#LiveMoreyha issue 8

#LiveMoreYHA Issue #8 - July 2017

Best of

Brighton Summer thrills on the south coast

Family fun

Golden girl

Now open!

Take the kids on a Snowdonia adventure

Peak District fan Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall

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Hello... …and a very warm welcome to the new issue of #LiveMoreYHA. I’m hugely honoured to be writing this as YHA’s new chief executive. Having watched the charity grow from strength to strength under Caroline White’s stewardship during the past nine years, I’m thrilled to be taking over the reins at such an exciting time in our history.

I’ve been involved with YHA throughout my life as a customer, member and Trustee, so I’ve seen at first hand the dedication of all those who work for the organisation, and the inspiring work we continue to do for young people across England and Wales.

I’m fully committed to ensuring that we maintain our high standards of success, a task that will be made all the more achievable by the fact that I’m joining such a dedicated and talented team of staff and volunteers.

I see the next few years as a huge opportunity for YHA to grow into one of the leading young people’s charities in the UK. I want us to continue to focus on what we do best, by providing life-changing experiences, inspiring the younger generations to broaden their horizons, and unlocking a spirit of adventure, possibility and discovery in those who most need it.

I greatly look forward to working with you, our members and readers, in the months and years ahead. In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy reading the news and features we have in store this issue, which include an interview with Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and a focus on our investment in young people.

Happy reading.

utive ec x E f ie h C , ke la B es m Ja 3

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Contents

06 Stepping Out: News, views

28 How to... plan a walking route and

08 An interview with Dame Jessica

30 Gear: the best new kit for

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32 Hostel guide: plan your next

and inspiration

Cover: Steve Buckley/Shutterstock.com

Ennis-Hill

Family camping in Snowdonia National Park

pack for camping

exploring the great outdoors

adventure

20 Making a difference: Our latest

38 Pictures from your adventures

24 Six ways to explore Brighton

39 COMPETITION: Win a Pรกramo

Impact Review

this summer

and #LiveMoreYHA tweets

fleece and windproof combo

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Stepping Out: Art

On the wall Two young artists leave their mark on YHA If you noticed someone taking a marker pen to our hostel walls earlier this year, you weren’t alone. Artist Hannah Morris spent the spring touring around England and Wales, visiting nine YHA properties and leaving a legacy of her stay at each of them. She travelled in the company of musician and sound artist Owain Griffiths, as part of a project funded

by Arts Council Wales. All nine hostels have now been left with site-specific murals created

by Hannah, as well as corresponding ‘audio artworks’ created by Owain.

The pair spent time immersing themselves in the surroundings of each hostel before setting to work. “(Each mural) is almost an illustration of the place around the hostel,” says Hannah. “I wanted people to be able to look and say ‘oh, we could go there’ and talk about what’s on it.

But I also wanted them to be good pieces of art as well.” It’s fair to say she’s succeeded.

The following hostels have benefited from Hannah and Owain’s work. YHA Lizard, YHA Portland (main picture), YHA Eastbourne, YHA Whitby, YHA Grinton Lodge, YHA Coniston Holly How, YHA Bristol, YHA Conwy and YHA Manorbier.

The Trails Olion project is the subject of an exhibition at the Oriel Mwldan Gallery in Cardigan until 5th August 6

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Celebrity Q&A

Dame Jessica EnnisHill It’s not overstating things to call Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill a living legend. Growing up around Sheffield and the Peak District, the inspirational athlete has gone on to become a three-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist. Now retired and expecting her second child, she took time out to catch up with #LiveMoreYHA

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Stepping Out: Jessica Ennis-Hill How’s retirement treating you?

Very well actually! It feels like I’ve been retired for ages, but it’s only been since October. I’m enjoying the flexibility and freedom to do different things, and not having the rigidity of training every day. I’m not missing competition at the moment. Once the World Championships and the summer season starts, I’ll maybe have that feeling of ‘ooh, what could I have done?’ But I feel pretty content with my decision.

I was ten when I got involved in athletics, and being an athlete has been my whole life really.

The benefits and opportunities that I’ve had have been incredible, and I love sharing my passion for sport. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy exercise. Even now I’m retired, I still want to keep active. My sister always says to me ‘why do you want to run now you don’t have to train?’, but I can’t imagine not running.

It’s that feeling you get when you exercise.

You still live in the Peak District. What makes it special?

It’s the best place! I feel very lucky to have been brought up round here. My grandparents live in Castleton and we always used to come to their house and go on big walks in the countryside, sledging down hills in the snow and things.

When you’re a kid it’s just great, to get out of the city and do something different. We’ve got a chocolate Labrador called Myla and these days we always take her to random places around here. There are loads of great walks – we’re kind of spoilt for choice.

I remember staying at the old YHA Castleton when I was at junior school. I must have been ten or something. My whole class stopped there, and we had bunk beds and probably caused chaos! I’ve stopped at YHA Edale as

well, with my senior school. It was just great to have the opportunity to explore the local area.

Where else do you enjoy exploring in England and Wales?

I think you sometimes get caught in your own little world, your little city, your little area, and you forget what else is out there across the country. There are so many great places to visit. We always used to go to Wales when we were younger – to Abersoch in a caravan. The Lake District is beautiful too. I think as kids you just want to go and experience lots of different places, and there’s so much in the UK. How about overseas?

