a leisurely picnic before returning home.
Get your kilts on and sharpen your elbows for the first official Ceilidh of the year (and possibly some training for the Annual Dinner).
Tickets cost £12 but you’ll need to get your own before they run out! This is a very popular venue.
To book tickets visit:
https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/27-dances/11985-knees-up-cecil-sharp-2023-sept
For those wanting to wet their gills before the dance we’ll be meeting at The Albert Pub from 5:30pm before the Ceilidh:
The Albert
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKCc8Snzhrx8VSpZ6?g_st=ic
Our annual AGM where you get to catch up with Rockhoppers old and new, have a few drinks and make invaluable decisions about the future of the club. And join the committee if you really want to get involved (oh yes you do!).
Food of some description will be available (probably pizza).
Please arrive early for a 7pm start.
We’re heading back to Tayyabs for a Christmas feast on 6 December at 7.30pm. Join us for food, fun and MORE. Cost is £35 per person paid in advance which includes about 3000 amazing courses. I have booked for 20 spaces but can increase if needed. Let me know if you have any dietary requirements ahead of time. Please use the following link to sign up:
rockhoppers.org.uk/meets/6238
Mountains on Stage film festival are back with their winter edition, with 4 films including an alpine style ascent of lhotse, opening remote routes in Greenland, and ski mountaineering in both the Himalayas and chamonix.
More info on the website:
https://www.mountainsonstage.com/filmselection
Tickets are £16, available from:
https://www.billetweb.fr/london-2-mountains-on-stage-winter-edition-2023
Come along to meet some Rockhoppers old and new at The Harrison's Pub, Kings Cross
If you are a new member and you are looking to get to know some climbing/walking buddies and find out more about the club, then join us at 7pm on Friday 19th Jan 2024 and listen to our members talking about their fave Rockhopper experiences, aims for 2024 and why this is obviously the BEST mountaineering club in all of GB.
Come and join the Westway lot for a session of climbing and then out to the greatest pub of all time, the Pig & Whistle for pizzas and things. Newbies encouraged!! We will pair you up and get you on the ropes.
Join us to listen to Anne's DEATH DEFYING stories of epic journeys through the mountains as she showcases her love for adventure and her knack for getting herself INTO and OUT OF some pretty hairy situations. Have a drink, get inspired and ask a million questions!
Meeting at the Old King's Head, private room booked from 7pm! Talk starts at 7.30 SHARP
We are heading back to the Union Chapel for a thrilling selection of films ft. mountaineers from all over the globe. Event takes place on 14th March 2023 from 19:30-22:15. Film selection TBC.
Please note you will have to buy your own tickets for the event using the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/banff-mountain-film-festival-london-14-march-2024-tickets-663706242237?aff=oddtdtcreator
Fresh off the back of Anne's epic stories, we thought it was time to talk SELF RESCUE at the RH. Esteemed guest speaker Tej Ajimal is coming in to share his wealth of knowledge and experience on getting yourself out of hairy scary mountain situations. He will be covering basic principles and sharing his best advice for rock and ice travel.
He will also answer your many many questions so be prepared to bombard him.
Meet you at the Devereux at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm SHARP.
Rivals to friends, competitors to teammates, enemies to lovers: we bring you the FIRST EVER Rockhopper/London Rock Climber mixer social!
Starting at the Castle Climbing Centre we're going to buddy up with the other club and show off our climbing skills before heading to a private room at the Brownswood pub for drinks and games and realising LRC aren't SO bad after all.
Castle meet from 6pm, room booked at Brownswood at 8.30pm
You won't wanna miss this one!
Join us as we listen to Zarif's tales of adventure and self-discovery as he recounts his summiting of Mt Fuji as well as other hikes around Japan including Kumano Kodo, Koyasan Choishi Michi, Dewa Sanzan + Jigoku Nozoki. The plan is to marvel at his beautiful photography, laugh at his jokes and take inspiration from the important lessons he learned along the way. Meet at the Old King's Head at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm. Socialising from 8.
See you there!
Improve your nav without leaving London! Rockhoppers will be heading to Hampstead Heath for a round of the permanent orienteering course, which the First Lady says was more helpful for her nav skills than going to the mountains.
This outing will feel like a hike in the South Downs with hills, mud, undergrowth and a little bit of getting lost. Dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and bring sandwiches for the picnic. (The organisers can watch your bags while you're out walking, but will not accept liability if anything goes missing -- it's still London, after all.)
