The Journey: summer 22
Hello… and a very warm welcome to the summer issue of The Journey.
There’s been a sense of redemption and recovery these past few months, as life returns to something approaching normal and the trees froth with greenery. And while we still advocate caution, many of our hostels are now fully reopened — much to the delight of the thousands of you who have already come calling.
In this issue, the wonders of Wales are ushered to centre-stage (and about time too, we hear you cry!). You’ll find a round-up of some of the finest hostels in the country, as well as an account of a memorable hostel-to-hostel hike along the Pembrokeshire coastline.
Elsewhere we meet inspirational adventurer Jenny Tough, take a look at how to bag islands during your hostel stays, and give advice on how to get involved with watersports. There’s also space for 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 summer ahead.
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
It’s a shore thing – discover the England Coast Path
Anyone for a 2,795-mile walk? When it’s fully complete, the England Coast Path will be the 16th — and by far the longest — National Trail in England and Wales. And just think of the riches in store for those who shoulder their packs and take it on: wild Devon bays,...
Festival of Walking
The first YHA Festival of Walking will take place from 4th September to 20th October, with the aim of bringing together individuals, friends, families, walking groups and communities to explore the beautiful countryside of England and Wales. Walking. It’s a simple...
Generation Green – 100,000 new connections to nature
We reflect on Generation Green, a 16-month funded project to connect young people to nature, create and save jobs, and build a workforce for a green recovery. Through outdoor and online learning experiences, residentials, volunteering roles, training and new jobs,...
True grit – meet adventurer and author Jenny Tough
As adventurer and author Jenny Tough (real name) releases her new book Solo: What Running Across Mountains Taught Me About Life, we discuss her life in the mountains and the inspiration she’s taken from the women who contributed to her first book: Tough Women...
Clifftop paradise – hostel to hostel walking in Pembrokeshire
The walk between YHA Broad Haven and YHA St Davids is one of the most satisfying hostel-to-hostel walks in the UK, as Ben Lerwill discovers. Not all Saturdays are created equal. Some slip by in a blur of household chores and mugs of tea. Others begin slowly and...
Brilliant birds of prey
Which brilliant birds of prey have you seen? With their strong bills, wide wings and sharp claws, birds of prey are always an impressive sight. England and Wales are home to various species of falcons, kites and hawks — so here are four to look out for. And if...
Five awesome things about hostelling
Staying in a hostel is a fantastic way to explore more of England and Wales — and we have so many different places to choose from! Here are five of our very favourite things about hostelling.1. Seeing somewhere newEngland and Wales are packed with amazing places,...
Let’s go beachcombing
Have you ever been beachcombing? It involves ‘combing’ a beach — in other words, looking for interesting stuff! — and it can be hugely rewarding. Fossils, seashells, old coins, precious stones and all sorts of other things are out there waiting to be found. You...
Why you should look to an island for your next adventure
Exploring the UK doesn’t have to be restricted to the mainland. Some of the finest experiences in England and Wales are found offshore, on the multitude of different islands that scatter the fringes of the map. The UK as a whole has somewhere in the region of 6,000...
Discover 9 hostels in Wales
In this issue, we’re turning the spotlight on the wildly diverse landscapes of Wales. Here are just a few of the hostels best placed to showcase the country’s dramatic coastlines, mighty mountains and bustling towns.YHA Idwal CottageWant the Welsh mountains? Stay...
How to stand-up paddleboard (safely)
Paddleboarding is the perfect summer activity: fun, healthy and relaxing. But like any watersport, it's not without its risks. Here, RNLI experts offer tips on how to paddleboard and stay safe. The sound of the summer on British beaches? The sharp release of...
Tried and tested: summer outdoor items
Outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team.Inov-8 VENTURELITE Hoodie inov-8.com Runners, especially those who enjoy throwing themselves down the screes of the Lake District fells, will know Inov-8 for its lightweight, super grippy footwear. For...