Mount Cook is excited to announce that the Lodge is now open for self-catering stays, giving small groups their own space to relax, cook and unwind in the heart of the Peak District.
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Here’s our Bank Holiday availability
Balmaha Bunkhouse has good availability on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday nights, with limited availability on Friday and Saturday.
Set on the banks of Loch Lomond, this cosy self-catering bunkhouse provides an excellent base for exploring the West Highland Way. Sleeping up to 10 guests, it’s ideal for families, small groups and walkers.
The bunkhouse has four bedrooms, two with en-suite facilities, plus a comfortable common room with kitchen, a drying room with laundry facilities, and outdoor seating for relaxing after a day on the trail.
Twelfth Night – Open Air Shakespeare – Friday 21st August
The Pantaloons return for their 2nd visit of the Summer … “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them!” A show for all the family, a brilliant evening of comedy theatre.
Walking Weekend in the Surrey Hills 5-6 September 2026
Costing just £70 including one night’s accommodation at the lovely Puttenham Barn on the Saturday night and homecooked meals (evening meal, continental breakfast and Sunday packed lunch), we are offering a wonderful weekend of walking led by our knowledgeable guides. The walk will start at Farnham Station on Saturday 5 September at 10 am and finish at Guildford Station on Sunday 6 September by 3 pm, wending its way along the North Downs Way and passing a host of delights in the Surrey countryside! The total length of the walk will be approximately 17 miles, split over the two days.
Groups.
We’ve got space coming up, August 9-13, 17-20, and 24-31, — short notice, so if you can move fast, we can offer 20% off for a stay of 3 nights, and more if you stay longer.
Discounted Rates for Scouts, Schools & Youth Groups
A 17th Century farmhouse converted into a Scout residential centre, accommodating groups of up to 42 in rooms with bunk beds. On the edge on the South Pennines with access to an array of outdoor activities on its doorstep. Housing a fully-fitted professional kitchen, large communal dining and lounge area, designated dry room, and indoor games room. An outdoor BBQ and games area, and parking fit for 8 cars. BYO bedding, pillow and towels.
Noticing the Beautiful Details in Life
In the rush of everyday life, it’s easy to miss the finer details that make the countryside so special. The ever-changing colours of a sunrise or sunset, a bee drifting from flower to flower, its tiny legs dusted with golden pollen, the moments when there is complete stillness, complete hush. The dawn chorus as a new day begins to a night sky filled with stars can so easily go unnoticed. Our shepherd’s hut offers a chance to slow down, take a breath, and rediscover the simple beauty that’s been there all along.
The Famous Scottish Highland Games
Helmsdale Highland Games are on the 15th August 2026. Helmsdale Games are one of the longest running games in Scotland. Over the last 45 years the Games have attracted many visitors who enjoy the traditional games, a bit like a Scottish version of the Olympic Games. Once the games had ended the festivities carry on in the village with a ceilidh dance in the street then the finale is the dance in the marque into the small hours. Helmsdale Lodge Hostel has always been an active supporter of Helmsdale’s Highland Games and will be helping out again this year. At the lodge we have limited availability for that weekend so best to book direct or call www.helmsdalelodgehostel.co.uk
A welcome sight at the end of an adventure
Plas Isa’s owners, Ian and Hanneke are seasoned travellers who aim to make a home from home for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts in North Wales. With comfy beds and great communal spaces, Plas Isa is a perfect part of the Independent Hostels Network.
Extended Family Breaks
Three generations under one roof works here because you’re not stuck in one room together. We’ve got space coming up, August 9-13, 17-20, and 24-31, — short notice, so if you can move fast, we can offer 20% off for a stay of 3 nights, and more if you stay longer.
Group Discount
We’ve had some short-notice space come up
Llangollen Hostel, in the exciting Welsh holiday town of Llangollen, is available for exclusive whole-house bookings over the 2026 August Bank Holiday weekend, 29th–30th August.
Sleeping up to 31 people and available for 2 nights, it’s a great-value way to get together with friends and family. The beautiful Dee Valley is perfect for walking, cycling, canoeing and white-water rafting. Families will love the steam railway, horse-drawn canal boats and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Llangollen has a great choice of restaurants, pubs and independent shops, while Chester, Wrexham and Offa’s Dyke Path are all nearby.
EV Charging point
There will be an EV charge point on site by the end of July.
New Bike Shed at Boswinger Hostel
The bike shed at YHA Boswinger has been rebuilt and is now ready to use. So you can now store your bike here on-site. If you fancy cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats we’re just off Route 3 of the National Cycle Network. Of it you want to explore Cornwall by bike and need a base we’re well situated in the middle of the county with lots of beautiful scenery to enjoy.
Camping on the North Norfolk Coast
There’s somthing very special about camping on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. Maybe it’s the big skies, the marshes full of birdlife, or the freedom of waking up close to the coast path ready for another day outdoors. Deepdale Camping & Rooms, offers relaxed, friendly camping in Burnham Deepdale on the North Norfolk Coast … ideal for walkers, cyclists, campervaners, wildlife watchers, stargazers, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy North Norfolk’s coastline, beaches and nature reserves.
Camp Wild on a working hill farm in the Northumberland Fells
Ilderton Dod Barns, set within the Northumberland National Park, offer three camping pitches through Camp Wild. Ideally located close to both The Pennine Way and The Sandstone Way, with a network of footpaths and bridleways right on the doorstep, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re walking, mountain biking, or simply exploring the beautiful Northumberland countryside, the self-contained barns and camping pitches provide an ideal base for your stay.
Camping near on the John O’Groats Coastal Trail
The Halfway House is a small hostel nine miles north of Helmsdale on the John O’Groats Coastal Trail and the NC500. It welcomes individual walkers and provides camping with the use of the hostels indoor facilities. There’s a hared self-catering kitchen and cosy lounge.
Hammocking on the North Norfolk Coast
Deepdale Rooms has a hammock area that’s loved by guests. There’s something very special about hammocking on the North Norfolk Coast. Maybe it’s the big skies, the marshes full of birdlife, or the freedom of waking up close to the coast path. It’s ideal for walkers, cyclists, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy North Norfolk’s coastline, beaches, and nature reserves.
The Beauty of Long Light Summer Evenings
Long summer evenings are some of the most magical moments. As the golden hour casts a warm glow across the landscape, it’s the perfect time to slow down and make the most of the outdoors. There is something very soft and peaceful about such an evening. I find it very calming. And it feels like a bonus in your day, a little ‘extra time’ that is not usually available.
Hammock at Ty Cwch Boathouse
There’s a hammock in the ground floor lounge at Ty Cwch, strung up next to the big sliding doors that open onto the valley. It’s one of the first things guests head for.