The walking will take between 2.5 to 4 hours and be about 8-9km in length, with those more skilled at nav walking less far and having lunch earlier. There is an option to shorten your course and get a comparable score to the full course (albeit with a penalty).
Group sizes will be between two and four.
The orienteering will begin at 10am from the Tumulus. Maps will be provided (waterproof if we can get them), but can also be found on the London Orienteering Klubb website.
Guests and prospective members welcome.
Pub quiz POSTPONED it's too hot to be indoors so please join us for a drink and a catch up in The George beer garden from 6.30pm :) If it's good enough for Shakespeare..
It's September! So we are heading back to Cecil Sharp House for another amazing Ceilidh (did I spell that ok) in Camden Town from 8-11pm.
Tickets are £15 and you can purchase here https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/27-dances/13345-knees-up-cecil-sharp-2024-sep
I went last year with a terrible hip injury and still had the best time ever so no excuses!
Meet at The Albert nearby around 6pm for some pre-dancing drinks and a catch up :)
Rockhoppers Annual General Meeting
We are pleased to invite all members to the Rockhoppers Annual General Meeting. This event provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with fellow members, both old and new, and to participate in important discussions regarding the future direction of our club.
Date and Time:
Please join us promptly at 7:00 PM.
Venue:
The Devereux
Agenda:
This will be circulated to members in due course.
Refreshments:
Food will be available. Come earlier if you don't want to miss out.
Your participation is highly valued, and we encourage all members to attend and contribute to the decision-making process. If you are interested in taking a more active role, please consider joining the Leadership Team.
We look forward to seeing you there.
As part of our growing tradition, we’re heading back to Tayyabs for a Christmas feast on December 5 at 7:30pm. Join us for delicious food, great company, and festive fun. The cost is £38 per person, paid in advance (includes an array of courses with both omnivore and vegetarian options). We’ve reserved 20 spaces but can increase if needed. Please mention any dietary requests in the comments so they can be accommodated.
It's BYOB though one soft drink or lassi is included in the menu.
Please book yourself onto using this link: https://www.rockhoppers.org.uk/meets/6276
Kick off the new year with our first club social of 2025! Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just curious to learn more, this is the perfect chance to meet fellow climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. We'll be gathering in the Function Room upstairs at The Devereux just off the Strand from 7pm onwards on Tuesday, January 14th.
Come for a casual evening of good conversation, share your goals for the year, and discover our exciting plans for hikes, climbing socials, and more. New and prospective members are especially welcome—no need to RSVP, just swing by and say hi!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Warm up this winter at our pub social on Thursday, February 13th. It’s a relaxed evening to connect with fellow climbers and hikers, and discuss plans for upcoming adventures.
Location and theme to be announced soon—save the date!
Shake off the winter blues and join us for a lively evening on Wednesday, March 12th. Share your favourite trails, climbing stories, and outdoor plans over a drink or two.
Location and potential theme to follow.
Come along to our April pub social on Tuesday, April 8th for good company and inspiration for your springtime adventures. Whether you’re new to the club or a regular, you’re sure to feel welcome.
Details on location and any activities to follow.
Celebrate the arrival of summer at our May social on Thursday, May 15th. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, share hiking tips, and get excited for the longer days ahead.
Location and theme to be announced.
Join us for a relaxed summer evening at our June social on Tuesday, June 10th. A great chance to hear about upcoming events, swap outdoor tips, and enjoy good company.
Stay tuned for location and additional details.
Take a break from the summer heat and join us for our July pub social on Wednesday, July 9th. Reflect on the adventures of the first half of the year and look forward to what’s next.
More details on location and theme coming soon.
Beat the late summer heat with our August pub social on Tuesday, August 12th. Enjoy a casual evening with friends and club members as we plan for autumn adventures.
Location and activities to follow.
Catch up with friends new and old at our September social on Thursday, September 11th. It’s the perfect time to chat about upcoming hikes and climbing socials.
Details on location and theme coming soon.
Get into the autumn spirit at our October social on Tuesday, October 7th. Share your favourite hikes for the season and enjoy a drink with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
More details to come about location and theme.
Wrap up the autumn season with us at our November social on Thursday, November 13th. We’ll share tips on winter hiking and climbing, and talk about plans for the colder months.
Details on location and theme to follow.