Groups on Meetup

[SinglePringle99]

Does anyone have experience of using the Meetup website/app to meet new friends with similar hobbies/interests?
I’ve joined but have a few questions :
Do you have to pay to join every group? They all charge a different amount. There’s also a constant pop up asking me to pay for access? Do I have to do both?

What’s the typical age range? The hobby groups Ive looked at for things I’m interested in seem to be all older (over 50’s/60’s from the profile photos of members). The social groups seem to be younger and I can’t find anything locally in-between.
Are they actually worth it?
Are there any other suggestions? Thanks

I would say it depends on the group and the hobby?

And worth it for what?
What are you looking for from it?

Sorry should have said I’m looking at Hiking/Camping/outdoorsy things. I do go out on my own but I’d like some company and to build my social circle.

By worth it I mean will I spend a small fortune registering to join groups only to find its people who are retired going out during weekdays. Which I can’t do. And can’t seem to find out about until I pay to join. If that makes sense?

Could you try to set up your own group for the age range you want? (Although I’m sure the over 50s would be very welcoming to you if you joined their group)

edited to add: I see you are worried about the timings. Could you set up a weekend/evening only group

If you like hiking you could look at Ramblers. It's a one off annual membership of c£40 but you can go to a walk or two for free to try the group out. If you are a member you can go with any group to any walk although some do require you to book. There are a number of groups across the country. If you are in or near London, Capital Walkers and Metropolitan Walkers are age targeted Ramblers groups. Both also advertise on Meet-up. Some of the other Ramblers groups eg Hampstead have quite a high average ago.

There used to be some hiking meet-up groups which were age targeted. The number of walks on offer each weekend will ramp up as spring comes and they start doing more long distance from London day trips eg Seven Sisters. Where are you based?

www.capitalwalkers.org.uk

Capital Walkers is for 40 plus. Metropolitan Walkers is 20s and 30s.

Thank you, I’ll try Ramblers. I’m in the North so plenty of places to go, I’d just like some company.

I’ve been on Meetup for years and am in several groups. Mine are mainly social or dining groups as I have restricted mobility. I have never had to pay before I join the group, most seem to ask for a small annual fee, £5 was common but Meetup have massively increased their fees so this might change. Usually this fee is only asked for after you have been a member for a while, everyone asked to pay at the same time, so you have chance to try a few meet-ups first to get a feel for the activities and members. Some of my groups ask for a small contribution per meeting, like £1 or £2, which I guess if fair as it’s those who use the group regularly who pay.

There is a pop up on the Meetup App which asks you to pay to join but I just ignore it and click the home button to get to my groups, I think it just offers you ad free access.

In my area, S Manchester, there are a lot of walking groups, some during the day but also weekend or summer evening walks so working people can join.

Im off out with one group for our monthly Sunday evening meal tonight, looking forward to it!

There are quite a few groups on face book for walking groups or hiking buddies. You can have a look on there too. Join a few different groups to find those most active near you with similar people to you and leave the groups that are full of artistic outdoor selfies like a dating site.

I’ve been on some great walks with ‘Love Her Wild’ Check their website. It is an outdoors group for women (not a dating site). They organise walks, bike rides, outdoor swims etc etc etc.

Just Google walking groups in your area and I am sure you will find one. I found a really nice walking group that way. Lots of other places to look though. The YHA does weekends away and evening walks in the summer. I think you have to join through Meet Up though. There are loads of walking groups on Meet Up for different ages and abilities and I am sure there is a way of finding out more before joining. If you are on FB search for walking groups in your area too.