I’ve travelled about a lot while competing and been to some really great places. I’d like to go to New Zealand. I’ve been to Australia but never down to New Zealand. In a weird way it looks quite similar to here – really lush and green. I’d like to go and spend a bit of time there.

You recently received your damehood. How was that?

Going to Buckingham Palace again was just incredible. I went for my CBE a few years ago and I never thought that I’d be back receiving anything else, so it was really special. A few of the staff were saying “ooh, you’re back again!” which was really funny. It was just great to share that with my family again. Prince William was really nice – really friendly and chatty.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Always love what you do. If you enjoy and are passionate about what you do, you’ll have success – and you’ll also take a lot from it.

Jessica is currently promoting her new running festival, Vitality Move. vitalitymove.co.uk 9

Stepping Out: Experience

Giving it a GO First-timer Anna Melton takes to the start line for a GO TRI duathlon “Go at your own pace”, it suggested…and I did.

Competing in my first ever duathlon was always going to be a challenge, but the promise of cake at the end seemed worthwhile motivation.

I rocked up with a bike I’d never ridden before and a very battered pair of trainers.

My fellow competitors were all lovely and, like me, were attracted by the chance to try something different and meet new people, plus the fact it wasn’t a race. And, of course, cake.

I’d only registered for the GO TRI ‘Your Pace – No Race’ Women’s Duathlon the evening before. The event consisted of a one-mile run, followed by a four-mile bike ride and a final onemile run. It was all off-road and within Lee Valley Country Park which, for a novice cyclist, was a plus for me.

We set off at a leisurely pace from YHA London Lee Valley. I actually managed to run the whole first mile. Buoyed by my athleticism I enthusiastically jumped on my bike parked up at the hostel – then jumped right off again to check the seat hadn’t been replaced by a razor blade.

I felt every single one of those four miles on the bike. The beautiful scenery passed me by as, head down, I concentrated on getting around the course. I made it back to the Youth Hostel and gratefully abandoned the bike. The final mile was tough and I really did take it at my own 10

pace, walking and running in stages. Trees and lampposts became my markers: “When I get to the big green bushy one I can walk again,” or “I’ll run after the sixth lamppost”.

I finished in under an hour, and more than felt I could have my cake and eat it – guilt-free too. More surprisingly, I’d enjoyed it and found myself listening intently for the answer when one of my fellow GO TRIers asked: “When’s the next one?”

Upcoming events YHA London Lee Valley: 12th Sep (GO TRI) YHA Brighton: 17th Sep (Brighton & Hove Triathlon) YHA Keswick: 19th Sep & 17th Oct (both GO TRI) For booking details visit yha.org.uk/gotri

Stepping Out: News

Audience tweets Witnessed the incredible @HandleBards in action tonight. Not had so much fun in a long time. Thanks guys

Shakespeare in the saddle The theatre troupes pedalling their way through the UK Sometimes an idea comes along that just feels right for the times. So it is with Handlebards, the touring Shakespeare theatre company that eschews the usual trappings of plush venues and motorised transport and instead focuses on the open road and the humble bicycle.

Made up of two separate four-person troupes – one all-male, this year performing Midsummer Night’s Dream, and one all-female, currently touring As You Like It – the actors travel the country by pedal power alone. They carry with them all of the necessary sets, props and costumes, and perform, in their own words, “extremely energetic, charmingly chaotic, environmentally sustainable Shakespeare”.

'Twas truly hilarious and epically excellent... well done @HandleBards @HandleBards Stunning talent.

Inspirational ideas. Hilarious, moving, brilliant performances all round. Go see them! They're phenomenal!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 1st August 7pm YHA London Lee Valley 2nd August 7.30pm YHA Cambridge 8th August 6.30pm YHA Beverley Friary As You Like It 19th August 7pm YHA Okehampton 20th August 3pm YHA Treyarnon Bay 1st September 7pm YHA Brighton 2nd September 7pm YHA South Downs There’s no need to book – a pay-what-you-will collection is taken after each showing.

We’re delighted to confirm that various YHA hostels figure in their summer tour schedule.

You can catch them at the following venues.

And prithee be warned: audience members have been known to end up on stage.

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Stepping Out: Arts YHA guests have the opportunity to take in a display of Scottish Colourists from the Fleming Collection.

It’s the first major touring exhibition to be curated by the renowned Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation – owner of the finest collection of Scottish art outside of institutions – and includes 26 works by SJ Peploe, JD Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter and FCB Cadell. Visitors with an interest in the countryside and culture north of the border will find plenty to enjoy.

Did you know YHA Berwick has its own art gallery?

Brush strokes Our northernmost hostel, the handsome YHA Berwick, has plenty of character. Housed in a converted 200-year-old former granary (which boasts a unique lean; Pisa-upon-Tweed, if you will) it occupies a prime spot on the Berwick quayside. And as well as having 13 ensuite rooms, a bistro café and a well-stocked bar, it also serves up a more unusual feature: a dedicated art gallery.

Forming a part of the hostel since the restored building was unveiled five years ago, The Granary Gallery is run by Berwick Visual Arts, a local initiative committed to developing “a welcoming and engaging environment of exceptional, ambitious visual art” in the Northumberland town.

The gallery runs a changing programme of temporary exhibitions. Even better, they’re free to visit. And from now until 15th October, 12

Art-lovers have further reason to add Berwickupon-Tweed to their wish lists. As well as playing home to Berwick Visual Arts’ other contemporary space, The Gymnasium Gallery, the town also has strong associations with the legendary LS Lowry, who visited on numerous occasions. The Lowry Trail leads through the streets, taking in the spots immortalised in his works.

