Lindisfarne Causeway by bike

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.

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Holy Island of Lindisfarne

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.

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boats in the river harbour viewed on a Falmouth hostel holiday

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.

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Deepdale Granary

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.

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getaway to aberystwyth

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.

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Greenhead to Bellingham Pennine Way meets Hadrians wall

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.

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whooper swans wildlife on mull

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.

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Bristol City Break - Street Art

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.

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Eyam the Plague Village

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.

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Independent Hostels Stand at the Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival

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.

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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.

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hebden bridge close to the pennine way

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.

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Hoad Monument near Ulverston

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.

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hull trinity house

A Walk of Art from Derwentwater Independent Hostel

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, in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

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derwentwater youth hostel walk

Breakfast at Corran House

Stopping off overnight at Corran House Hostel, on my way to the Isles, it struck me what a simple solution they provide for breakfast, (read on to find out more).  Part of a grand Victorian terrace on Oban’s waterfront, Corran House provides great value accommodation in private and shared rooms.

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breakfast kitchen at corran house hostel

Two Family Holiday – at Tarset Tor Bothies

On a recent visit to Tarset Tor Bunkhouse and Bothies in Northumberland, I realised what a hidden asset a bothy at Tarset Tor is for two families who like to holiday together.  Anyone who has ever had kids will know that the best times are had when the children have play mates and the adults can relax.

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tarset tor bothy ideal for family holidays