The Journey: spring 24
Hello… and a very warm welcome to the spring issue of The Journey. Spring is many things — a period of reawakening for nature, of course, but also a time for many of us to reinvigorate our hopes and plans. As the days continue to lengthen and the countryside around us grows greener, the prospect of adventure always seems that much more tangible.
Keeping this front of mind, we’re highlighting some of the best getaways in England and Wales for cyclists, ranging from mountain-bike challenges to hostel-to-hostel day rides. In the same outdoor spirit, you’ll also find a spotlight on nine hostels ideally placed for keen wild swimmers.
With summer sidling ever closer, meanwhile, we also have a three-page special on the many joys of the Cornish coast, where some of our most uniquely located hostels can be found. There’s also space for an overview of some of our most common and most colourful spring wildflowers, as well as an exclusive interview with the naturalist Nick Baker, whose passion for wildlife remains undimmed since he first appeared on our TV screens in the 1990s.
As ever, you’ll also find Let’s Go! — our pull-out section for young hostellers — and a look at some of the most useful outdoor gear on the market, here with a focus on trail running. Here’s to a wonderful spring. Happy reading.
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
Opening YHA’s heritage archive
“Far from the noise and smell of traffic, theirs for a day, the freedom of mountains, moor or open road. Whether one hikes or bikes, pedals or paddles, the end of the day will bring a common need: the need for rest, food and shelter.” So opens the narration of a...
Walking trails accessible by train in the UK
Rail Walks is a new resource website encouraging people to use the railway to get walking — and you can help. Think of all the stops on your last train journey. Those remote places where no one gets off, or those town stations that seem to appear out of nowhere...
Walk of the season: Regent’s Park and surrounds
London wears its charms well in spring — particularly when you’re on a proper wander. This seven-mile walk begins and ends at one of our key properties in the capital, YHA London Central, but steers clear of the big-ticket riverside sights in favour of some of the...
Cycle experiences for 2024
What is that you love about cycling? The muscle-popping ascents or the white-knuckle offroad downhills? The mammoth distances you can cover in exploring Britain from a new perspective? The thrills (and occasional spills) of bike parks? Or maybe the gentle family...
The YHA guide to the Cornish coast
Cornwall’s coastline doesn’t do things by halves. The county itself might be tucked away in the corner of the UK map — parts of it being so far south that they enjoy their own microclimate — but once you get down here, the rewards come super-sized. Its coastline...
Nine hostels for outdoor swimming
The rise in popularity of wild swimming has been unavoidable. It’s invigorating, fun and great for our wellbeing. Few people return from a dip in a river, lake, sea or lido without rhapsodising about the joys of the experience, so grab your Dryrobe and book into...
How to pack for a camping trip
More than 25 hostels in our network will offer YHA Camping & Cabins this spring and summer. Any camping stay with YHA gives you the bonus of using the hostel facilities, including showers, restaurants, drying rooms and self-catering kitchens. Alongside spaces...