It’s also worth noting that the hostel’s Granary Bistro has a roster of open mic nights, live music events and comedy nights. And if all that’s not enough to keep culture vultures happy, there’s world-class day-trip potential in the shape of Edinburgh, which sits under 45 minutes away by train. yha.org.uk/berwick

Top: Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, Loch Creran, Argyll, Oil on Board, Courtesy of the Fleming Art Foundation; Right: Scottish Colourists at The Granary Gallery.

Photo by Jason Hynes.

Stepping Out: Investment

All you wanted to know about:

YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall It forms part of a ground-breaking new visitor attraction, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, which opened at the same time. Created through a partnership between Northumberland National Park and YHA (England & Wales), the overall project totalled a hefty £14.8m – £7.8m of which was provided by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall opened in July, becoming the newest youth hostel in our portfolio. And though we say so ourselves, it’s a pretty special proposition. Here are the facts.

First up, the vital statistics. The two-floor hostel has 86 beds split across 26 rooms, all of which accommodate either two or four people. Eighteen of the rooms are en-suite, and two are DDA compliant (wheelchairfriendly). All rooms have free wi-fi.

Other features include meeting rooms, a self-catering kitchen, an open-plan bar and dining room, a retail outlet and extensive landscaped areas in which to relax or learn. It sits on the southern fringes of Northumberland National Park, and is located within the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spectacular section of the wall itself is just minutes away.

The centre itself, which marks the most ambitious project undertaken by a UK National Park Authority in history, showcases permanent and temporary exhibitions focusing on landscape, culture and heritage.

The innovative design of the complex was inspired by The Great Whin Sill, a nearby geological feature. It makes use of dry stone walls, glass and timber, and there’s even a grassland roof (the only one of its kind in the world) which can be walked on. Renewable energy is used throughout. yha.org.uk/thesill

Refurbishment update The following properties have benefited from significant improvements this year and are open for guests: YHA Liverpool, YHA Keswick, YHA Tanners Hatch, YHA St David’s, YHA London Thameside, YHA London St Paul’s, YHA London St Pancras YHA Treyarnon Bay, YHA New Forest and YHA Kettlewell.

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Stepping Out: Hostellers’ Q&A We spoke to three outdoor enthusiasts to get their thoughts on dorms, dinners and day-walks Want to appear here in the next issue? Email your interest to livemoreyha@yha.org.uk

Countryside, city or coast?

Favourite hostel?

Earliest YHA memory?

Ideal overseas destination?

Perfect hostel dinner?

An item to pack?

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Hannah James “Welsh girl, country girl, mountain girl”, and writer at hannahoutside.com

It would have to be countryside. I'm a mountain girl through and through, but I grew up on a farm and it's given me a healthy appreciation for our wonderful countryside.

YHA Bryn Snowdon Gwynant. I have wonderful memories of staying here as a kid and this grew when I got older. As soon as I learnt to drive, I'd take myself off and away from everything and go have some mountain time to myself.

YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant was the hostel my mum first took me, my sister and brother to as kids. It's part of what got me hooked on mountains, and Snowdonia in particular.

That's a hard one. There's so much to explore out there, but I'm pretty captivated by the idea of Chamonix. I've never been but I love the range of outdoor pursuits.

After a long day of having fun? Bolognese!

Easy - Kindle!

A book for a rainy day?

Hmm. I loved the Game of Thrones books and haven't yet found any quite as epic and gripping a read as those. Any suggestions welcome!

Favourite day-walk?

Another hard one. Probably the route I did when I was staying at YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant. Up the Pyg track as early as possible in the morning, down the South Ridge and back to the hostel.

Stepping Out: Hostellers’ Q&A Chris Edis

Zoe Hudson

Manager at YHA Borrowdale and keen fell runner

Outdoor blogger at zooutdoors.wordpress. com

Being in the countryside means being close to adventurous activities. I don’t need holidays – I get what I’m looking for when I leave work!

Countryside, preferably in the mountains – although the coast comes a very close second.

YHA Buttermere. I spent two and a half carefree years working there when I started with YHA and it’s one of the most underrated locations in the whole of the UK – it's a tiny Switzerland.

I can't think of one with a more spectacular setting than YHA Pwll Deri, on the cliffs in Pembrokeshire.

Staying at YHA Keswick in the late 1990s for my first trip away without the parents, and getting banned for dyeing the bathroom pink!

It wasn’t that early, but a trip to YHA Ambleside with friends while at university opened my eyes to the great locations you find YHAs in.

Somewhere with a lot of mountains, and ideally as unexplored as you can get these days. I enjoy going to places not many people know about.

I'm beyond excited to hopefully get my first visit to the Himalayas later this year. And from the tried and tested perspective, New Zealand.

Something hearty, home-cooked and made with locally sourced ingredients. We did a beef, beer and lentil stew that was excellent.

Packet noodles elevated to haute cuisine with green veg and peanuts, followed by yoghurt or ice cream and washed down with a local ale.

A down jacket - I’ve got a 10-year-old Rab jacket thats been patched up loads, but it’s the most comforting item of clothing you can ever wear.

Jelly Babies, a map, and one more layer than you could possibly need – just in case you or someone else needs it out on the hills.

I like Russian literature because it whisks you away – proper escapism. The books are dense and thick and pretty much never-ending.

