The Journey: Spring 20

We have one women’s and one men’s pair of the amazing Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks to give away. All Darn Tough socks are made with the finest merino wool. To enter, just answer the following question: True...

Our reader’s picture this issue comes from Paul Howlett: “I’ll be using this stunning bike for my Everesting and 1,200 mile seven-day challenges. I wish I was as photogenic!” Do you have a great picture you’d like to see here?...

Four outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team. KEEN Explore Vent keenfootwear.com  Once the warmer months arrive, there are days when your faithful trekking boots can get cumbersome and clammy. These new lightweight hiking shoes offer a solution....

Ever been frustrated by whether you’re looking at a beech or a birch? You just need to know what to look for. This quick guide to tree identification – from Louise Hackett, Treescape Development Lead at the Woodland Trust –...

Wide-open spaces and curious ruins. Hidey-holes, beach gates and secret passageways. Buildings loaded with myth and legend. YHA’s hostel network always feeds the imagination of children, and when you add in a wide range of...

Getting into a new outdoor activity can be utterly life-changing. You may already be a fan – or even a devotee – of one or more of the five activities included here, but the benefits of trying something new can be...

We have three copies of the National Trust’s new 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾ to give away to lucky readers. Published by Nosy Crow and updated for 2020, the book features handy tips, nature facts and dozens of exciting...

Are you a tree-climber? Follow these tips to make sure you stay safe! • Choose the right sort of tree, always using a grown-up to help you. The best climbing trees are healthy, with strong trunks and lots of thick branches close to the ground. Don’t climb if you...

Spring is when wildflowers start to appear in our woodlands, gardens and hedgerows. They’re very important, because they help provide food for pollinators like bees. Here are five of the most common – how many have you spotted this year? Daisy Usually appears: late...

This is the time of year when hedgehogs start to appear again, after their winter hibernation. But how much do you know about these adorable spiky mammals – and how can you help them? Five hedgehog facts Hedgehogs are solitary, which means they spend their time...

Buckingham Palace? Westminster Abbey? Pah! Getting the most out of London means enjoying some of its lesser-known treasures – here we’ve handpicked 10, all within walking distance of one of our six city hostels. Grant Museum...