The Journey: summer 24
Hello… and welcome to the summer issue of The Journey. We’ve had the Euros, we’ve had the election — now it’s time for the really important stuff. Summer is often a season for pausing and recharging, a chance to feel the sun on your face, an opportunity to get out there and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
In this issue, fresh air and al fresco adventure take centre stage. We give an overview of the many incredible reasons to visit North Yorkshire — home to not one but two National Parks, complete with a glorious coastline — and spotlight four of the best hostels in the network for mixing history with outdoor exploration, whether you’re heading to the countryside or the city.
Elsewhere, we speak to inspirational writer Rachel Hewitt, whose book In Her Nature examines the barriers women have faced in accessing trails, mountains and green spaces. Our walk of the season, meanwhile, details a memorable route from YHA Hawkshead in the Lake District.
You’ll also find a guide to finessing your compass skills, a round-up of some of the best sustainable outdoor gear and an overview of the latest YHA news, as well as Let’s Go!, our regular four-page pull-out for younger hostellers.
Wherever you go this season and beyond, we hope the following pages provide some insight and inspiration. Happy reading.
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Highlights from this issue of The Journey
Meeting new people in hostels
YHA Black Sail seemed unreasonably far away. A little hut, more of a speck, far down in the valley. Was that a wisp of smoke rising out of the chimney? It had been a long day already, hiking up Scafell Pike from Wasdale, then trekking across to Great End, Great...
Four hostels for history and adventure
What makes the perfect hostel? Situation counts for a lot, of course, as do a tangible sense of heritage and the potential for nearby outdoor adventure. Here are four YHA properties that hit all three sweet spots.YHA Snowdon Pen-y-PassIt’s hard to top a hostel that...
The YHA guide to North Yorkshire
Welcome to England’s largest county. Covering 3,480 mostly rural square miles — and packing in everything from rolling dales to towering sea cliffs — North Yorkshire is a gift for adventure-seekers. Whether you’re looking for moorland walks or market towns, spooky...