14 MAY 1932, Page 12

a a a * THE BEST WALK.

If a foreigner who desired to walk England were to ask for an ideal trapse, is there any finer bit of country to suggesf than the uplands connecting the first five of the hostels built either in Somerset or just over the border ? They are found on a route, esPecially recommended, I believe, to members of the Youth Hostels Association, which runs from Stratford via Mickleton, Cheltenham and Stroud on the CidswokLs, to Brendon on Exmoor." It used to be argued whether the finest walk in the world was from Barmouth tim Dolgelley or Dolgelley to Barmouth ; but our modern hikers seek walks that fill a good week or fortnight. To respond to the growing demand a great many more hostels are being designed. Probably the first will mark a continuation of this route south-westwards to Ilfracombe. It is a favourable symptom of the reality of the movement that the hostels are kept open in winter.