Typical Hiking Weekend Programme
What should we expect on a AAA trip?
We are often asked, “What should we expect on a AAA trip?”
So we have put together an outline of what you can typically expect for a Weekend Hiking Trip. Please note that for 3-night trips, the Full Day Programme is simply replicated, offering a greater choice of hikes.
Each event's programme will naturally vary according to the location, accommodation type and the nature of the event, but as a general rule, the following should help you to better understand how we have successfully delivered hundreds of trips for thousands of members since 2008.
AAA prides itself on good event organisation, but all itineraries are subject to change due to weather and other uncontrolled circumstances.
The hike's length and duration are not fixed; they will vary based on the terrain, weather, and the group's progress. Our hike leaders are experienced hikers and monitor the group's performance against the originally planned route and adapt it accordingly to meet the needs of the weather conditions and the group.
We do not repeat a route that has been walked by the group on previous weekends to the same area, as this offers no variety for many members or hike leaders who frequently revisit the same areas with AAA.
Prior to each event.
You will receive an email confirming the joining instructions and contact numbers for the event host. This will normally be sent at least seven days prior to the event's start. If you have not received these 48 hours prior to the event, then please message the event host via Meetup. On some occasions, the e-mails do get lost in people's inboxes ;-)
Day of Arrival - Friday
6:00 pm. AAA Hosts will be on-site to welcome members on arrival at the venue.
Your AAA host will greet you on arrival and show you to your accommodation.
Information on the hikes available will be displayed.
8:00 pm. Supper, typically comprising a vegetarian soup with some bread, hams and cheeses, will be available, followed by the AAA Hiking "speciality" - homemade banana cake or similar.
A variety of teas, cocoa and coffee are available. Members preferring alcoholic beverages should ensure they bring a tipple of their choice (Occasionally, some venues do not permit the consumption of alcohol that’s not purchased at the venue; in such instances, we will do our best to advise you in advance)
10:30 pm. Once the majority of members have arrived, your hosts will welcome you back to the weekend, explain the program for the weekend, outline the planned hikes and activities, and answer any questions you may have.
11:00 pm. Food is available until this time or until the last member has arrived.
9:00 am. Members assemble, dressed and ready for the day's activities. Your hosts will brief the group on the options available for the day and introduce the hike/activities leaders before asking members to make their choice for the day's activity.
Group sizes for activities tend to be between 12-20 people per group; this, of course, varies. We offer a minimum of two hikes, which will differ in length and grade. We don’t like to offer just a one-day hike for 40-plus people, as we find that this is too slow for the more able hikers.
9:30 am. By this time, all the hikes will have departed. Some hikes will depart from the accommodation on foot, while others may select a hike that requires using the available vehicles to reach the start point. Don’t worry, your hosts will organise this with everyone involved.
3:00 pm. The shorter hikes* (6-10 miles/10-16 km) arrive back at the accommodation from this time.
Scones, jam, and clotted cream will be served with tea, along with cake and cookies.
4:00 pm. The longer hikes* (12-18 miles/19-28 km)
5:00 pm. Yoga Class if it’s a yoga weekend (Only available on yoga weekends)
5:30 pm. Onward, everyone is welcome to contribute to the preparation of supper once they have had time to shower and freshen up after their hikes.
8:00 pm. Dinner is served.
Day of Departure - Sunday
7.00 am. Morning Yoga class, this is specific to Yoga weekends only (60 min) - (Only available on yoga weekends)
7:45 am. A variety of bread, cold meats, cheeses, salads, jams, dressings, spreads, pickles, etc. will be available for you to make your own personalised sandwiches for your packed lunch. A selection of biscuits, snacks, crisps and fruit will also be available along with sandwich bags
8:00 am. The AAA Cooked Breakfast is served from this time.
This includes: Fresh-brewed coffee and juice, Homemade creamy porridge with various toppings (nuts, fruit salad, honey, etc.), cereals, and yoghurts. Plus a cooked breakfast with vegan and quality sausages, eggs, hashbrowns, and baked beans
8:45 am. Breakfast and the “Sandwich Factory” will conclude.
Everyone assists with clearing away breakfast so that we can start the day’s activities as early as possible.
Members strip the bedding, pack your bags and load them into the vehicles you will be going home in.
9:00 am. Members assemble, dressed and ready for the day's activities. Your hosts will brief the group on the options available for the day and introduce the hike/activities leaders before asking members to make their choice for the day's activity.
Group sizes for activities tend to be between 12-20 people per group; this, of course, varies. We offer a minimum of two hikes, which will differ in length and grade. We don’t like to offer just a one-day hike for 40-plus people, as we find that this is too slow for the more able hikers.
We do not have access to the hostel or facilities after this time. All luggage is to be packed into vehicles.
9:30 am. By this time, all the hikes will have departed. Some hikes will depart from the accommodation on foot, while others may select a hike that requires using the available vehicles to reach the start point. Don’t worry, your hosts will organise this with everyone involved.
Group sizes for activities tend to be between 12-20 people per group; this, of course, varies. We offer a minimum of two hikes, which will differ in length and grade. We don’t like to offer just a one-day hike for 40-plus people, as we find that this is too slow for the more able hikers.
9:45 am. By this tim, all the hikes will have departed. We often, depending upon the number, like to hike as one group. We call this our Social Sunday Hike. It's nice for everyone to mingle, regardless of the hiking pace.
Pack lunch.
2:00 pm. Hikes aim to return to a central location where members can enjoy a Pub lunch or café stop before heading home.
2:30 pm. Depart for home.
Day of Departure - Sunday
7.00 am. Morning Yoga class, this is specific to Yoga weekends only (60 min) - (Only available on yoga weekends)
7:45 am. A variety of bread, cold meats, cheeses, salads, jams, dressings, spreads, pickles, and more will be available for you to create your own personalised sandwiches for your packed lunch. A selection of biscuits, snacks, crisps and fruit will also be available along with sandwich bags
8:00 am. The AAA Cooked Breakfast is served from this time.
This includes: Fresh-brewed coffee and juice, Homemade creamy porridge with various toppings (nuts, fruit salad, honey, etc.), cereals, and yoghurts. Plus a cooked breakfast with vegan and quality sausages, eggs, hashbrowns, and baked beans
8:45 am. Breakfast and the “Sandwich Factory” will conclude.
Everyone assists with clearing away breakfast so that we can start the day’s activities as early as possible.
Members strip the bedding, pack your bags and load them into the vehicles you will be going home in.