Derwentwater Hostel (Barrow House) has been in continuous use as a hostel since 1961, but we still managed to have lots of firsts in 2015, from pig nuts to paramotors.
Category: Story
Treks Bunkhouse – sociable walking weekend
Large Outdoors run sociable walking weekends across the UK. Read here about their trip to Treks Bunkhouse in Ffestiniog Snowdonia.
The Education Show and Hatters Hostel
Mid- March was a very busy time for us all at IHUK. We had a trip to Birmingham to attend the Education Show at the NEC for a couple of days, whilst there we also had a lovely stay at Hatters Hostel…
Mam Tor Adventure!
Come with us on our journey up to the stunning summit of Mam Tor…
Ocean Backpackers: School Trips to North Devon
School and college groups regularly base their school trip to North Devon at Ocean Backpackers, returning year after year. From university surf clubs riding the waves to educational trips for geography students.
Accommodation for School Groups
With accommodation of all sizes available for sole use across the UK. Independent Hostels are the perfect accommodation for school groups.
Osmotherley Winter Escape
Osmotherley is a pretty Yorkshire village surrounded by the high Yorkshire moors. With the Cleveland Way, The Coast to Coast and the Lyke Wake Walk passing close by, with Cod Beck Reservoir and Mount Grace Priory for more gentle days out, it is an ideal destination for a walking holiday or a family weekend escape.
Craig Y Nos Country Park
We started at the country park and returned through it, entering the castle by the rear gardens which were eerily magical in the fading night. A great unusual walk, with plenty to see. Ostriches, standing stone, Dinosaurs, my kids would have loved it !
London on a Budget
My footsteps take me past classics like Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden and London Eye, and I see it all without spending a penny. It is possible to do London on a budget, and staying at the Travel Joy Hostels might give you more days to explore.
Cheviots Walk with my family and friends.
The walk was fun with a sense of adventure to it, it wasn’t just on some path, it was a beautiful route through the Cheviots. After walking some way, there was a small, pretty waterfall where lots of people were picnicing.
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on Lewis
The wind blew and souched around the blackhouses. The rain was carried on the wind and our spirits were low. We stepped inside Gearrannan blackhouse hostel closed the door and there was silence. It was warm, snug and quiet. The thick walls and the deep thatch kept all the noise of the wind outside where it belonged. All thoughts of weather disappeared and we relaxed.
Skye Hills the Broadford Red Hills Climb
I’m on the Isle of Skye staying organising myself to climb Beinna Caillick and The Broadford Red Hills.
Self Catering Pembrokeshire: Finding freedom
We were both inexperienced walkers when we arrived in Pembrokeshire, but we quickly became addicted to walking the coast path. Our boots will be eager to return and we’ll never forget the memories we made here.
Snowdon in Autumn
Snowdon Lodge has an ideal location in the village of Tremadog, 30 mins from the accent of Snowdon and 20-40 mins from the seaside villages of the Llyn Peninsula. Tremadog is well known for a wide variety of climbs and its gentle mico climate. On the softer side of the Snowdonia Mountains, close to the sea.
Alnwick Castle visit on our Northumberland Holiday
For the first 3 nights of our holiday in Northumberland, we stayed at the wonderful ALNWICK YOUTH HOSTEL. Cosily nestled in the midst of this histroic town. We enjoyed all the comforts and surprises the hostel had to offer and in the daytime we set out to explore the coast and castles around Northumberland
Finishing at Fort William – Walking in Reverse
Along the Great Glen Way path I’m now meeting people without backpacks and big boots. Locals walking their dogs, a sure sign I’m entering Fort William’s local community, and coming to the end of my walk.
Fort Augustus to Laggan – Or so it should have been!
At Laggan Lochs I am asked by the cafe manager, “You’re not thinking of walking it there are you?” knowing I’ve just come in from Fort Augustus. Before I answer she continues “Let me tell you it’s a funny old walk, it seems to be longer, some how farther than you think”
Scrumptious food at Craig Y Nos Castle
Last weekend me and a couple of mates spent the night at CRAIG Y NOS CASTLE (Rock of the Night) Castle in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. We were staying in the bunkhouse and decided to treat ourselves to a meal in the restaurant. ‘Treat’ being the operative word – we were not disappointed.
Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus – Yep, that’s steep
As I set off for Fort Augustus on the Great Glen Way, it’s a blowy, rainy morning requiring the shelter of a heavy rainproof coat. Once again there are large section of the route along the road but soon I will be climbing the forested sides of Loch Ness.
Birchover Stones and Moors
We explored the Birchover Stones on Stanton Moor, with exquisite views and fascinating rock formations including the famous Nine Ladies Stone Circle. We were fortunate to be there when the purple heather was in full bloom and the marvellous family photos we took amongst the heather will be treasured for years to come.
Inverness to Drumnadrochit – Pigs and non believers
My first day on The Great Glen Walk is planned, Inverness to Drumnadrochit. Distance 20+ plus miles. Having left the picturesque city of Inverness, via canal paths, pavements and a section of housing estate, the woodland section begins.