A climbing autobiography. My favourites include Climbing Free by Lynn Hill and Psychovertical by Andy Kirkpatrick.

I’d usually run it, but it would be Rannerdale Knots from YHA Buttermere out of nostalgia.

When I worked there I’d run it 5 or 6 times a week. It’s a hill that hardly anyone goes up and views are amazing.

I’ve loved them all, but a winter’s day out on Ben Ledi above Callander really sticks in my mind. Blissful views and plenty of snow.

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Having a Wales of a time Pegs and poles? Check. Sense of adventure? Check.

Ben Lerwill takes his family on a camping trip to Snowdonia

A night to remember The way you stay can be as important as the place you stay. That’s why we offer so many unique and unusual overnight options. Forty YHA hostels have camping pitches, while 20 offer glamping, 10 have pods, cabins or huts and two have deluxe pods or cabins. We also have two camping barns. Who says sleep can’t be fun? yha.org.uk/camping-and-cabins

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Feature: Snowdonia

We’re just back from a long weekend’s camping trip in Snowdonia. Four of us – me, my wife, our eight-year-old son Joseph and our four-year-old daughter Bethan – stayed at YHA Idwal. Other than the myriad joys of family life under canvas (woodland walks, healthy debates over the whereabouts of the mallet, discovering Lego in your sleeping bag at 2am), we also got out into the national park itself. These were the two stand-out experiences.

The four of us have reached the top of Snowdon, but we didn’t arrive together. Joseph and I have made a three-hour clamber up the Miners’ Path, while my wife has brought Bethan, for whom we felt an on-foot ascent might be stretching it, on the railway from Llanberis.

So far, so good. The Miners’ Path has proved ideal for Joseph, with an easy initial incline and plenty of hands-on scrambling (although nothing too taxing) towards the top. And while Snowdon’s mountaintop café might have its detractors, the promise of a snack counter serves as serious motivation for an eight-yearold who would climb K2 if you told him there was a KitKat to be had.

So having convened for lunch at the top, and given both kids the chance to sit on our shoulders and be “the highest-up person in Wales AND England”, we turn our attention to the descent. The plan is to head back down the Miners’ Path together – a good idea, as it turns out. Time is on our side, and we work our way down slowly, filling water bottles from streams and pointing at helicopter fly-pasts.

We even manage a paddle in Llyn Llydaw.

It takes hours, of course. Four-year-olds don’t move at fell-runner pace. But the afternoon light bathes the eastern peaks of the national park in a woozy glow, and by the time we make the 30-second walk from the end of the trail to the door of YHA Pen Y Pass (open to non-residents, naturally), there’s a huge sense of achievement.

Pizza and beer have rarely tasted so good.

Fun factor: Parents 9/10, Kids 8/10 Value for money: 10/10 continues overleaf

Below us, a deep green view of the valleys is splashed with sun

“

Adventure One: Conquering Snowdon Bethan has a new word. Ginormous simply won’t do. “Snowdon is GI-MASSIVE!”, she informs us excitedly. Her enthusiasm is understandable, given that she’s just arrived at its summit. Below us, a deep green view of the valleys is splashed with sun and pooled with patches of white cloud. The sight is one to linger over. Unless, of course, you happen to be four years old. “What flavour ice cream can I have?” she continues, not missing a beat.

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Feature: Snowdonia zone. Like Bounce Below, it’s good for kids aged seven and over, so Joseph and I tackle the three ziplines together.

Thick cloud means the views across the mountains and mines are largely obscured, but the three lines – Alfa, Bravo and Charlie, covering an impressive combined total of more than 2,000 metres – all serve up highspeed kicks that have Joseph giddy with glee, particularly when he’s given a 10kg “turbo bag” to get him going faster still. We’re even able to ride one line in tandem.

Adventure Two: Taking on Zip World Experience now tells me that if you’re an eight-year-old boy with a liking for speed and adventure, few things are likely to get you more geed up than the prospect of a toboggan-style roller-coaster that hurtles downhill through woodland, whizzing past trees at 25mph. Zip World’s new Fforest Coaster does just that, channelling a combination of adrenaline and the outdoors into 710 whoop-inducing metres of straights and bends.

Zip World itself is spread over three Snowdonia sites. There’s the signature Velocity zipline – Europe’s longest and the world’s fastest – at Bethesda (it’s popular, so book months ahead if possible), a range of other ziplines and activities at Blaenau Ffestiniog, and a further set of outdoor thrills, most of them familyfriendly, at Betws-y-Coed.

We start the day at Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the headline draws include Bounce Below, a set of trampoline nets suspended in a cathedral-sized underground cavern. We’re here for something on an even grander scale, however: Titan, billed as Europe’s largest zip 18

Then it’s onto Betws-y-Coed, where all four of us try out the new Go Ape-style Tree Hoppers course (for age 5+). It has Bethan swinging, climbing and jumping with a smile best described as “gi-massive”. For the kids, however, it’s all an hors d’oeuvre to the Fforest Coaster.

We split into two parent-child toboggan teams and go for it. Each ticket allows for three rides – and if your kids enjoy it even half as much as ours did, you’ll be mighty glad of them.

Fun factor: Parents 8/10, Kids 10/10 Value for money: 7/10

MADE FOR ADVENTURE Proud to support

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Making a difference

UK children now live in poverty

1 in 4

At YHA we’ve spent more than 85 years transforming young lives.

We’re committed to spending the next 85 years doing the same.

