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.
All posts by Sam Dalley
Wildlife at the Ross of Mull
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.
Bretton Hostel and the Plague village of Eyam
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.
Woodys Top, Wayfarers, and the history of rambling in the Lincolnshire Wolds
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 historic era of rambling that founded the YHA.
South Lincolnshire Walking Festival
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.
Breakfast at Corran House
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
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.
Whatever happened to YHA Ridgeway?
Although much used by schools, I am glad to say that the hostel is still available to individuals walking the Ridgeway or anyone who fancies a night or two in rural Oxfordshire. There are private rooms, a self-catering kitchen with stunning views and an amazing place to eat and chat under the timbers of the old barn.
Holiday near Tenby
The Stackpole Centre is a National Trust group accommodation center and cottage in a unique landscape on the stunning south Pembrokeshire coast. We spent a family holiday here at the beginning of the summer holidays and found so many brilliant things to do.
Host a Christmas House Party
Would you like to share the load of hosting Christmas for your family and friends? Here is our guide to hosting a Christmas House Party showing how to enjoy Christmas in a spectacular winter setting, with room for your loved ones to come along.
Elterwater Hostel – Why a hostel is so much better than a B&B or holiday cottage.
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 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
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 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.
The Wicked Ways of the OTA’s
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.
Ty’n Cornel Hostel – A YHA retrospective
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.
Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival
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.
Yorkshire Dales Caving Holiday
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
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
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
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.
