Ruby Higton - author

Ruby Higton

Ruby is a digital marketer at YHA. She looks after all things social media, as well as content writing for YHA's travel blog and SEO. Her favourite hostel is YHA St Briavels Castle.

Articles written by Ruby Higton

YHA Treyarnon Bay Beach

Family friendly hostels in the UK

It's as a child when a love of the outdoors is instilled and, here at YHA, we have plenty of family-friendly hostels in our network. Playing games in coastland coves, discovering wildlife...

Ullswater Valley in the Lake District on a winters morning

Magical winter walks in the UK

From frozen waterfalls to gentle frosty rambles with picture-perfect views, this selection of winter walks in the UK will certainly put a spring in your step. These routes have something for everyone.

YHA Snowdon Ranger Local Area

How to stay safe in winter

Keeping warm during an outdoor adventure sounds straightforward, but it's easy (and sometimes quite dangerous) to go wrong. Here are some of our top safety tips for how to stay safe in winter.

Entrance path to Barafundle Bay on the Pembrokeshire coast

New year challenges

With the start of a new year, there is the opportunity for new challenges and opportunities to immerse yourself in feel-good experiences. It doesn't have to be a new you, small wins count too.

YHA Black Sail exterior

Unique and unusual places to stay in the UK

British hostelling isn't all about country houses (gorgeous as they are) and purpose-built traditional hostels. YHA accommodation can include everything from remote huts to 800-year-old castles!

View from Loughrigg fell on a winter's morning in the Lake District

10 tips for preparing for winter hiking season

Want to be a four-season hiker? Don’t give up adventuring once the weather gets chilly – that crisp winter wonderland is waiting for your footprints and we have many hostels perfect for hiking.