The findings of our latest Impact Review, released in July, show the difference that we – and you – are continuing to make

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1.1 million £40 Our Impact Review shows that over the past year, YHA has reached 1.1 million young people. We’ve also employed 509 young people and welcomed 735 young volunteers

Just £40 allows a child living a challenging life to achieve many things for the first time through YHA

Feature: Impact Review We’re going to run a couple of sets of statistics past you. The first set are frightening. The second set are a demonstration of what we’re trying to do about the first set.

One in four children in the UK live in poverty. One in five are obese when they leave primary school. Almost 70,000 live in care, and more than 175,000 have caring responsibilities at home. Around 40% of children experience some form of mental disorder by the age of 14, and 865,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 24 are not in employment, education or training.

Now for the more heartening news. Our new Impact Review shows that we’ve reached 1.1 million young people over the past 12 months. More than 250,000 have stayed overnight with us, 141,000 of whom came to us as part of a school or youth group residential. For the third year running, this set of figures represents a record performance of success.

But it’s not enough for us just to welcome young people through our doors. We also have to make sure that the time they spend with us is transformative. We work to open eyes, broaden horizons and help sow seeds of hope and potential in the children who most need it.

We work, in short, to make an impact. continues overleaf

Jamal is ten years old. He attended a YHA Summer Camp in 2016. "Camp made me more independent. I made decisions about what to wear and how much to eat. I also tried new activities and, like a giraffe, I stretched my neck! There was no WiFi at camp which made my friends and me talk more. This helped me to know them better, their likes and dislikes. I will definitely be coming back next year."

It’s for Jamal, and hundreds of thousands of youngsters just like him, that YHA exists.

And it’s thanks to you, our members, guests and volunteers, that we do. Our focus is simple: we’re here to improve young people’s lives through recreation, education and wellbeing. Time has shown us that the benefits we can bring are both real and lasting.

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We are on a mission to reach more than one million young people every year. Thanks to our customers, members, donors and partners, we’re able to transform young lives through travel, adventure and discovery by creating opportunities to explore, learn, share and grow.

And the more help we can get, the more young people we can help.

Lily, aged 11, is a young carer for her mum.

"Summer Camp gave me space to play, socialise with others and enjoy various activities and challenges. I'm looking forward to coming next year and would like camp to be twice as long. So I can have more fun time!”

“Every young person should have the opportunity to get outside. For me, travel in the outdoors first inspired me to aim high, and one simple moment became life-changing. Looking around at the Lake District mountains gave me a confidence and self-esteem I’d never really felt in the barriers of a classroom.”

Alex Staniforth, 22-year-old YHA Ambassador.

Having overcome numerous setbacks, including childhood epilepsy, Alex made his first Everest attempt aged 18

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Feature: Impact Review We believe travel, adventure and discovery transform young lives. YHA is a child of the Great Depression. We were established on a shoestring to enable all young people to have new and enriching experiences, and we’re passionate about staying affordable and accessible. We have three driving forces when it comes to making a difference: Health: The activities and outdoor pursuits we deliver through school trips, group residentials and summer camps are proven to boost fitness and self-esteem.

We do everything we can to help children overcome health-related challenges and barriers to participation.

Education: We know that learning outside of the classroom helps children to feel more engaged.

Many of our hostels are close to historical attractions and famous landscapes, so make valuable bases for school trips and revision retreats. Our educational residentials improve children’s confidence and help them bond with their classmates.

Recreation: We’re open to all, and remain determined to make adventures and travel opportunities available for everyone, irrespective of financial, physical or mental challenges. We’re passionate about the good that can come from introducing young people to the freedom of the outdoors.

We are YHA. Because where you go changes who you become.

The next time you choose a YHA stay or enjoy a drink and a bite in our cafés, be proud of the life-changing experiences you’re helping to create. And if you want to take your support further, we’ll welcome you with open arms.

Visit www.yha.org.uk/donate or call 0800 0191 700 to donate and make a real difference.

Or visit www.yha.org.uk/Volunteering to find out about volunteering opportunities nationwide.

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Leisure and pleasure are Brighton’s raisons d'être. Ever since the profligate Prince Regent swaggered down here in 1783 with his motley entourage, Brighton’s reputation as a goodtime town has only continued to grow. Daniel Neilson takes to the streets Throughout its history, from the arrival of the future George IV to its modern-day status as Britain’s hippest city, via the inns and bathing machines of the Regency period (an era which the YHA Brighton building dates from), the cheap tattle of the Victorian day-trippers, the mods and rockers of the 1960s and the kiss-me-quick and candy floss of the beachgoers, Brighton has always been about the good life. Here are our favourite ways to enjoy a grown-up(ish) weekend in the seaside city.

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Feature: Brighton

Design at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery The Royal Pavilion is, quite rightly, the museum that everyone goes away talking about – an unmissable jumble of caprice and whimsy with influences from all over the world. The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is more restrained, but should definitely not be overlooked. It showcases some superb art and explores the history of the city, but for us, it’s the galleries dedicated to 20th Century Art & Design, Fashion & Style and the Willett’s Popular Pottery that particularly resonate.

Tracing the major design styles of the last century from Arts and Crafts to surrealism, you can see how the avant-garde eventually works its way into daily life.

