Travel the World with the University of Leeds Hiking Club!

The University of Leeds Hiking Club have recently returned from a 2-week expedition to the Swiss Alps. We have been exploring the Kandersteg and Lauterbrunnen regions. The trip marks the end to yet another exciting year for the club. We have now increased our international repertoire, which includes the likes of Iceland, Austria, Italy, Norway and the Pyrenees.

During the first week of the trip, the club stayed in the small alpine town of Kandersteg, which acted as a great base camp for exploring the regions 3000m peaks. With five full days in the area we wasted no time! On the first day a group completed a hike to the Fründenhütte, a route which encompassed 1,500m of accent! The club also took on routes including the Gallihorn and Lotschenpass in addition to exploring the local towns. With perfect alpine weather and the occasional afternoon downpour, a great time was had by all!

On the 7th day we travelled to the valley of Lauterbrunnen for the remainder of the trip. It’s an idyllic valley known for it’s waterfalls, skiing and summer hiking also provided a perfect location with exciting routes.  During the week, the club completed routes including the iconic Schynige Platte to First ridge, the Schilthorn, the Gleckstein Hutte as well as lower elevation walks around the base of the Eiger and around the town of Interlaken.  During the week, a sightseeing trip to the Jungfraujoch was undertaken, and at an elevation of 3500m. This was one of the highest elevations the club has reached, despite having to get a train to the summit! The week also provided many other opportunities including wild swimming, Swiss National Day celebrations, a folklore evening and trips out to the only bar in the valley! Overall, the trip was a huge success and everyone had an amazing two weeks abroad!

The University of Leeds Hiking club, a society of around 250 members welcomes all and maintains a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.  With multiple events on each week during term time, there is always something going on with the club. From a day trip to the Yorkshire dales, weekend walks in the Lake District, or a wintry  adventure in the Scottish Highlands. We even take week long trips during the Easter and summer holidays around the country! Our personal favourites though are the  international adventures, which have taken us far and wide.

So if you’re after a new challenge and a breath of fresh air the club is open to all. You can escape the city, take a break from work and make friends for life with UOLHC!

Aside from club trips, the club also has an amazing social life.  We have weekly socials for catching up on all the club gossip and enjoying a bit food and a drink. The club also hosts a wide range of other socials throughout the year including the Christmas dinner, Lazer-Quest, and film nights just to name a few! There is always a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

Weather it’s hardcore winter mountaineering, scrambling, long hikes, exploring the UK’s mountainous regions, traveling the world, or a short stroll, UOLHC is for you!

Come and find us at the international fresher’s fair and the fresher’s fair this September! We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions. Hopefully we can provide you with all the information you need about one of the most amazing societies Leeds has to offer!

We look forward to seeing you soon!