The Journey: summer 23
Hello…and welcome to the summer issue of The Journey. Life can sometimes feel stuffed full of tasks and to-do lists — how often do we wish for a few more hours in the day? — but we hope this issue helps you slow down, breathe deep and relish the freedom of the outdoors.
Walking features heavily over the following pages. For an activity that so many of us incorporate into our lives, it takes a surprising number of forms: one person’s 5k coastal hike is another’s multi-day trek through the mountains. In this issue we look at everything from pilgrimages to Nordic walking, as well as highlighting our own upcoming Festival of Walking, taking place in early autumn.
Continuing the outdoors theme, we also have an exclusive interview with mountaineer Kenton Cool, recently back from his record-breaking 17th ascent of Everest. Few of us will ever have the means or the opportunity to summit the world’s highest peak, but his story is an inspiring one.
Elsewhere in the issue you’ll find Let’s Go!, our regular kids’ sections, as well as the usual news and reviews and an exclusive readers’ competition. And most of all, we wish you happy adventures ahead.
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
Become an ultra-fundraiser
Fancy a sponsored jog in the park? There are just two caveats: the jog covers 180km and the park in question is the Lake District. When an event describes itself as “an exceptional physical and mental challenge”, it’s a fairly sure sign that it’s going to be...
Five things not to miss in Cambridge
Cambridge wears its history well. Home to more Nobel Prize winners than any other city in the world, it still feels at times like a living museum piece, its college lawns and cobbled quads busy with bikes and professors. But beyond showpiece sights such as King’s...
Tribute to Michael Dower (1933 – 2022)
In April, YHA Castleton Losehill Hall held a memorial event for Michael Dower, the director general of the Countryside Commission and a long-term supporter of YHA. Michael’s connections with YHA were longstanding — he served as YHA Vice President and YHA...
Walk of the season: North Wales
Foel Goch and Moel Eilio offer a fabulous alternative to the summer crowds on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). But the plants and flowers below your feet are as worthy of your attention as the epic scenery.There’s no hiding from the fact that in summer, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) can...
Kenton Cool: One of the world’s leading high altitude climbers
Kenton Cool is one of the world’s leading high-altitude climbers. He has summited Everest 17 times, mostly as a guide, and became the first person in history to complete the ‘Everest Triple Crown’ — Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m) and Lhotse (8,516m) — in a...
In the footsteps of pilgrims
The morning sun beats down on the beanfields; bees buzz and drowse; butterflies flitter above the wildflowers. The day is warm and the hills are broad, but there’s no one to be seen except two walkers, packs on their backs, bound for Canterbury. It could be a scene...
Amazing amphibians
Here in the UK we have just seven native species of amphibians — animals that can live both in water and on land. They’re small and secretive but very special. Let’s meet the secret seven! Our three newt species are usually found in or near ponds and other cool,...
Five ways to be a green hero
We live in a beautiful world — and it’s up to us to keep it healthy. Here are five easy ways to look after the land around you…Look after local wildlifeAs humans, we’re lucky enough to be able to help care for the wild birds, animals and insects that live around...
New book competition: Stone Age Beasts
We’re excited to say we have five copies of brand new book Stone Age Beasts to give away to readers! Published by Walker Books, this wonderfully illustrated book looks at 18 now-extinct creatures that roamed the land in the Stone Age, from the cave lion to the...
Urban green spaces
Fifteen thousand species, eight million trees, protected habitats, lakes and waterways teeming with life, forests and plains. Welcome to London in 2023.Step off the train at London Victoria or King’s Cross and you’re met with a jumble of busy people, honking taxis...
Nine hostels for YHA Camping & Cabins
YHA’s sleeping options extend far beyond the rooms in our hostels. Across our network, we have *deep breath* bell tents, Landpods, tipis, pods, safari tents, and even converted Airstreams. You can bring your own tent to many of the hostels, too. Here are some of...
How to get into Nordic walking
Nordic walking has become recognised globally for its physical and mental health benefits. But what exactly is it? Let British Nordic Walking be your guide. As part of YHA’s Festival of Walking this September and October, British Nordic Walking is offering two...
Three of the best walking shoes
Along with a waterproof jacket, a good pair of walking shoes is a piece of kit that’s always worth the investment. There’s a huge range of options, from traditional leather boots and trail shoes to sandals for summer wear. We’ve picked out three different shoes for...