The Royal Pavilion is an unmissable jumble of caprice and whimsy

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Rise up i360 Emerging phoenix-like from the ashes of the West Pier, the i360 is now a fixture on the promenade. Created by the designers of the London Eye, it grants views of up to 50 miles and stands as the tallest moving observation tower in the world. Visitors arrive through the original Victoria tollbooths before boarding a large glass pod (big enough for 170 people) and taking a 25 minute ‘flight’. As well as Brighton itself, you’ll see the South Downs, the Seven Sisters and sometimes even the Isle of Wight. It’s an impressive way to start a Brighton trip… and civilised too: there’s a bar serving local sparkling wines and beer.

Eat your way around the world With more than 500 restaurants and cafés in the city, you can eat pretty much every cuisine in the world here. On Preston Street alone you’ll find foods from dozens of countries. The city has also upped its game for fine dining over the last five years with buzzy restaurant openings such as 64 Degrees (Kimchi chicken wings with blue cheese? Yes please), etch., Pike & Pine and the locally sourced delights at Isaac At. And don’t forget Terre à Terre (pictured above left), one of the country’s best vegetarian restaurants.

Craft beer is also taking over the city. Brighton Bier’s de facto taproom Brighton Bierhaus now joins the Brighton Beer Dispensary, the Evening Star and the North Laine Brewhouse as the best places to get great beer. continues overleaf

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Time for a run After a night on the town, nothing clears the cobwebs like a run along Brighton & Hove’s seafront. It’s a great way to get your bearings too. There are miles upon miles to explore by foot or bike: from the Western Lawns at the far end of Hove, there’s a clear run east along the promenade, passing the i360 and the West Pier, then the Palace Pier, before heading under the Kemp Town area and on to Brighton Marina. If you’re really energetic, keep jogging east to rise above the white chalk cliffs towards Saltdean. Be careful though – that’s a big drop into the English Channel…

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Feature: Brighton

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Vintage-hunting and fashion-finding is probably Brighton’s biggest attraction

Alternative nightlife Brighton rocks to its own beat. Whether it’s the bass-heavy clubs along the seafront, the gay clubs towards Kemp Town or the live music venues dotted around the city, the nightlife here is legendary. Fatboy Slim, Brighton’s resident superstar DJ, also plays regular events in the city. And alongside the squall of guitars and the boom of dance speakers, Brighton also excels in theatre and comedy, with dozens of dedicated venues. The cornerstone event of the year is the worldrenowned Brighton Festival, directed in recent years by names such as Kate Tempest, Laurie Anderson and Anish Kapoor.

Independent fashion Brighton is a place that celebrates the counterculture, the independent, the idiosyncratic. That’s true whether you’re talking about the arts scene or the retail offering. An afternoon of café-hopping, vinyl-shopping, vintage-hunting and fashionfinding is probably Brighton’s biggest attraction. Many of the most interesting shops are based around the North Laine, a bustling maze of narrow streets that’s home to more than 400 independent boutiques, flea markets, bookshops, cafés and pubs.

It was an area that once teemed with slums and slaughterhouses but is now Brighton’s alternative heart. Afterwards, cross Western Road to The Lanes, Brighton’s labyrinthine jewellery quarter.

Local picks Peter Cant, Deputy Manager at YHA Brighton chooses his three essential attractions Royal Pavilion If you think that building is mad from the outside, you should see the inside!

Brighton Festival The whole of May is dedicated to the Brighton Festival, as well as the Fringe Festival and the Great Escape music event.

Brighton and Hove Pride The country’s biggest Pride festival takes over the city on a weekend in August (this year from the 4th to 6th) with a parade through the streets.

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How to...

H Wto...

Skills for outdoor living

… plan a walking route Don't just follow others – planning your own walking route can be a rewarding experience, helping you discover new places or set yourself challenges. Jonathan Elder from Ordnance Survey outlines how to get started.

1. Pick your map The best maps for planning walking routes in Britain’s countryside are the OS Explorer 1:25 000 scale maps, as these show the most detail. If you’re walking on a National Trail or another larger trail, you can also use the 1:50 000 scale OS Landranger mapping.

2. Decide on your route start and length You probably already have a start point in mind. Choosing an area with more footpaths will generally allow you to plan a circular route, which is more interesting than a straight out and back. Your average walking speed will be around 5km/h (3.1mph). This assumes level ground with easy paths and does not allow for stiles, scrambles, streams or any of the other things you might encounter.

If you are in hills or mountains, you can also use Naismith’s Rule: for each 100m of elevation gain, add 10 minutes to your time. Plan your route length based on the ability of your whole group and the time you have available.

Don’t forget to add on time for breaks for refreshments or photos.

3. Plan your route The simplest routes follow waymarked paths, such as National Trails marked with green diamonds. Green dotted lines on OS map show trails with rights of way, while black dotted lines show trails that may or may not be a right of way.

Draw or plot your route on the map. If using the OS Maps app you’ll get a running total of the distance as you plot the route, but if using a paper map you’ll need to use a ruler or piece of string to estimate the length.

You can get a fairly accurate idea of length by plotting your route to follow the path, but there will always be a margin for error where you have to detour around mud or find a safe crossing for a stream.

4 Check for danger points The safety of your route is going to be very weather-dependent. If possible, check the weather the day before so you can amend or re-plan your route accordingly.

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Also, check out for roads and train lines, coastal dangers (be sure to check tide times) and steep slopes and altitude. Make sure too, that you have escape routes in mind, especially on longer routes or high-altitude walks. You can also plan an alternative route that allows you to continue but avoids exposed peaks.

5. Get going!

Now you’ve planned and prepared, it’s time to #GetOutside!

