The Journey: spring 22
Hello… and a very warm welcome to the spring issue of The Journey.
As the countryside once again becomes a place of dappled woods and birdsong, of chuckling rivers and green hillsides, it’s a time of year for hope and optimism — two things that never go amiss. Here at YHA we have good cause to feel positive about the months ahead, with many of our hostels reopening their dorms after Easter, and plans afoot to make 2022 a year to remember.
In this spirit, we’re using this issue to really celebrate the joys of being outdoors, taking a closer look at our many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, jumping in the bike saddle in the Lake District, and picking out nine great hostels for National Trail walkers.
Elsewhere we meet writer Anita Sethi, whose recent memoir details her memories of walking the Pennine Way, and adventure filmmaker Frit Tam. You’ll also find the usual news and reviews, as well as Let’s Go!, our special pull-out kids’ section.
Enjoy the read — and here’s to the adventures that 2022 has in store.
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
Our lovely landscapes
There are 39 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Wales and England, all of which have their own distinct character. Here’s why these regions are an essential part of our landscape. Whoever chose the official website URL for the UK’s Areas of Outstanding...
Eight amazing facts about oak trees
The wise old English oak trees are truly interesting trees. Here are eight amazing facts about oak trees that might surprise you!Do you recognise this leaf? It looks a little bit like it’s been cut out neatly with scissors. It comes from one of our most special...
Nine hostels on National Trails
Where there are glorious hiking routes, there are YHA hostels. No less than 16 National Trails wind across England and Wales, each of them waymarked, maintained, and leading through some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes. Here are some of our favourite...
How to plan your first long-distance hike
There’s nothing quite like the escapism of a multi-day (or even a long, single day) walk. Not only does it give the chance to unplug from the pressures of rolling news, social media and other attention drains, but it serves up something even more liberating: the...