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
Interview with nature writer Anita Sethi
Nature writer Anita Sethi was born in Manchester and is the author of the acclaimed book I Belong Here: a Journey Along the Backbone of Britain, published by Bloomsbury. The book has been nominated for the Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing and the Portico...
Access for all: our response to the Government consultation on the Landscapes Review
YHA has a long history of links with the UK’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (collectively known as national landscapes). Indeed, we were one of the organisations behind the report that led to the formation of our National Parks. Within...
YHA news in brief
The return of dorms With some relief, we are now back to ‘near normal’ operations for the first time in two years. With the removal of COVID-related restrictions, it’s been great to see the return of shared facilities. Putting the welfare of our supporters and...
Passion projects: meet the filmmaker on a mission to increase diversity
Frit Tam is a British-born Chinese transgender filmmaker on a mission to increase diversification in the outdoors. Here he discusses filmmaking, discovering inspirational stories and his own journey. But he has one clear aim for his production company, Passion...
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...
Springtime activities
It's time to enjoy the new season and reconnect with nature now the weather is lighter, brighter and warmer. Have a go at these springtime activities which the little ones will love. See how many different types of wildflowers you can spot on a walk. How many of...
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...
Three cheers for National Biscuit Day!
Easter has been and gone, but did you know that 29th May will be National Biscuit Day? It’s a chance to celebrate one of life’s little pleasures. Not just cookies and custard creams, but crackers, oatcakes and all the other biscuits you can think of! National...
Why I love cycling in the Lakes
Discover the best of cycling in the Lakes with this blog from guest writer, Kevin Merrey. Now, I could probably be described as a road bike obsessive. I spend evenings looking at maps and reading about routes for new places to cycle: the more mountainous the...
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...
Tried and tested: spring outdoor items
Outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team.Darn Tough Hiking Sock outdoorgear.co.ukObviously, we’ve not tried every sock in the world, but we can be reasonably confident that Darn Tough make some of the best socks ever made. I’ve never had a pair...