Do a final weather check, and if you’re going on a route of any distance leave a copy of your planned route with family, friends or your accommodation provider, together with the expected time of return – in the OS Maps app you can use the ‘share route’ function to share a copy of your planned route easily. Do a final gear check – oh, and don’t forget to lock the front door.

… pack for camping More than 40 YHA hostels have campsites. Here's our list of essential items to pack: ✓T ent and all accessories (footprint groundsheet, porch) ✓ Tent pegs and spares ✓ Mallet ✓ Torches ✓ Sleeping bags ✓S leeping mats or camp beds ✓ Pillows ✓ Ear plugs ✓C amping furniture tables and chairs ✓ Bin bags

✓ Water container ✓ Stove, fuel matches ✓ Pots & kettle ✓P lates, bowls, cups, utensils and cutlery ✓B ottle opener and corkscrew! ✓ Coolbox ✓F irst aid kit, sun cream, anti-bacterial handwash ✓ Insect repellent ✓ Batteries ✓ Knife ✓ Toilet roll

... avoid midges Once largely confined to the Highlands of Scotland, the scourge of the summer Highland midge is spreading south, with reports of huge amounts in the Lake District, Snowdonia and Peak District this year. These little blighters are a real nuisance and can be painful. Here’s how to avoid them (or at least stand a fighting chance): 1. Midges are particularly prevalent in still, humid conditions and in the shade. Keep moving and stay in sunlight. When you’re walking, in general they won’t keep up.

2. Try to avoid being outside during dawn and dusk, when they are most active.

3. Stay covered. Wear light coloured clothing and invest in a midge head net.

4. Use an insect repellent. Smidge is designed with midges in mind.

Many people swear by Avon Skin So Soft too 5. Try not to linger too much in woodland or damp, peaty areas.

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Gear: Cool stuff

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OEX Helios EV Hydrodown 300 Sleeping Bag An excellent new 3-season sleeping bag from OEX, with water-repellent duck down ensuring you’ll be comfortably warm in temperatures down to -3˚C. Packs down to a very compact 24x20cm, and weighs just 750 grams. gooutdoors.co.uk

1000 Mile 2-Season Walk Sock Designed for hiking in warmer conditions, these two-season socks use a light COOLMAX® fabric, wicking moisture and letting your feet breathe. Comfortable, durable and practical. Thumbs up (or should that be toes?). 1000mile.co.uk

Aquapac Whanganui Waterproof Case There’s nothing over-complicated about this new, well-priced waterproof case.

It does what it does, and does it well.

The wearable pouch is a good size for everything from cash and passports to smartphones. aquapac.net

Primus Essential Stove Set 1.3L This sturdy, easy-to-use new stove set comprises two lightweight aluminium pans, a non-stick frying pan and a wind guard with integrated burner. It packs into one compact unit. Al fresco spag bol, anyone? primus.eu

Large Dog Harness Roscoe loves his harness, we’re pretty sure he has an extra bounce in his step. Not only is it comfortable thanks to its adjustable nature, but it is safer, with reflective fabric and a grab handle and secure attachment point. mountainpaws.co.uk

Dog Water Bottle Hydration for your dog is just as important as for yourselves. This very lightweight and collapsible dog bowl is perfect to stow away until you need to decant some water.

It has a non-slip rubber base. mountainpaws.co.uk

Shock Absorber Dog Lead This versatile lead from Mountain Paws has an elastic section to reduce shock and a sturdy screw gate karabiner for attachment. We particularly like that it can be held in your hand or tied around the waist. mountainpaws.co.uk

Bogs Classic High Sometimes it is wellies that you need for your walks, and these are the ultimate pair. These rugged winter boots have pull-on handles and waterproof Neo-Tech insulation over rubber. They are very, very comfortable. bogsfootwear.co.uk 31

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Visit yha.org.uk or call 01629 592 700

Y HA S trat for d bourne East

To book:

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Hostel guide

*Whilst YHA does not own or operate this facility, we are proud to be affiliated with it, endorsing the service standards and quality. Facilities do vary. Check yha.org.uk for further details.

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All Stretton Bunkhouse YHA Alnwick YHA Alston YHA Ambleside YHA Arnside YHA Bath YHA Beer YHA Bellingham YHA Berwick YHA Betws y Coed YHA Beverley Friary YHA Black Sail YHA Blaxhall YHA Boggle Hole YHA Borrowdale YHA Borth YHA Boscastle Harbour YHA Boswinger YHA Brecon Beacons YHA Brecon Beacons Danywenallt YHA Bridges YHA Brighton YHA Bristol YHA Broad Haven YHA Buttermere YHA Caldbeck YHA Cambridge YHA Canterbury YHA Cardiff Central Carlisle YHA Castleton Losehill Hall YHA Cheddar Cholderton YHA Clun Mill YHA Cockermouth YHA Coniston Coppermines YHA Coniston Holly How YHA Conwy YHA Cotswolds YHA Coverack YHA Dalby Forest YHA Dartmoor YHA Dimmingsdale YHA Dufton Durham YHA Durrell Wildlife Hostel YHA Eastbourne YHA Edale YHA Eden Project YHA Edmundbyers YHA Elmscott YHA Ennerdale YHA Eskdale YHA Exford YHA Eyam

