AUTUMN might be underway, but one Harrow group believe in enjoying the great outdoors at all times of the year. The Harrow and Wembley Outdoor Group (HAWOG), who are just beginning a new season of activities, are an all-action collective whose members organise and take part in a huge variety of outdoor pursuits. Over the last few months they have tried their hand at everything from mountaineering to horse riding, mountain biking, skiing, caving and canoeing.

They meet on Thursdays in the YWCA Hall in Sheepcote Road, although their more ambitious events take place during regular weekends away. One trip recently took them to the River Wye, Monmouthshire, where the sport of choice was kayak canoeing.

HAWOG member John Palmer said: "Sixteen of us jumped into canoes, or more correctly kayaks, and soon we were soaking wet and had forgotten the morning's stress with a bout of canoe polo. This involved the red boats against the blue boats throwing an elephant-sized tennis ball at the bows (front) of one of the two canoe-instructor's boats. After half an hour or so of getting soaked with splashes and half of everyone capsizing, we were at one with the River Wye."

But as with all HAWOG outings, less energetic activities were also on the agenda: "On Sunday morning, a walk and a cycle ride were planned. Some of the guys biked to Monmouth via an old railway track running along the Wye Valley. A group of eight of us walked to a pub along a steep escarpment. On the way back we walked along the river and were lucky enough to see two Peregrine falcons."

HAWOG is affiliated to the Youth Hostels Association and is aimed at the 20-45 age group, with all the trips and activities organised by members themselves. There is also a full range of social events on Thursday nights, including quiz nights, volleyball and football, bowling and of course visits to the pub.

To find out more about Harrow and Wembley Outdoor Group, visit www.hawog.org.uk, or call 07906 512110. New members can join for two months for only £5.