Enjoy a scenic hiking holiday this spring and get 15% off YHA stays
Want to experience the Great British countryside at its most beautiful? Pack your rucksack, tug on your hiking boots and tackle the unspoilt wilderness by foot. From picture-postcard villages, to dramatic sea-torn cliffs, here are five great National Trails just waiting for your footprints and camera snaps. Even better, most of these breath-taking long-distance walks are near to a YHA hostel so you can enjoy a well-deserved rest in friendly surroundings after your trek.
Enter code GO-018 at time of booking at www.yha.org.uk to get 15% off YHA stays
Available until 19 July 2018. T&C’s apply*
The Pennine Way – Derbyshire to Scottish Borders
At 50 years old, the first ever National Trail still attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year. As you hike along the rugged backbone of England through three National Parks, you’ll encounter Hadrian’s Wall, formidable mountains, and the moorland that inspired Emily Bronte’s ‘Wuthering Heights’. The variety of landscapes are a once in a lifetime achievement for anyone who isn’t scared of a blister or ten, so make sure you’re prepared for a hard-core hike. YHA has a strong bond with the Pennine Way, so whether you’re tackling the full 268 miles or sampling a small section over the weekend – you’re bound to run into a few hostels along the way.
See the route and find out more: Pennine Way
Stay with YHA along the way:
YHA Edale https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/edale
YHA Mankinholes https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/mankinholes
YHA Haworth https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/haworth
YHA Malham https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/malham
YHA Hawes https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/hawes
YHA Langdon Beck https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/langdon-beck
YHA Dufton https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/dufton
South West Coast Path – Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset
Explore the coves, caves and golden beaches of Britain’s most beautiful coastline with an epic 628 miles of seaside walking. Voted as Britain’s best route by Walk magazine, the trail is loved for its Cornish sunshine, endless sea views, steep climbs and remarkable marine wildlife. Look out for unspoilt nature reserve, Lundy Island, geological oddities of the Jurassic Coast and King Arthur’s legendary Tintagel Castle. You can tackle a section of this rewarding trail and rest your aching legs at many nearby hostels too. You’ll probably never do it in one go, but it’s a great excuse to return back to the waves and dolphins of Devon and Cornwall.
See the route and find out more: South West Coast Path
Stay with YHA along the way:
YHA Minehead https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/minehead
YHA Exford https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/exford
YHA Tintagel https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/tintagel
YHA Boscastle https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/boscastle
YHA Treyarnon https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/treyarnon
YHA Perranporth https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/perranporth
YHA Land’s End https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/lands-end
YHA Penzance https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/penzance
YHA Lizard https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/lizard
YHA Coverack https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/coverack
YHA Boswinger https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/boswinger
YHA Beer https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/beer
YHA Portland https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/portland
YHA Litton Cheney https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/litton-cheney
YHA Lulworth Cove https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/lulworth-cove
YHA Swanage https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/swanage
The Thames Path – Gloucestershire to big-city London
Take the ultimate riverside ramble and follow the Thames through some of England’s prettiest countryside, all the way to the bustling heart of London. A gentle and charming walk, this 183 mile route treks from source to estuary and makes a great hike for beginners. Watch the Thames turn from trickling stream to iconic river as you pass the spires of Oxford, complete with genteel rowing clubs and cosy riverside pubs. With good transport for day trips and big city attractions waiting at the end, this easy trail has the perfect mix of walking and culture. Look out for tranquil picnic spots and wildlife hiding amongst the reeds and willows.
See the route and find out more: The Thames Path
Stay with YHA along the way:
YHA Oxford https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/oxford,
YHA London Thameside https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-thameside,
YHA St London Pauls https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-st-pauls,
YHA London Oxford Street https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-oxford-street,
YHA London St Pancras https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-st-pancras,
YHA London Earl’s Court https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-earls-court,
YHA London Central https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/london-central,
YHA Streatley https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/streatley-thames
Cotswold Way – Bath, Cotswold Hills, Chipping Campden
Fancy gazing at the beauty of England’s green and pleasant land? Step back in time and discover 102 miles of storybook landscapes, sprawling limestone hills and quaint honey coloured villages. As you hike across the Cotswolds hill range, look out for stunning views of bluebell woods, idyllic pastures and magical chocolate box scenery. History buffs will love the significant historic sites along the route, such as the Roman heritage of Bath, impossibly picturesque Sudeley Castle and numerous stately homes. The varied trail has everything from long stretches of ridge-top hiking to thriving market towns – you’ll need that cream tea afterwards!
See the route and find out more: Cotswold Way
Stay with YHA along the way:
YHA Bath https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/bath
Glyndwr’s Way – Rugged circular route in mid-Wales
Follow in the footsteps of fierce Welsh warrior Owain Glyndwr and discover the rolling hills and lush green pastures of Wales’ National Trail. With some of the best Welsh walking around, this circular 134 mile route gives hikers over a week’s worth of stunning open moors, remote woodland and challenging hills to explore. There’s nothing artificial about this authentic farming environment, and fans love the joy of rambling through a working landscape. Boasting spectacular views over Lake Vyrnwy, the Cambrian Mountains and some great attractions along the way, this is the ultimate trail to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Welsh countryside.
See the route and find out more: Glyndwyr’s Way
Stay with YHA along the way:
YHA Clun Mill https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/clum-mill
YHA All Stretton Bunkhouse https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/all-stretton-bunkhouse
YHA Kings https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/kings
YHA Borth https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/borth
Find out more about walking and rambling at YHA. https://www.yha.org.uk/things-to-do/activity-breaks/walking
Terms and conditions of the offer
Subject to availability. Offer available on selected hostels only. Offer only available on new bookings made online between 16th May and 30th May for stays until 19th July 2018. Excludes Exclusive Hire products. Promotional terms and conditions apply and bookings made with this promotional code are booked on a non-cancellable, non-amendable rate. Offer not available for groups of 16 or more. YHA reserves the right to amend or end this offer at any time.