Welcome to ExSoc, Exeter's Expedition Society! We are a diverse group of hikers ready to take you beyond the clubs of Exeter to some of the UK's most breath-taking (and sometimes challenging!) locations. We cater to everyone from complete novices looking for a chill trip along the coast, to experienced hikers wanting some type-2 fun on Dartmoor.

With at least one expedition running every weekend, we aim to ensure everyone gets on a trip every term. Trip prices vary, with around £10 for a Dartmoor weekend, and £60 for a few days in the Lake District. We also run some larger annual trips, most notably our winter trip to the Scottish Highlands and overseas summer trip, most recently to the Peaks of the Balkans.

Some examples of previous expeditions are:

• Hiking from Okehampton to Ivybridge (Dartmoor NS)
• Walks along the South-West coast path
• Exploring Snowdonia, being based out of a bunkhouse
• Wild camping trips in the Lake District
• The ‘Yorkshire 3 Peaks’

Alongside these trips we also have large social events, including:

• The infamous ExSoc Christmas Trip, with 60+ people in a bunkhouse near Cheddar Gorge
• Our Winter Ball, Summer Ball, and Spring Social
• Traditional 'game' events: Dartmoor Jailbreak and Capture the Flag

As well as all this, and included in your membership, are weekly socials. These range from chill board game nights, our fun 'family' socials, to pub crawls and activities around Exeter. There really is something for everyone!

We also host educational events such as:

• Navigation Training
• First Aid courses
• Guest talks, such as from polar explorer and conservationist Pen Hadow

The society has a range of equipment you can borrow, both for trips you're coming on with us and for your own use. The only things we need from you are good shoes and a keen attitude!

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you in a pub or on the hills soon!

Mountains of Love,
ExSoc Committee 2026/27

FAQs

• How are you different from OODS (Out of Doors Society)? Although both societies have lots in common, ODDS focuses on day walks whilst ExSoc runs overnight expeditions. Many of our members are also members of OODS (despite our fierce rivalry), and we have run trips together in the past!
• Am I guaranteed to get on an expedition every term? Unfortunately our expeditions have limited places for safety and logistical reasons. This is normally a limit of 12-18 people. Whilst we try our best, we therefore cannot guarantee that everyone gets on an expedition every term. However, your membership also gives you access to socials, balls, courses, Christmas Trip, and our game trips.
• Are trip leaders paid? Where does my ticket money go? No! All members of committee (as for most societies) are volunteers. All of your ticket price goes towards the trip, for instance for accommodation, food, and transport. Any excess is reinvested in the society for new equipment.