Here's a good way to travel from England. Sandy

The Hairy Hog bus service will help budget travelers explore Wales, and Haggis Backpackers will continue to offer group and at-your-own-speed tours in Scotland. The Hairy Hog trips, geared to those 17 to 35, begin at the Bath, England, youth Hostel Assn. hostel every Monday ( three-day tour) and Tuesday (six-day tour) throughout the year. Three-day tours are $115 and six-day excursions are $199 but don't include accommodations and entrance fees. It is wise to budget an additional $30 for admissions and $13 per night for hostel rooms. Travel is by 16-passenger minibus, and accommodations are in dormitory rooms. The bus stops for meals during the day. The three-day tour begins with a visit to Brecon Beacons National Park, one ot the three Welsh national parks. Passengers visit the Carreg Cennen Castle, then Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and then spend the night at the local youth hostel. Day 2 of the tour goes to central Wales, passing through smal seaside towns and villages to the Cambrian Mountains. Later the Later the group enters Snowdonia National Park to Mt. Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales, and will spend the night at the base of the mountain.

On Day 3, the tour heads for Blaenau Ffestiniog, where passengers visit a working slate mine. Then it's off to Ludlow, and Hay-on-Wye, Wales. The tour finishes back at the Bath YHA. You are advised to reserve accommodations at the Bath hostel (phone 011-44-1225-465674). Tours can be purchased on arrival in Britain by contacting Hairy Hog Backpackers Adventures, 011-44-1453-751009, In London they have offices at the British Travel Centre, 12 Regent St., Piccadilly Circus and at 22 Conduit Place in Paddington. Tour reservations are not available from the US.

Haggis Backpackers offer year-round Jump On Jump Off bus tours, plus three-and six-day programs for budget-conscious travelers that start at $125 and rise to $142 in summer. Bus tickets are valid for travel along a 620-mile route; passengers can decide where to get off and how long to stay. Buses pass each point along the route once a day in summer and a minimum of five times a week in winter. For hostel accommodations, budget an additional $13 to $15 per night. Haggis' three day tours cover the wilds of the Highlands and the islands for about $115 and a six-day tour that starts at $215. For more information contact Haggis Backpackers, 11 Blackfriars St., Edinburgh, EH1 1NB Scotland, 011-44-131-557-9393.

Haggis Backers, 11 Blackfriars St., Edinburgh, EH1 1NB, Scotland; 011-44-131-557-9393, internet: http://www.haggis-backpackers.com offers a six-day UK Tour through England, Wales and the Scottish borders. Accommodations are not included, but the company provides door-to-door service to many hostels along the route. You can also stop at B&Bs or camp. The 750-mile London-to-Edinburgh tour stops at the Avebury stone circles, Bath, Snowdonia National Park, the Lake District, York, Chester and Stratford-on-Avon. The fully guided trips, which depart daily, are sold in Britain starting at $200.