I live in a small city in rainy Ireland (pub culture) and am trying to get back into dating. I recently met a woman in another department who is showing interest.

I started out by trying to get her invested by asking her to do me a favour for a secret photo competition. I was able to play it like a spy game and arranged to meet clandestinely in a carpark which was a bit of fun but it’s just been some light flirting so far.

I am trying to work on getting more comfortable and natural with kino escalation and showing intent. I have been in some LTRs but it’s been years since I’ve started new and in between I have very much kept myself to myself. I made sure to get a hug in on both of my greetings to her and to try and set a tone and while it wasn't bad I know it wasn't very casual/smooth yet.

At the time for the photo competition I took the opportunity to get her into the shot beside me. After a couple of test shots I set the timer again and during it's count down I moved her to my other side, told her to give me her leg and posed her with a leg across for the laugh which she did and it kept things going a bit.

My question is about what would be a good way to escalate the situation now?

Inviting her for a drink would be the normal next step but she lives far enough away that a taxi would be prohibitively expensive. (plus it's probably too late for Friday)

Going for a walk doesn’t seem like enough at this stage. I have an idea to take her on an orienteering walk which happens to be going on in her town this Sunday morning but not tell her what I have in mind. Just giving her a time and place to meet and what to wear for it. Then I could continue framing it as if I’m leading her through a kind of spy training exercise/evaluation.

My concern is that this will not be much of a date type venue to do much escalating. Maybe helping her climb over things will offer some kino opportunities and leadership but it’s going to be a family friendly activity, very wholesome, and early Sunday is probably the worst time on the weekend.

Any advice/suggestions?