Join Laurie, a seasoned long-distance cyclist, and his girlfriend Becky as they recount their Hebridean Way adventure. They stay at 5 Independent Hotels, spend a couple of regrettable nights in a soggy tent, contemplate the effects of tourism on communities and wildlife in the Hebrides and, ultimately, fall in love with the uniqueness and charm of of these beautiful, windswept islands.
Category: Story
48 hours in Exeter, the perfect two-day itinerary
This was my first time visiting Exeter, and I was blown away by how walkable and historic the city was. Here is what I (Bronia, social media manager at Independent Hostels) and my friend Lily (tiktok content creator at Independent Hostels) got up to at during our 48 hour stay.
Bron and Lil’s Big Scottish Roadtrip!
When Castle Rock Hostel invited Lily (Independent Hostel’s Tik Tok creator) and I (Independent Hostel’s social media manager) to stay at their hostel for a couple of nights, we did not realise what an epic road trip we were getting ourselves into. Soon, our trip transcended into 8 nights at 5 different hostels in 5 different locations around Scotland.
Skomer Island – Your chance to stay on an enchanted island.
If you have a bucket list, then staying on Skomer Island off the Pembrokeshire Coast for a couple of nights should be on it. If you don’t have a bucket list, you need to start one and put staying on Skomer at the top. You are assured of a never to-be-forgotten experience. The rare chance to spend nights on a deserted island in the company of 16 fellow guests, a handful of staff/volunteers and hundreds of thousands of birds.
You would be a Muppet to not visit Moffat
Moffat is a charming village located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. If you have not yet visited Moffat, you are missing out on a truly unique experience.
Volunteer opportunities in the idyllic Surrey Hills
Have you dreamed of working on a little homestead where peace and community are always prioritised, and the worries of the modern day seem to just float away? Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse has been looking for you as much as you have been looking for Puttenham Barn Bunkhouse!
A weekend of Celtic Connections and Glaswegian Gallivanting
From 19 January – 5 February 2023, Celtic connections will celebrate its 30th anniversary! Each year thousands of folk musicians from across the world descend on Glasgow for 18 days of celebration of genre-defining folk music.
Welcoming in the new year at Embassie Liverpool Backpackers
I’ll be honest, out of all the places I thought we’d end up celebrating the new year I didn’t think an embassy was a very likely option. But hey here we are!
48 hours in Tintagel – a two day itinerary
Tintagel is a small village located on the north coast of Cornwall, England. According to Arthurian legend, Tintagel Castle is believed to be the place where King Arthur was conceived. The ruins of Tintagel Castle, perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea, add to the mystique.
Knocking around in Knoydart
Follow in the footsteps of explorer and travel blogger, Virginia as she leads you to the magical Knoydart peninsular. Read on to find tips on places to visit, where to eat and hostel accommodation to stay in. In fact, you have everything you need to plan your own trip to this very special part of Scotland.
Awesome Adventures on the Dorset Coast
Are you up for a fun filled adventure on the Dorset coast? Do you want to experience something a little different? Cumulus Outdoors will provide you with just what you’re looking for .. and more!
Highland Adventure Activities from Ballater Hostel
Want to get away but have no idea where to start? Need to know what there actually is to do? Ballater Hostel is located right in the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. There are so many activities to suit all abilities right on its doorstep. With 7 private rooms available, all en suite, 5 with TVs and 3 with king beds why not put Ballater Hostel on your list of places to stay on your next holiday? Read on to find just what there is to do…
Glastonbury Carnival and the Somerset Levels
Such talent and effort goes into the running of the great Somerset Winter Carnival – and so few of us have ever even heard of it! Read on to hear about my fantastic weekend exploring rural Somerset, the Winter Carnival and the mysterious town of Glastonbury.
Adventures start at Heart of Glencoe Holidays.
Our intrepid travel writer Virginia Bird has been on another adventure. This time exploring the mountains around Heart of Glencoe Holidays in Scotland. Read about how she got below.
Rookhow invites your mental health group for a subsidised retreat.
Calling mental health groups & practitioners in South Lakeland, Cumbria, Lancashire & the surrounding area. The 5th round of Rookhow’s Bunkbarn’s Retreat Away Fund is now open.
Ashbourne Gateway – Hostel-style group accommodation for all seasons
Whatever the time of year, there is plenty to do in the charming Georgian town of Ashbourne and the surrounding area. What’s more Ashbourne Gateway provides warm, comfortable and affordable self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 27. Read on for a whistle-stop journey through a year in the life of guests at Ashbourne Gateway
Fabulous Gardens of Banffshire, Aberdeenshire and Moray
The Glasgow Garden Walks Group are a group of retirees who travel Scotland in their minivan, staying in hostels and exploring the many, beautiful gardens of Scotland. They are a force to be reckoned with, as they embark on a four day adventure around Old Banffshire, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
Enjoy an active break in the Cairngorms National Park
Book a stay at Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy & you’ll also get access to the wide range of exceptional outdoor activity experiences offered by their parent company, Cairngorms Activities
Utterly brilliant, our stay at The Dolphin Dunbar
Lovely building, wonderfully welcoming staff, great location. Just go, you won’t be disappointed!
A week of adventurous activities in the North Pennines
Carrshield Camping Barn and the surrounding North Pennines has so much to offer within its ancient landscape. The scenery can get the heart racing or relaxing and Carrshield Camping Barn makes the perfect affordable base for seven days of amazing activities. Read on to find out more.
Bonnie Galloway
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.
