The Journey: autumn 23
Hello… and welcome to the autumn issue of The Journey. It’s always tempting to view the year with a wide-angle lens (can the festive season really be so close already?), but the real joys come from focusing on the here and now. So pull out those warmer clothes and fix your gaze outside — autumn, it’s great to see you again.
It’s a season with huge potential for adventure, whether you’re hitting the slopes, visiting a city or exploring a completely new part of the map. In this issue we’re travelling everywhere from South London to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, sharing tips on how to make the most of a visit.
We also have an exclusive interview with Eastenders and Gavin & Stacey star — and YHA supporter — Larry Lamb, who speaks with passion about getting young people outdoors. Elsewhere, you’ll find an overview of how to enjoy the canals of England and Wales without getting into a narrowboat, a round-up of some of our best mountain hostels and a focus on nature conservation, as well as the usual news and reviews and Let’s Go!, our regular four-page pull-out for kids. Happy reading, and enjoy the season.
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
Five things not to miss in Rotherhithe
In England's capital, attention often falls on the predictable big-ticket sights. Look to the South East London district of Rotherhithe, however, and you’ll find rewards — including a newly reopened hostel.YHA London ThamesideThis summer saw the reopening of one of...
Introducing Outdoor Adventure Girls
All you need to know about the UK’s fastest-growing women-only outdoor adventure community.What is Outdoor Adventure Girls?Outdoor Adventure Girls was founded in 2021 by Sophie Davis, a travel writer and influencer. In Sophie's words, “the group aims to give women...
Walk of the season: Bath
This is a city walk with a difference — for a city with a difference. There’s nowhere quite like Bath, where wellbeing has been a way of life for 2,000 years, where townhouses stand on stately Georgian terraces, and where you still half-expect to see gentlemen in...
Meet our newest ambassador – Larry Lamb
Eastenders and Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb’s first outdoor experience was on a youth hostelling holiday in the late 1950s. Seven decades later, after reading about YHA’s No Child Left Behind appeal, he was moved to make a donation and has now become an...
The YHA guide to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, covering 823 square miles of north Wales, is one of the UK’s most thrilling destinations. It encompasses nine mountain ranges and a whole world of long-distance walks, dramatic coastlines, gnarly crags and steep biking trails — as...
Let’s learn about: The International Space Station
Twenty-five years ago, in November 1998, the International Space Station (or ISS) was launched into space from a rocket in Central Asia. Over the next 10 years, extra sections were attached to it, making it the largest space station ever built.Where is it? Two...
Unusual wild cats
There are 40 different species of wild cat found around the world. Some — such as lions, jaguars and tigers — are very well known, but others are much less famous. Here we look at four of the world’s most unusual wild cats.Clouded leopardWhere is it found: The...
Discover Roman Britain
In the year 43 AD, 40,000 Roman soldiers ruled by Emperor Claudius invaded Britain. For the next three and half centuries, the region that is now England and Wales was part of the Roman Empire.Why did the Romans invade Britain?To make their empire bigger. The...
All you need to know about the England and Wales canal network
Follow your own (tow)path Canals have been a fixed part of the landscape for centuries. The UK was the first country in the world to establish a nationwide network of canals, a maze of manmade waterways that became one of the driving forces of the Industrial...
Nine hostels (mostly) in the mountains
For this issue’s pick of the hostels, we’re on our way up. These properties are primarily found among mountains (or among hills, or at least near cliff-edges), making them perfect for walkers and cyclists in search of adventurous autumnal outings, long walks and...
How to engage people in nature conservation
Simon Garrett worked for Bristol Zoo for 32 years, ultimately as head of public engagement. He now works for Nature Positive, an environmental management consultancy. Here he gives his tips on how to encourage people to play their part in conservation. "In my view,...
Three of the best insulated jackets
An insulated jacket is an essential item in autumn and winter. It feels great to wrap up against the cold winds as you get out your sandwiches. Buying one is pretty straightforward, too, with only one key decision to make: down insulation or synthetic insulation....
Competition – Win a Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail pack worth £135
Can you place these buildings? The cities of England and Wales are full of striking architecture. But can you tell us where the following five buildings are found? To be in with a chance of winning the prize, simply tell us the five cities in which they’re located....