The Journey

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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.

Previous issues of The Journey

Spring 2023

Winter 2022

90th anniversary

Spring 2019