The Journey: autumn 21
Hello and welcome to the autumn 2021 issue of The Journey.
Autumn is a season that specialises in making a slow-burn arrival, seemingly appearing by stealth as the leaves gradually begin to redden and the days start to shorten. But it’s also a time of looking forward, of forging new plans, and of making the most of the bracing outdoor activities and lively cultural calendar that belong to the later months of the year.
In this spirit, this issue is packed with inspiration for the season ahead. We interview author and professional adventurer Belinda Kirk about her new book, celebrate the inimitable influence of Ordnance Survey, and highlight nine hostels ideally placed for wildlife-watching.
Elsewhere we delve into the literary connections of many of our biggest cities, and hear from our executive director Anita Kerwin-Nye about our new, and hugely important, Outside Voices initiative. You’ll also find the usual news and reviews, as well as Let’s Go!, our special pull-out kids’ section. We hope you enjoy the read.
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
Explore glorious autumn colours
Boots at the ready. The later months of the year see the nation’s woodlands come alive in a crunchy-underfoot kaleidoscope of colour, and the best way to explore them is at walking speed: discovering canopies packed with golds, ochres, and russets; collecting...
Fresh perspectives on the outdoors
Anita Kerwin-Nye, YHA’s executive director of strategy & engagement, introduces our new research project, Outside Voices, and reflects on our top strategic priority – to get more people involved in YHA. We, and our outdoor sector colleagues, need to share a...
Extraordinary adventures of Belinda Kirk
Belinda Kirk is an explorer and campaigner dedicated to promoting the benefits of adventure on our wellbeing. Over the past quarter-century, she’s led expeditions and research missions in destinations as varied as Nicaragua, Alaska and the Sinai – as well as...
Ordnance Survey mapping through the centuries
From the founding of Ordnance Survey 230 years ago to the digital era of maps today, how has OS mapping changed over time? Ordnance Survey’s Jessica Baker and Joss Harris talk us through the history. Ordnance Survey has been mapping Britain since 1791. Today,...
A tale of seven cities – our guide to literary locations
As theatres, museums, libraries, and arts venues open up again, we’re using good books to guide our autumn city breaks. Here’s our guide to seven cities with YHA hostels, looking at literary locations, linger-worthy libraries, and brilliant bookshops.LondonLondon,...
Autumn festivals around the world
What are your favourite things about autumn? Watching the leaves turn red and gold? Putting on your old snuggly jumpers again? Or maybe you love getting excited about events like Hallowe’en, Diwali or Bonfire Night? In other parts of the world, people celebrate all...
Let’s visit! Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm
The Bug Farm is a really unusual research and visitor centre based on a farm in Wales. It focuses on insects (you probably guessed that!) and explores the many ways in which our creepy-crawlies play such a vital role in life on Earth. On site you’ll find a Tropical...
The lay of the land
How do the UK’s National Parks stay looking as they do? We spotlight three examples.South Downs National ParkThe landscape of the South Downs is constantly changing. Our Iron Age forebears, who left the hill forts of Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring and Old...
9 hostels for wildlife watching
With properties scattered across England and Wales, we’re lucky to have a portfolio packed with variety. Whether in the mountains, along the coast or in the countryside, each of our hostels has its own unique appeal – something that applies not just in terms of...
Learn to skateboard – a beginner’s guide
“Skateboarding,” says Lyndsay McLaren, “is for everyone.” And she has proof. Lyndsay is the founder of an innovative grassroots organisation called Neighbourhood Skate Club, which helps girls and women to experience the joys of one of the Tokyo Olympics’ most...
Tried and tested: outdoor items
Four outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team.La Sportiva Cyklon with Boa FIt boafit.comThe pleasingly named Cyklon trail running shoe is a fascinating collaboration between La Sportiva and BOA. Skiers and cyclists will recognise BOA’s circular...
Your YHA memories
Each issue we publish a reader’s picture that’s grabbed our attention. Share your adventures with us by emailing [email protected] or tweet using the hashtag #LiveMoreYHA.One down... reader Martin sent in this fantastic photo of his baby son Oscar, who collected...
Thank you, William – farewell to our Chief Financial Officer
We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to William Howarth, who retires as our Chief Financial Officer in November, after more than a decade spent helping us grow and evolve as an organisation. Quite frankly, we couldn’t have done it without him! James Blake, YHA's...