Mist in the Vale of Edale

Being reliant on public transport,THE STABLES BUNKHOUSE was perfectly situated for us, just a 20 minute stroll from Edale train station, with pubs, shop and spectacular views all within walking distance.

Read more

Walking in Edale

Canoeing on the River Wye

We were on a five day trip canoeing on the river Wye, setting camp each night, when we came across the Ye Old Ferrie Inn and discovered a bunkhouse right on the river bank.

Read more

Ye Olde Ferrie Inn

The World and his Wife at Derwentwater Youth Hostel

Many people assume that youth hostels are used by solely by school groups, ramblers and backpackers. But here at DERWENTWATER INDEPENDENT HOSTEL (previously Derwentwater youth hostel ) we have had a huge variety of guests from all walks of life and for all sorts of reasons.

Read more

derwentwater youth hostel

Family Weekend int’ Derbyshire Dales & Peak District

Our family weekend in the Derbyshire Dales was action packed, we cycled on the High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail, visited Arbor Low, slept in a Reckoning House, discovered a lost river under Lathkill Dale, lunched at Uncle Geoff’s and visited to the Heights of Abraham by Cable Car.

Read more

Galford Springs in Devon

Scottish Outdoor Pursuits Show

When we arrived to set up the Independent Hostels’ Stand, it appeared that the mountain bikers were going to do their tricks perilously close to our stand! The crowds who came to watch this impressive team were all glad to take away a copy of our the guide to hostels.

Read more

Byrness Youth Hostel now Forest View

The Shetland Islands

The Sheland Islands are at the crossroads of the North Atlantic, lying as close to Norway and Faroe as it is to mainland UK, giving it a unique heritage and culture. The Isles were part of Scandinavia until 1469 and much of this heritage is still evident today, in place names, archaeology, music and folklore. With over 100 islands, Shetland has plenty to explore and the natural landscape is remarkable.

Read more

Viking longship on the Shetland Islands

Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge is a gem that took me by surprise on my two-day visit, so much so that it kept me thinking ‘why on earth didn’t anyone tell me about this place before?

Read more

Hebden Bridge Station

High Street Hostel

High Street Hostel is located just off the High Street in the old town area of Edinburgh and claims to be the city’s oldest hostel. When you enter the solid and prominent building you are greeted by a large, warm and homely lounge area, furnished with sofas, table and chairs.

Read more

high street hostel Edinburgh

Catbells and Millican Daltons Cave

There is so much to do for the outdoor enthusiast and many affordable accommodation options for the budget conscious traveller. I am hoping that I can spend some time up here in the New Year during winter and maybe stay at Catbells camping barn again (keen to get that fire going!), but next time I will hopefully have the time to explore the summit of Catbells too.

Read more

Catbells

North Downs Cycle holiday

Leaving the hop fields of the North Downs behind I peddle into Puttenham and past the Good Intent Pub. Further along, opposite the church is PUTTENHAM ECO CAMPING BARN , it is huge from the outside, although only a small part is actually converted for use as accommodation. I follow the stone track around the back and spot the familiar YHA sign.

Read more

National Trust Basecamp

A National Trust Basecamp is a bunkhouse offering simple self catering accommodation, not only for groups of volunteers taking part in conservation work but also for other groups looking to escape to the country.

Read more

National Trust Basecamp

Family holiday around Orkney on the Northern Isles

We travelled to the Orkney Isles with our two girls (aged 9 and 10) during Easter 2010. We went far enough North to experience the Northern Lights, two ferry journeys, loads of welcomes and some lovely moments. Far enough to realise that Orkney is not the top of the UK as I thought but the middle of Britain, Shetland, Norway and Iceland.

Read more

Orkney Ring of Brodgar Northern Isles

Ambleside and the Borrowdale Fell Race

We arrived in Ambleside, eager to look at the weather report for the weekend as I would be taking part in the famous Borrowdale Fell Race taking in the summit of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Dale Head. We received a warm and welcome greeting at AMBLESIDE BACKPACKERS.

Read more

24 hours in Llandudno

To say there is more to Llandudno than meets the eye is an understatement. Yes its classic Victorian seafront is among the finest examples of period coastal architecture in the UK, and the pier offers a fun stroll out to sea, providing fabulous views of the town with the mountains dominating the horizon. But for history and nature lovers Llandudno offers a veritable gold, or should I say, Bronze Age copper mine.

Read more

Llandudno West Shore

The South Downs way from Portsmouth

As the crow flies, it’s only 13 miles from Portsmouth to the South Downs way at Wetherdown Lodge, but I planned my route carefully, avoiding as much traffic and as many steep inclines as possible. This made my route just over 21 miles and as my journey began at sea level, completely avoiding hills was impossible.

Read more

Woodland Classroom on south downs way

Mountain Bike Trails with Accommodation

Mountain Bikers seeking value accommodation near to exciting trails will find a great selection on offer from the Independent Hostels UK network (IHUK) of over 300 houses, cottages, camping barns and bunkhouses, many of which have overnight bike storage.

Read more

mountain bike trails Braich Goch

Cycle Touring

If you are planning cycle touring the UK you will find a great selection of value accommodation on offer from the Independent Hostels UK network (IHUK) of over 300 hostels, camping barns and bunkhouses, many of which have overnight bike storage.

Read more

Cycle Touring