As I set off for Fort Augustus on the Great Glen Way, it’s a blowy, rainy morning requiring the shelter of a heavy rainproof coat. Once again there are large section of the route along the road but soon I will be climbing the forested sides of Loch Ness.
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Birchover Stones and Moors
We explored the Birchover Stones on Stanton Moor, with exquisite views and fascinating rock formations including the famous Nine Ladies Stone Circle. We were fortunate to be there when the purple heather was in full bloom and the marvellous family photos we took amongst the heather will be treasured for years to come.
Inverness to Drumnadrochit – Pigs and non believers
My first day on The Great Glen Walk is planned, Inverness to Drumnadrochit. Distance 20+ plus miles. Having left the picturesque city of Inverness, via canal paths, pavements and a section of housing estate, the woodland section begins.
Ghost hunting in a haunted castle
Once a month at Craig Y Nos Castle you can add a Friday evening of ghost hunting to your weekend break for just an extra £15 per head. If you are staying with a group of ten or more, perhaps at the Castles bunkhouse, the castle will arrange a dedicated ghost hunt on a date to suit you.
Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway is a beautiful part of Scotland, a lovely destination for a holiday, often missed by visitors heading further North.
Birdoswald on Hadrians Wall
SLACK HOUSE FARM bunkhouse in Northumberland overlooks Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrians Wall, so its not surprising they name their home made organic cheeses Birdoswald and Birdoswald Blue.
Ben Nevis : Snow in June !
From my starting point I’m approximately one hour into my walk up Ben Nevis mountain. It’s raining with a slight headwind, in front are a young couple in jeans, sandals and a showerproof kagools. We are all in the early stages of climbing Ben Nevis. Who would have thought their would be snow ahead?
Torran Bay with my dog
The area around Torran Bay has an impressive history with many ancient and medieval historical sites nearby – stone circles, cairns, castles – many free to access. The local church has a fascinating collection of medieval grave-slabs and a visit to Dunadd Fortress where the early Scottish Kings were crowned is a must.
Exmoor, Less is more.
Whilst I was staying on Exmoor I took the opportunity to get to the coast at Watchet to enjoy a sunset, and to go and buy local produce from the Taunton farmers’ marke
Kendal: the historic gateway to the lakes
We stayed at KENDAL HOSTEL (currently closed), which was perfectly positioned in the centre of town for all of our needs, not least a pre-dinner pint at any pub that took our fancy. It’s amazing what surprises are in hidden in the fabric of a town’s history, and Kendal is no different.
Seaside Harbour Holiday at Cullen Hostel
Some hostels have an artistic edge to them but at CULLEN HARBOUR HOSTEL this flows through the fabric of the building. Converted from a fisherman’s store on the water’s edge, the hostel has a smell of warm wood and fresh air. Read the full article…
Backpacking; Throw away your preconceptions.
I have learned hostel life is good, more than good and I have decided to go home and explore the UK Hostels. Remember, you’re never too old to throw away your perceptions.
Barra and Vatersay : Paradise Found
Five hours sail from Oban on the West coast of Scotland lies the compact island of Barra near the south of the chain of islands known as the Outer Hebrides. The sea, the sand and the people make Barra what it is. Special.
Bounce Below in Snowdonia
After seeing Bounce Below, a cavern with a trampoline floor at Penrhy Slate Quarry, on a Facebook page – I decided the kids would love it (not me of course – but I could get my other half, Joe, to Read the full article…
Summer Holidays available now
Are you looking to book your summer break? Our Hostels have been adding lots of summer holiday availability to our website. Take a look below at summer holidays available now.
Land of Lost Content
This May bank holiday our family and a group of friends visited ALL STRETTON BUNKHOUSE, close to the Land of Lost Content. There were 9 of us in total, 6 adults and 3 kids. We arrived Friday and found the Read the full article…
Peak district climbing with kids
On Sunday (with marvellous weather- not a cloud in the sky) we headed off to Burbage Edge to find the perfect route to do some climbing with kids
Skiddaw Mountain and the Tupperware box
If someone told me they had climbed Skiddaw Mountain in a blizzard and walked to the remote Skiddaw House in the dark just to look in a Tupperware box I would say that GeoCaching was to blame.
Independent Hostels Exhibit at Eroica Britannia
Come along to this 3 day family festival of British cycling and meet us on the Independent Hostels stand. You can pick up a copy of the Independent Hostel Guide and enter a prize draw to win one of three great holidays. The Eroica Britannia festival takes place in Bakewell in The Peak District National Park on the 19th – 21st June.
Hostel visit to Wordsworth Country
Just outside the picturesque village of Grasmere, in the heart of Wordsworth Country you’ll discover Grasmere Independent Hostel, and what a find it is, too.
Waterfall Dream Comes True in the Brecon Beacons
I have always dreamed of walking behind a waterfall, deafened by water thundering down as I hide behind the curtain of sound. My dream came true in the Brecon Beacons. At Henrhyd Falls near the extraordinary Craig-y-Nos Castle,.
