This Youth Hostel
Published 1 February 2015
January is a perfect time of year for planning some walking, and probably some overnight trips too. Well, why not? As my partner has said on more than one occasion, no one is going to be on their deathbed and think to themselves “I wish I’d spent more time at work.”
Well, okay, there may be some people who will say that. But they’re odd people if you ask me.
For those planning an overnight trip, a night in a hostel may be in order. I’m a big fan of the places. They’re affordable for starters – often far more so than B&Bs or hotels. And I speak as someone who once £80 for one night in a B&B.
But they’re also friendly places. Many a time I’ve ended up having indepth conversations with wardens and other guests, whiling away the hours.
These days the YHA sometimes seems like it’s more interested in hostels in cities – witness it selling off many hostels in rural locations – but this plaque outside Truleigh Hill hostel in Sussex, reminds of its original agenda.
This Youth Hostel is one of many, both in this country and abroad, where young people, regardless of race or creed, may spend the night.
The buildings are diverse in character but they have a common purpose: to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside.
YHA National Office, Trevelyan House, St Albans, Herts
Comments
saul
24 February 2015 at 7:52 pm
Dear Rambling Man,
We just bought the Youth Hostel in Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales. I have to say that this plaque has been an inspiration for us since we saw it.
keep up the good work
Andrew Bowden (Rambling Man editor)
24 February 2015 at 10:12 pm
Kettlewell was one of my favourite hostels so I was sad to hear it was put up for sale. But so happy to hear it has been saved! It’s a fantastic hostel in a fantastic place. Hopefully you’ll see me there soon.
Al FromLeeds
3 May 2015 at 2:23 pm
Ah Kettlewell YH, …. I remember, in (about) 1973, sharing drinks, at the pub, with friends that were camping in the area. At ‘chucking out’ I left the pub to return to the hostel. Too late I realised that the hostel ‘locked up’, before the pub’s chucking out time, 2230? With head hung very low I returned to the (locked) hostel, knocked on the door and grovelled my apologies to the warden – he said nothing, though he let me in! The next morning everyone at the hostel looked at me with, IMHO, the look given to someone that had robbed a charity box. I never made the mistake again & don’t think I ever returned to the hostel again.
saul
3 May 2015 at 9:43 pm
It is really good to hear about how things used to be around here, people definitely get a warmer welcome these days! Since we bought the place we have heard some really funny stories about how the place used to be run, maybe you should give us a try again, Kettlewell is still as lovely as it used to be, maybe a little friendlier in the hostel too!
Have your say