Mawddach Estuary on a visit from Tremadog

We came to Tremadog for the climbing. This pretty welsh village is renowned for the vast numbers of climbing routes along the escarpment above the village. All with easy access and often more sheltered in harsh weather then the rest of Snowdonia.

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Tremadog group holiday

Head for the Langdale Valley

For me, Elterwater is one of the Lake District’s true gems: a cluster of houses and a pub lying in the Langdale Valley, just half a mile from the picturesque lake from which its name is derived. Elterwater Hostel is Ideally placed for exploring some of the Central Lakes’ most appealing fells. From here, you can head off on some of my favourite fell walks, including climbing up to Stickle Tarn and on to Raise and, of course, the wonderful Langdale Pikes above the Langdale Valley are within easy reach.

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Langdale Valley

Comrie Croft Mountain Bike trails

Comrie Croft is an idyllic, friendly and easily accessible eco-hostel set in the picturesque countryside of Central Scotland. The hostel lies just off of the road that connects Perth, Crieff and Comrie, making it the ideal base to visit the lovely area that surrounds these towns. From Glasgow, Comrie Croft is an enjoyable train and bus journey taking you straight to the hostel.

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comrie croft mountain bike trails

A week of Orcadian hospitality

Earlier in the year, at the start of June, I spent a highly enjoyable week in the Orkney Isles based at Browns Hostel’s and houses in Stromness, Orkney. I was there as part of a group booking with four other island enthusiasts. We were given exclusive use of the ground floor of the hostel and with a good kitchen/communal area, two toilets, an excellent shower and twin rooms it perfectly suited our requirements.

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Stroma Island Lighthouse on Orkney

Yorkshire Peaks Holiday

A holiday in the Yorkshire Peaks, at first glance, might sound an incredible opportunity for some of the best walking and outdoor adventures the country has to offer, (which it is). Or it may sound as though it requires a tad too much physical exertion. If you are thinking the latter, like me, do not fret. As you will soon find out, the area is also full of delicious rewards for your endeavors.

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Derbyshire Walk

When Aunty Mary comes to stay from Canada – she likes to do something different – the challenge was – find somewhere for all the family to have an adventure.

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Waterfall in Derbyshire

Waste wood heated Eco Hostel

What you need most of all when sleeping in a lighthouse keeper’s apartment on the east coast of the North Sea, is warmth and comfort. And that’s what we found at Rattray Head Eco-Hostel.

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Rattray Head Eco Hostel

Youth hostel retro experience

Corris Hostel left the youth hostel association in 2004 even when it was a youth hostel it was something extra special. An independently owned youth hostel, artistic, quirky and caring.

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Ceredigion Wales Coast Path

There are lots of resources available about walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path but it’s neighbour the Ceredigion Coastal Path is quieter and equally beautiful. Both paths form part of the new Wales Coast Path. This blog tells you how to walk the first 3 days of the Ceredigion Coast Path from one base at the Piggery Poke Independent Hostel.

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Moray Coast by bike and foot

With a total of 29 miles the Moray Coast cycle trail makes an easy cycle holiday for a family or walking holiday for a group. There are plenty of local attractions on route and you can watch for dolphins and enjoy eating fresh fish from the thriving local fishing industry.

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Inner Hebrides by Cycle

Coll and Tiree are two remote unspoiled Scottish islands in the Inner Hebrides and yet surprisingly easy to reach by ferry from Oban. We left the cars behind and travelled by bike making for a very relaxed, healthy and economical holiday.

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bike on Tiree

Cambrian Mountains

We had a brilliant few days in this un-visited part of Wales, all thank to our hosts at Mid Wales Bunkhouse who made us so welcome in their haven and took the time to pass on local knowledge about what to do. In the Cambrian mountains you escape from the pressure of everyday life, no traffic, no hordes of tourists, just beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and peace.

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walkers accommodation in the cambrian mountains

Visit Glasgow on a Budget

The Commonwealth Games has brought new life to the already vibrant city of Glasgow. There’s so much to see, and this blog gives some tips about how to explore the city on a budget.

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glasgow by day

Edinburgh -The capital city of Scotland

The capital city of Scotland. Steeped in a rich history, culture and of course lots and lots of whiskey. Edinburgh is without a doubt one of the most picturesque and interesting cities in United Kingdom, boasting a wide array of attractions and sites for anybody looking to explore this most wonderful of cities

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Edinburgh

Ilfracombe is on the up

We spent a few lovely days in Ilfracombe this Whitson. This North Devon town has always had location and natural beauty on its side. To the east the rocky north Devon coast and to the west the sandy surfing beaches of Woolacombe.

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ilfracombe

Exeter’s Eclectic Charms

Exeter is a place that immediately wooed me with its’ quaint cobbled pathways, wonky medieval architecture and of course ornate cathedral that remains head and shoulders above the city landscape.

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Exeter's Wonky Medieval Architecture

Dark Sky Status Spells a Bright Future

Lovers of the night sky were rewarded this week as Dark Sky status was awarded to the Island of Coll and to the Northumberland Dark Sky Park (a combination of Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park).  Both areas with a good choice of Independent Hostels.

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Dark sky shows the Aurora Borealis on Isle of Sky