Taking your first steps with Large Outdoors
A guide for anyone joining us for the first time
Thank you for taking a look at what we do at Large Outdoors. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, it’s completely normal to have a few questions — especially if this is your first time joining a small-group walking weekend or holiday. This updated guide brings together the essentials to help you feel confident, informed, and ready to get started.
Most people who join us are new to group walking at some stage, so you’re in very good company. Many guests start with a few nerves, but by the end of their first trip they’re chatting, walking, laughing, and wondering why they didn’t join sooner.
Exploring the Antrim Coast
Do I need to be a member?
No. There’s no membership, signup fee or commitment. You simply choose a trip and book.
Is it okay to come on my own?
Absolutely — in fact, most people do.
Large Outdoors was created with solo travellers in mind, and our weekends and holidays are designed to help people meet, walk, and feel part of the group straight away. You’re also welcome to come with a friend or partner, but arriving solo is very common.
We set up a WhatsApp group for each multi-day trip, so you can say hello to others beforehand, ask questions, and share photos during the weekend.
Will I fit in?
Yes. People join our trips because they want to walk, meet others, explore new places and enjoy a relaxed break. That shared purpose helps everyone feel included quickly.
Your guide and host will help with introductions, keep the group together, and make sure the atmosphere stays friendly and welcoming.
What ages join?
Trips are open to adults 18+. Most groups include a broad mix of ages, with many people joining in their 30s–80s. There’s no upper age limit — if the walking level suits you, you’re welcome.
Taking a dip in Loch Ness
Choosing your first trip
You can join any weekend or holiday, but we also run Newbies Weekends, where most participants are joining us for the first time. These are built around steady walks, relaxed pacing, and lots of time to settle in.
If you’re unsure which level is right for you, check each trip page for the walking level description or email us for advice.
Room types and sharing
Our accommodation varies — hotels, inns, guest houses, cottages, and occasionally hostels. Room types depend on the venue and may include:
Shared rooms (male or female)
Twin rooms
Double rooms
Single rooms
If you're booking with a friend and choose shared rooms, we’ll always try to place you together.
Full details for each trip are shown in the Accommodation section on the trip page.
Exploring the Yorkshire Coast
Arriving on your first day
Each trip page includes arrival times in the Good to Know section. Please arrive no earlier than the stated time, as hosts may still be preparing the venue.
Most weekends begin with a welcome, introductions, and a relaxed evening meal before the first guided walk the next morning.
Group size
Group sizes vary. Each trip page shows the maximum group size, so you know what to expect.
Car-free travel & collections
Many of our holidays and weekends are car-free, with station pick-ups included and all local transport organised for you. When these are available, the details are clearly listed on the trip page.
Guests also use our Friends of Large Outdoors Facebook group to arrange informal travel shares:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/largeoutdoors
Kit: what you actually need
You don’t need expensive gear to join us. For most walking trips you only need:
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Walking boots
A day rucksack
Full kit lists are on our website, but there’s no need to buy lots of new equipment for a first trip. Bring what you already have, and ask us if you’re unsure.
Taking on the stunning West Highland Way
Food and meals
Food varies by venue, but the Essential Information section on each trip page tells you exactly what’s included.
Many weekends include:
A simple meal on the first night
A continental-style breakfast
Packed lunch ingredients you can assemble each morning
Some trips also include a group meal out at a local pub (not included in the trip price).
Please tell us your dietary requirements when booking so we can plan ahead.
Alcohol
We don’t supply alcohol, but on most trips you’re welcome to bring your own. Some venues have a bar and may not allow personal alcohol — this is always noted on the trip page.
How to contact us
We’re a small team and often out guiding, but we’ll reply as soon as we can.
Email: hello@largeoutdoors.com
Live Chat: The orange bubble on the website — leave a message anytime or chat directly with a real person when we’re online.
Please note: any booking changes must be requested via email from the address used to make the booking.
In summary
We’re here to make your first step outdoors feel easy. Our trips are sociable, steady-paced, well organised and welcoming — whether you join solo or with a friend.
Over the years we’ve seen countless people go from curious beginners to confident walkers, building friendships and exploring some brilliant parts of the UK along the way.
We’d love you to be part of that journey too.
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re thinking about taking your first step with Large Outdoors, now’s a great time to see what’s coming up. Our Trip Calendar shows all available walking weekends, holidays, wild swimming trips and car-free adventures across the UK.
Browse upcoming trips here:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/trip-calendar
