All posts by Sam Dalley

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Editor of the Independent Hostel Guide View all posts by Sam Dalley →

Bretton Hostel and the Plague village of Eyam

Bretton Hostel and the Plague village of Eyam

05/11/2018Sam Dalley

In 1660 the village of Eyam was stuck by the plague and went into isolation. When the plague was at its height villagers buried their dead in the gardens of their cottages and four of these grave remain at Bretton Hostel, surrounded by the meadows and moors of the dark peak. Bretton Hostel and the plague village of Eyam are a ready made holiday, with a world of interest and education in the very fabric of the village, gorgeous countryside to explore and comfortable self-catering accommodation.

Why you should Book Direct

Why you should Book Direct

18/10/2018Sam Dalley

We all go to the large booking sites to look for accommodation, however I add another step and I think you should to. I use the booking sites to find suitable available accommodation, then I google the accommodation name and place my booking direct. This has led to some startling results over the years.

Woodys Top and the history of walking in the Lincolnshire Wolds

Woodys Top and the history of walking in the Lincolnshire Wolds

28/09/2018Sam Dalley

I first heard of the Lincolnshire Wolds as a member of the YHA, hearing talk of the iconic Woodys Top Youth Hostel. It took another 20 year to get around to visiting this quiet and beautiful area, by which time Woodys Top hostel had closed. However I soon found, hidden amidst the beautiful countryside, other remnants from the iconic era of rambling that founded the YHA.

The Wicked Ways of the OTA’s

The Wicked Ways of the OTA’s

13/09/2018Sam Dalley

If I could only say one thing in this blog, I would say beware of booking.com. Be aware that the minute you list a single bed with them, direct bookings from returning guests and word of mouth referrals will start to come to via booking.com. You lose 15% and booking.com gets the upper hand.

South Lincolnshire Walking Festival

South Lincolnshire Walking Festival

24/08/2018Sam Dalley

Following the successful Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival this spring, it’s now time to get your boots on for the return of the popular South Lincolnshire Walking Festival in October.

Wildlife at the Ross of Mull

Wildlife at the Ross of Mull

11/06/2018Sam Dalley

Mull is a Hebridean island with few settlements and large areas of open wilderness populated by both rare and common wildlife. During our few winter days on the island we spotted Otters playing in the bright waters of a sea loch, Whooper Swans, Deer, a Hen Harrier, and a Heron, not to mention the free roaming sheep and Hairy Coos.

Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival

Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival

14/05/2018Sam Dalley

The Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival runs from 19th May until 3rd June 2018 and offers 100 walks over 16 days in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Wolds are one of the driest areas in the UK, with a golden rolling landscape of easy gradients and wide skies with stunning views. So if you enjoy walking the Lincolnshire Walking Festival is an ideal way to explore and discover what Lincolnshire has to offer.

Breakfast at Corran House

Breakfast at Corran House

30/04/2018Sam Dalley

Stopping off overnight at Corran House Hostel, on my way to the Isles, it struck me what a simple solution they provide for breakfast, (read on to find out more). Part of a grand Victorian terrace on Oban’s waterfront, Corran House provides great value accommodation in private and shared rooms.

Two Family Holiday – at Tarset Tor Bothies

Two Family Holiday – at Tarset Tor Bothies

16/03/2018Sam Dalley

On a recent visit to Tarset Tor Bunkhouse and Bothies in Northumberland, I realised what a hidden asset a bothy at Tarset Tor is for two families who like to holiday together. Anyone who has ever had kids will know that the best times are had when the children have play mates and the adults can relax.

Elterwater Hostel – Why a hostel is so much better than a B&B or holiday cottage.

Elterwater Hostel – Why a hostel is so much better than a B&B or holiday cottage.

20/09/2017Sam Dalley

Hired sole use Elterwater Hostel becomes a huge holiday cottage with its own dedicated cooks and housekeepers. A house of your own in the stunning valley of Elterwater set among the Langdale Mountains.

Tremadog, Porthmadog and the Traeth Mawr Estuary

Tremadog, Porthmadog and the Traeth Mawr Estuary

05/09/2017Sam Dalley

Tremadog, Porthmadog and the Traeth Mawr Estuary are inextricably bound up with the 18th Century developments of James Maddock, Lawrence of Arabia and a legendary Welsh prince. Find out more about the legends and history of Wales.

Skiddaw House – Music on the Mountain

Skiddaw House – Music on the Mountain

10/08/2017Sam Dalley

I had seen maps of Skiddaw Mountain showing the lonely Skiddaw House 1500m up on the mountainside miles from any road. I have admired photos of this old keepers house it its isolation but I was still unprepared for my first sighting of it.

Dolgoch Hostel family holiday

Dolgoch Hostel family holiday

13/07/2017Sam Dalley

Dolgoch has been owned and run by the Elenydd Hostels Trust since 2007 and in that time many improvements have been made; the gas lighting has been replaced by LED lighting powered by solar panels, the new hot showers are similarly powered by solar panels. The roof was replaced and the track to the hostel from the road was resurfaced. Self contained less able accommodation has been installed. Here is the story of Katy Cliffe’s family holiday at Dolgoch in May 2017.

North Norfolk Coast in a self catering bunkhouse

North Norfolk Coast in a self catering bunkhouse

14/06/2017Sam Dalley

The North Norfolk Coast belongs to the sky. It is filled with coastal wildlife, salt mashes and picaresque villages with ancient roots. There are stunning seascapes, seaside towns and not much evidence of the hurley burly of modern life. That is why Deepdale is such a useful find, unusual in rural North Norfolk, there is tourist information, shopping with great food available, camping and hostel accommodation all in the authentic relaxed village of Deepdale.

Ty’n Cornel Hostel – A YHA retrospective

Ty’n Cornel Hostel – A YHA retrospective

30/05/2017Sam Dalley

Spread the word, tell everyone you know, the story of these valiant little hostels, still battling on, to provide peace and space for those who need it. Run by volunteers and compelled to leave the YHA, read the history of these two farmhouse hostels in the Elenyedd Wilderness. Then come to visit, bring your friends and your family’s and come to the wild Welsh wilderness.

Yorkshire Dales Caving Holiday

Yorkshire Dales Caving Holiday

18/11/2016Sam Dalley

I really enjoyed my first time caving! We went to Long Churn Caves in the Yorkshire Dales. I had no idea of the existence of this whole underground world.

Kirkby Stephen Walking Holiday

Kirkby Stephen Walking Holiday

19/10/2016Sam Dalley

Surrounded by excellent hiking country, the small market town of Kirkby Stephen in the Upper Eden Valley made the perfect base for a five-night hill-walking break.

Barmouth : the start of the Three Peaks Yacht Race

Barmouth : the start of the Three Peaks Yacht Race

31/08/2016Sam Dalley

The weekend of June 17th 2017. is a fantastic weekend in the Barmouth diary With boat crews and runners coming together to take part in one of the toughest challenges in the sporting calendar.

Badrallach Bothy on Little Loch Broom

Badrallach Bothy on Little Loch Broom

05/08/2016Sam Dalley

The Gentian Mountaineering Club’s 2016 spring meet stayed at Badrallaoch Bothy on Little Loch Broom near Dundonnell. Read on to find out what they did with the idyllic views and steadily improving weather forecast.

Late Availability this Weekend and Summer Holidays

Late Availability this Weekend and Summer Holidays

28/07/2016Sam Dalley

From Seaside holidays to mountains and moorlands we have fantastic last minute breaks for families, walkers, cyclists, explorers or individuals looking for a holiday this summer.

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