The Journey: winter 19
Hello and welcome to the winter issue of The Journey.
How’s your year been? If it’s been anything like ours, you’ve had ups, downs and a few laughs along the way. But while winter might be here, hibernation is the last thing on our minds – in fact, the chillier months offer some of the very best opportunities for getting outside and seeing our beautiful country in a different light.
In this issue we highlight nine of our best Exclusive Hire hostels, speak with BBC 6 Music DJ Cerys Matthews about her first ascent of Snowdon, and take a closer look at one of the UK’s liveliest cities, Bristol. And as usual, you’ll also find competitions, new gear reviews and a pull-out children’s section.
Happy reading!
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
Winter scavenger hunt
It might be the chilliest time of year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun outside. Try our winter scavenger hunt – how many of these things can you do where you are... Look for a pinecone. Can you see which tree it fell from? Look for a spider’s web. Can you...
Our reader’s pictures
Our reader’s picture this issue comes from Emma Johns. “I thought I would send this picture of our daughter Ella at 10 weeks on her first YHA trip, to YHA Hartington Hall in the Peak District.”What a cutie! Do you have a great...
Tried and tested
Four outdoor items put through their paces by The Journey team.Ortlieb Atrack ST 34L Waterproof BackpackOrtlieb.comThe Ortlieb Atrack looks unlike any other backpack or waterproof bag – and works unlike any other. Ortlieb, pioneers in waterproof packs, have created...
How to stargaze
Download and print our stargazing guide. Clear evenings are perfect for stargazing. Dr Sheila Kanani of the Royal Astronomical Society guides us through Britain’s night sky and teaches us how to stargaze. Astronomy can be hugely rewarding, whether you have a...
9 hostels for Exclusive Hire
Oh, the joys of a hostel to yourself! More than 100 of our hostels for Exclusive Hire are open over the winter months. From historical cottages to mountain lodges – giving you, and your friends and families, free rein over accommodation in some of the most...
Here’s a few reasons to like winter
A winter trip to the UK countryside can showcase the landscape at its most beautiful. We speak to five hostel managers to find out their reasons to like winter.Lake District YHA Keswick Rachael Kirkby, hostel manager “A reason to like winter is because winter is...
What is hibernation?
Some mammals, like hedgehogs and dormice, hibernate in winter. This means that they spend the coldest months of the year resting somewhere safe and warm. Their heartbeat and their breathing both slow down whilst they hibernate. Hibernation is a bit like a really...
Winter bird food
Winter can be a difficult time for birds. They need to eat lots of winter bird food, for energy and warmth, but the days are colder and darker. We can help by leaving out things for them to feed on. If you have a bird-feeder, remember to keep it nice and full with...
Bristol: on tour
The South West’s biggest city is a gem, but knowing where to start your explorations can be tricky – we take three separate city tours to give you some guidance.Tour 1: Bristol street art tourJohn Nation points up at the wall and explains that the artwork splashed...
On your marks, get set… 2020!
A new year, a new decade, a map full of possibilities. 2020 is shaping up to be a special one for both England and Wales – and don’t just take our word for it. Lonely Planet recently named England the world’s second best tourist destination for the year ahead,...
The man in charge of three hostels and a lifeboat
Hostel Manager Stewart Towe looks after three of our Pembrokeshire properties, and as if that weren’t enough, he’s also a helmsman at the local RNLI lifeboat station. He’s this issue’s hostel hero. Stewart Towe is a busy man. He manages a trio of coastal Welsh...
Adventurous stocking fillers
Looking for something special for a loved one – or even a chance to treat yourself? These stocking fillers ideas are guaranteed to please outdoor-lovers.Fantastic Female Adventurers This new book by Lily Dyu traces in detail the life stories of 14 inspirational...
The customers’ castle
When Visit England named the winners of its 2019 ROSE Awards – given to a select group of hotels, hostels, guesthouses and holiday rentals, all of which have shown outstanding customer service – YHA appeared not just once on the list, but twice. YHA Holmbury St...