The Magic Triangle is an indispensable history of youth hostels around the world. Written by two men from the international federation of youth hostels it is a definitive history which, given its scope, is unlikely to be equalled or overtaken. Sadly it is rarely available today. Published in 1982, the book runs from the beginning... Continue Reading →
A brave experiment
Just back from a week in the Outer Hebrides, that chain of islands on the edge of the Atlantic coast of Scotland that I love so much. Time up there reminds me of a brave experiment in youth hostels that began in 1961. Each year in September, Herbert Gatliff, an unusual and influential Englishman, took... Continue Reading →
Youth hostel words and how they evolve
I love words. Not surprising. I wouldn't write if I didn't and I love the etymology of words. I love finding out where words come from. The word hostel is an old one. It pops up in a translation of Genesis and Exodus from 1250 and in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in about... Continue Reading →
Should we ban cars?
This week the Guardian ran a piece on the ten best hostels and lodges that can only be reached by foot. Surprisingly to me and another reader they neglected Black Sail hut in the Lake District but included Glen Affric in Scotland. More interesting than that oversight, another reader commented that "the Youth Hostels Association... Continue Reading →
The first youth hostels
This time of year always reminds me how quickly youth hostels happened. The first moves to start youth hostels happened at the end of 1929. Less than eighteen months later the first youth hostels opened in time for Easter. In that short time they had signed up members, raised funds, formed regional groups, found buildings,... Continue Reading →
SIMPLY HOSTELS 