When I was 16 years old I lived in Threave House, the National Trust school of practical gardening, for two years. I had a motorbike and explored Galloway from time to time. Galloway is a beautiful part of Scotland and many people have not found it, even now while I am writing this blog at 76. They drive up the M74 and head for the Highlands. So Galloway is a very peaceful place.
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The Greatest 5 Days on the North Coast 500
Everything you need to know about travelling the NC 500 in 5 days. Are you looking for a North Coast 500 itinerary that takes things at a relaxed pace? With a sprinkling of beautiful Scottish gardens, beaches and coastal fishing villages to explore.
Weekend Cwtsh and clubs
Hot off the back of a print factory visit and castle tour we booked in for a night at a new hostel. Fresh out of the oven, Cwtsh is decked out to accommodate all the solo travellers, beach goers and party people such as ourselves. Here’s how it went…
Balmaha Bunkhouse is open and taking bookings.
After two years of Covid-related closure, a change of management, and a complete refurbishment Balmaha Bunkhouse is now open and taking bookings.
Adventurous school groups are welcome in the Teifi Valley
At The Long Barn we’ve got enough to keep you busy. Exciting adventures for groups of all ages can be found just 10 minutes from our door. Whether it is white water rafting or an exploratory jaunt to the only known Roman gold mine in the UK.
Free entry to the “Tarka Challenge” 2022 for cyclists staying at Five Sunnyside in Devon!
Free entry to the “Tarka Challenge” series of rides when booking a stay at Five Sunnyside Bideford. Ride entry can be booked for any date to suit the rider(s)! And there is a range of special medals to be won upon completion.
Norfolk at its best
We had a few days on the Broads ahead of us but before we climbed into canoes and set sail we visited The Old Red Lion in Castle Acre and we’re glad we did. The landscape of Norfolk is ancient and very different to the never ending hills of our base in the Peak District, but our wonderful host Alison made us feel right at home nonetheless.
Come with us on a scenic bike ride in the Derbyshire Dales
My friend Lily and I set off on an exciting bike ride in the beautiful county of Derbyshire. Read on to learn about our journey and the wonderful places we visited along the way.
An equine adventure at Mid Wales Bunkhouse
Hetty, Ken and their horses Liffey and Tolka travelled from Derbyshire to spend a fantastic 5 days exploring the wonderful riding around Mid Wales Bunkhouse. Here’s what they got up to.
Walking between dog friendly hostels in the Lake District
After a refreshing night’s sleep at Witherslacks Cycle Barn we (Alex and my dogs Jaffa and Banjo), ate breakfast and set out to find a route across the fells. Our destination was another dog friendly hostel in Kendal (currently closed).
Explore the Great Scottish Outdoors at Saddle Mountain Hostel
Nestled amongst mountains, glens, lochs and forests in the Great Glen, Saddle Mountain Hostel is a great location for exploring the great outdoors of the Scottish Highlands. You won’t have to go far to discover our stunning scenery and heritage. Munro bagging, hiking, cycling, paddling, day trips – we have it all!
Running Hadrian’s Wall
Maria from Uruguay suggested running Hadrian’s Wall when we were at 4000m in Nepal. It had never entered my head. Anyway, as it was a chance for a reunion and 50th birthday celebrations with some runners we’d met in Nepal, I offered to organise it.
Autumn Adventures in Glencoe
Our intrepid hill running friend & blogger, Virginia, has been adventuring again. This time she stayed at the iconic WHW Kingshouse Hostel and ran from there. Read on to get her insight, tips and advice.
Party under the stars at Edinburgh’s biggest street festival this New Year
Then, after you’ve had your fill of celebration, fireworks, music, dancing and theatre, retire to one of our independent hostels located in the heart of Edinburgh.
Calling all school groups, Yorkshire is here!
Read about the exciting things your school group can do around the Yorkshire Dales. Our Bunkhouse is located just a few miles from Ribblehead in the middle of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, an area brimming with activities and learning opportunities.
A picture perfect, Christmas wonderland at Llandudno Hostel
Where better to reunite the family this Christmas than a spacious boutique hostel? Llandudno is famed for its Victorian looks and homely feel, which is exactly what you can expect from this fabulous hostel. Spread over 9 rooms there’s space for all the extended family.
Waterloo for a weekend: How I Discovered London
Lily has been out in the big city, for a weekend in Waterloo. She loved her stay… “Compared to the Derbyshire countryside that I’m used to, it was a nerve-racking experience being in the city at all! But as we sat on the peaceful hill surrounded by likeminded people, I was reminded of home.”
Seals and stays in Seahouses
If you’re visiting Seahouses then you simply can’t miss a boat trip to The Farne Islands, a short 30 minute boat ride from the harbour. The Farnes is home to incredible wildlife and is a great place for diving and snorkelling adventures.
Camping, Scrambling and Rambling in Snowdonia: My first adventure after lockdown
“Soon we were balancing along Crib Goch Ridge, with drops on each side like nothing you could imagine. No ropes and no hand holes – just fresh air and amazing views…”
Duke of Edinburgh groups are our speciality at Pindale Farm
We see many so our former D of E participants staying with us as adults with their own families, saying “I did my D of E at Pindale and thought we would come back.”
A short history of independent hostels
Today hostels cover the world. You can find them in cities, in the countryside and beside the sea, on every continent of the world. Official and unofficial, hostels, backpackers, bunkhouses, call them what you will, they’ve conquered the world. In the UK the history of independent hostels starts with the YHA but quickly sees the independent sector grow into the network we have today.
