Book excerpt: The Independent Hostel Guide 2018 is the comprehensive reference to the independent bunkhouses and hostels of the UK. The guide has been revised annually for 25 years, growing with the hostel network. It contains up to the minute information on 400 places to stay. Independent hostels are ideal accommodation for individuals, groups and families involved in outdoor activities, holidays and independent travel. They are perfect for reunions of families and friends. The hostels are in a wide range of buildings - from grand city houses to rural barns. They have self-catering facilities and offer friendly, clean and inexpensive accommodation with no membership requirements. There is a feature on each hostel giving contacts, photos and a description of the accommodation and the attractions of the area. Travel articles and glorious full page photos inspire the reader to plan their own holidays in hostels. Comprehensive and unique in the UK; proven over 25 years; up-to-date, every page is fully revised only months before going on sale; packed with information, clear and concise; used by climbers, walkers, cyclists, families, groups, schools, travellers and those involved in outdoor activities and independent travel.