Travelling through Scotland on foot, cycle, bus or train is a great way to have interesting and unexpected adventures, and unquestionably more fun than the isolation of travelling by car.  Adding hostel accommodation to the journey will increase the chance of meeting some really fascinating people, from hostel owners and local characters to fellow travellers.

Scottish Independent Hostels (SIH) is compiling a series of journeys "under your own steam" to inspire people to become genuine travellers, getting to know the communities they visit and the people who live there and meet along the way, by staying in their hostels.

SIH have 130 hostel members throughout Scotland, easily accessible by bus, train, ferry and bicycle. Other methods of travelling, from kayaking and sailing to horse-riding.

Two "under your own steam" journeys, taking in the Orkney Islands and the Isle of Skye are on the SIH website; the Isle of Skye Journey can be by cycle, train or bus.  A further three journeys to the Outer Hebrides; Loch Ness and the Great Glen and central Scotland are in the pipeline. 

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Travel writers are invited to visit the SIH website to choose their preferred destinations for their personal "under your own steam" journey and get in touch.  Hostels will provide complimentary accommodation and there may be a further contribution to travel by bus or train.

Contact Margaret Matthew sih@hostel-scotland.co.uk  07764768067 http://www.hostel-scotland.co.uk/see-scotland