youth hostels, the history, people and ideas behind them
John Martin has been making his historical profiles available on this site. Here, in a guest post, he writes about progress developing the profiles. Llwyn-y-Celyn, courtesy John Martin Since the beginning of 2020 the following Profiles have been added to the collection: Northumberland: Ninebanks; Wallington, Great Bavington and Rothley Shiel hostels; WholehopeCounty Durham: *Edmundbyers area;... Continue Reading →
Continuing the story of Hilary Hughes, based on the log book of her cycle tour in the South of England, a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two young women in 1936, when they were alone in the world, unaided, for a week. 1936 was a momentous year. The Royal scandal of King Edward’s relationship... Continue Reading →
It almost seemed silly how easily it began. Someone took a photograph. The pair mounted their cycles, and pedalled off. Not far up the unpaved road, they dismounted and walked to the top of the hill where they paused, and waved. Then, for anyone watching, they disappeared, alone, and unaided. Hilary Hughes and Margaret Taylor... Continue Reading →
Guest writer, Linda Willmott, one of the owners of the youth hostel, on owning and running a youth hostel on the Pennine Way, the guests she's seen and a heavy heart. Alston Youth Hostel on the Pennine Way looking for a new owner Where is Alston? We didn’t really know other than it was nearly... Continue Reading →
On a lovely autumn day in England's Lake District, we visited Wray Castle, overlooking Windermere. Under blue skies, views of the surrounding hills were clear, not a cloud in sight. The castle, now open as one of the National Trust’s many properties, was busy; families, couples, children, and cyclists, setting out to explore the grounds,... Continue Reading →
SIMPLY HOSTELS 