The Gower Peninsula juts out of the south Wales coastline, westwards from Swansea. It was the very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is well know for the many beaches along its coastline. I have also discovered a handful of glorious castles , much less well known, but brilliantly adapted for visitors. This combination of good facilities and emptiness make these castles feel like a personal discovery, set as they are in atmospheric rural locations.
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Fresh air holiday on the Isle of Mull
An opportunity for me and my family to spend five super days on a fresh air holiday on Mull, which is fast becoming my favourite island. We did see Eagles on three separate occasions but sadly, look as we did, the shy elusive otters evaded our attention. What better reason to come back.
Geocaching at Kettlewell
Yorkshire like a good deal of the countryside has plenty of caches to find. Kettlewell and the surrounding area is no different having plenty to crack on with.
Planning a South West Coast Walk trip.
My name is Melanie. I am a 61 year old American and a double 2,000 miler (someone who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail). Here are my experiences of walking the South West Coast Path.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne
On a summer holiday in Northumberland we were staying in Seahouses and had taken our bikes across the causeway to Holy Island. The tide was coming in but the romance of the island was luring us to stay longer.
Falmouth Hostel Holiday (now closed)
I plan on spending around 6/7 days on my Falmouth Hostel holiday (closed Nov 2023). My intention is to explore this area of the Cornish Riviera by walking, assisted by various train journeys where and whenever required. My base is Falmouth Backpackers Hostel five minutes stroll from the town’s rail station.
North Norfolk Coast in a self catering bunkhouse
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.
A romantic getaway to Aberystwyth
Brian Shaefer-Dryer spent an afternoon and evening in Aberyswyth staying at Plas Dolou Country House Hostel. He found this seaside town full of interesting venues, great sea views and full of entertainment some even from the acrobatic displays of the local avian wildlife which all together added up to the perfect romantic getaway to Aberystwyth.
Wild and Wonderful Scottish North Coast Accommodation
At the edge of the world right up on the Scottish North Coast. Brian Sutherland visited with his family and experienced a warm welcome to this newly renovated innovative hostel. A must visit if you are looking for Scottish north coast accommodation.
Greenhead to Bellingham: Pennine Way meets Hadrians Wall
Almost immediately after leaving Greenhead on the way to Bellingham, the Pennine Way path joins the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall. It continues along this extremely well preserved section of the wall for the next 8 miles. As soon as it turned away from Hadrian’s Wall I felt like I was back where I belonged. After 200 miles, I felt connected to the Pennine Way. It hadn’t always been kind to me but I didn’t take it personally, because this is part of what it means to walk any long-distance path.
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.
A central base in London for business and pleasure: PubLove The White Ferry
PubLove The White Ferry is situated close to Victoria Station in the heart of London. A perfect place to stay in London for business or pleasure.
Floating accommodation in Bristol Harbour
On this floating hostel we enjoyed the views from the kitchen as the sun set above Bristol Harbour, so even washing the dishes became a highlight of the day. Often we couldn’t resist heading back out for a moonlit harbour-walk where jazzy tunes flowed out over the cobblestones. Returning home to our cosy cabin with lots of “big city impressions,” after a great day on and around the water in downtown Bristol.
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.
Lincolnshire: Unexpected Gem of on an evening pub walk
We were lucky enough to be walking on a warm, sunny evening across the Lincolnshire countryside; the Ramblers Church made us feel right at home and gave a sense of walking the way that so many have walked before…I recommend that others also follow these ancient footsteps.
Hebden Bridge Hostel Accommodation on the Pennine Way
After walking my third day of the Pennine Way my destination was Hebden Bridge Eco-Hostel, and my friend decided to join me there. The hostel is located on the east end of town and up a hill, but this gave us the advantage of being able to pass by the artisanal shops, sidewalk cafes, and art galleries that lined the streets.
Ulverston and Enlightenment
Hoad Monument, it’s correct name being Sir John Barrow Monument stands on top of Hoad Hill, 100 feet high monopolising the landscape around Ulverston. Although it isn’t a lighthouse, it’s design is taken from the third Eddystone lighthouse design, Smeaton’s Tower. From the town there are plenty of signs for the monument with well trodden and easily accessible paths. A pleasant stroll of 20 minutes, I’m alongside the monument. What an impressive beast.
Shackleton and the excellent museums of Hull
Recently I spent a weekend in Hull. It’s a stunning little city with a Marina, fabulous architecture and excellent museums. We stayed at Hull Trinity Backpackers Hostel, handy for all the attractions of Hull. My particular highlight was The Antarctic Legacy of Shackleton at the Maritime Museum.
A Walk of Art from Derwentwater Independent Hostel (Now Closed)
If you like to walk from the door, and explore more thoroughly the stories behind the landscape, then you might be interested in an 8 mile circular walk which starts and finishes at Derwentwater Independent Hostel (Now Closed), in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
