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 →
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 →
A book about the spirit of YHA
The Spirit of YHA is many things to many different people. For some in the 1950s the true spirit was the spirit of those who walked or cycled and who did not use motor cars. For others it meant participating in youth hostels, taking part in the work that gave them life. For the authors... Continue Reading →
SIMPLY HOSTELS 