LOST IN A FAIRYTALE
LIKE SOMETHING FROM Hansel and Gretel, the crooked, timber-framed cottage of Tanner’s Hatch stands on the edge of the forest. Branches tangle behind, flower-speckled fields run in front: it’s hard to believe you’re just a couple of miles from Dorking and 20 from London. This Surrey hostel can only be reached by a walk through the woods and once there you might choose to relax into its verdant views, explore the nearby parkland and grand house of Polesden Lacey, or set off along one of the many paths that beckon through the trees – do take a map, or a bag of breadcrumbs. The North Downs Way skims along the chalk ridge above, and Box Hill, a place of Jane Austen picnics and vast views, can be reached through the leafy tranquility of Ranmore Common. You can sleep in the main cottage, or in new safari tents in the garden, and with the ablutions block outside and down the garden path, it will feel like a wild escape in every way.
WALK HERE: Download Box Hill from www.lfto.com/bonusroutes. Tanner’s Hatch is at point 5. To walk direct to the hostel, park at grid ref TQ141503 and follow the track ¾ mile north through the woods. STAY HERE: Dorm beds from £13; safari tents that sleep up to 6 from £45 a night ( www.yha.org.uk/hostel/ yha-tanners-hatch-surrey-hills).
ALSO IN ENGLAND… In the Lake District, trek through the quiet valley of Ennerdale to Black Sail ( www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-black-sail) with Hay Stacks behind and Kirk Fell out front, or climb to Skiddaw House ( www.skiddawhouse.co.uk), high on the flanks of this giant of the northern fells. For more away-fromit-all down south, stay at YHA Dartmoor ( www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-dartmoor) in Devon’s wildest uplands.