Meadow Green, Batch Valley, All Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6JW 34 to 38 Green Batt, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1TU The Firs, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RW Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, Lakes, LA22 0EU Redhills Road, Arnside, Cumbria, LA5 0AT Bathwick Hill, Bath, BA2 6JZ Bovey Combe, Beer, Seaton, Devon, EX12 3LL Demesne Farm, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 2BS Dewars Lane, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1HJ Swallow Falls Hotel, Nr Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, , LL24 0DW Friar’s Lane, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0DF Black Sail Hut, Ennerdale, Cleator, Cumbria, CA23 3AX The Old School House, Blaxhall, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2EA Mill Beck, Fylingthorpe, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4UQ Longthwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, Lakes, CA12 5XE Morlais, Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5JS Palace Stables, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0HD Boswinger, Gorran, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6LL Libanus, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8NH National Park Study Centre, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, LD3 7YS Ratlinghope, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 0SP Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1NH 14 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA Broad Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3JH Buttermere, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XA Fellside Centre, Fellside, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 8HA 97 Tenison Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2DN 54 New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3DT East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BB Old Brewery Residences, Bridge Lane, Caldewgate, CA2 5SR Castleton, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S33 8WB Hillfield, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3HN Beacon House, Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Wiltshire, SP4 0EW The Mill, Clun, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 8NY Double Mills, Cockermouth, Cumbria, Lakes, CA13 0DS Coppermines, Coppermines House, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HP Holly How, Far End, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DD Larkhill, Sychnant Pass Road, Conwy, LL32 8AJ New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1JH Parc Behan, School Hill, Coverack, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6SA Old School, Lockton, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7PY Bellever, Postbridge, Devon, PL20 6TU Oakamoor, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST10 3AS Dufton, Appleby, Cumbria, CA16 6DB St Chad’s College, 18 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3RH Le Noyers Residence, La Profonde Rue, Trinity, Jersey, JE3 5BP 1 East Dean Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 8ES Rowland Cote, Nether Booth, Edale, Hope Valley, Derbys, S33 7ZH Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG Low House, Edmundbyers, Consett, Co Durham, DH8 9NL Elmscott, Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6ES Cat Crag, Ennerdale, Cleator, Cumbria, Lakes, CA23 3AX Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1TH Exe Mead, Exford, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 7PU Hawkhill Road, Eyam, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S32 5QP 33

s an rd

YHA Gower YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe YHA Grinton Lodge YHA Hartington Hall YHA Hathersage YHA Hawes YHA Hawkshead YHA Haworth YHA Hawse End YHA Helmsley YHA Helvellyn YHA Holmbury YHA Honister Hause YHA Hunstanton YHA Idwal Cottage YHA Ilam Hall YHA Ingleton YHA Ironbridge Coalbrookdale YHA Ironbridge Coalport Isle of Wight Brighstone YHA YHA Jordans Jo YHA Keswick YHA Kettlewell YHA Kings YHA Kington YHA Lands End YHA Langdale YHA Langdon Beck YHA Leominster YHA Littlehampton YHA Litton Cheney YHA Liverpool YHA Lizard YHA Llanddeusant YHA Llangattock YHA London Central YHA London Earls Court YHA London Lee Valley YHA London Oxford Street YHA London St Pancras YHA London St Pauls YHA London Thameside YHA Lulworth Cove YHA Malham YHA Manchester YHA Mankinholes YHA Manorbier YHA Medway YHA Milton Keynes YHA Minehead MOR Lodge YHA National Forest YHA New Forest YHA Newport Pembrokeshire 34

Port Eynon, Swansea, SA3 1NN Easedale Road, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QG Grinton, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 6HS Hall Bank, Hartington, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 0AT Castleton Road, Hathersage, Hope Valley, Derbyshire, S32 1EH Lancaster Terrace, Hawes, North Yorkshire, DL8 3LQ Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QD Longlands Drive, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 8RT Hawse End Cottage, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UE Carlton Lane, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5HB Greenside, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0QR Radnor Lane, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6NW Seatoller, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN 15 Avenue Road, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BW Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 3LZ Ilam Hall, Ilam, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AZ Greta Tower, Sammy Lane, Ingleton, North Yorkshire, LA6 3EG 1 Paradise, Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7NR John Rose Building, High Street, Coalport, Shropshire, TF8 7HT North Street, Brighstone, Newport, PO30 4AX Welders Lane, Jordans, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 2SN Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5LH Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5QU Kings, Penmaenpool, Dolgellau Gwynedd, Wales, LL40 1TB Victoria Road, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3BX Letcha Vean, St Just-in-Penwith, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7NT High Close, Loughrigg, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HJ Forest-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 0XN The Old Priory, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8EQ 63 Surrey Street, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5AW Litton Cheney, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9AT 25 Tabley Street, off Wapping, Liverpool, Mersyside, L1 8EE The Polbrean, Lizard Point, Cornwall, TR12 7NT The Old Red Lion, Llanddeusant, Camarthenshire, SA19 9UL Wern Watkin, Hillside, Llangattock, Crickhowell, NP8 1LG 104 Bolsover Street, London, W1W 5NU 38 Bolton Gardens, Earl’s Court, London, SW5 0AQ Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 9AJ 14 Noel Street, London, W1F 8GJ 79-81 Euston Road, London, NW1 2QE 36 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5AB 20 Salter Road, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 5PR School Lane, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5SA Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 4DB Potato Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4NB Mankinholes, Todmorden, Lancashire, OL14 6HR Manorbier, nr Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7TT 351 Capstone Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 3JE Vicarage Road, Bradwell Village, Milton Keynes, MK13 9AG Alcombe Combe, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6EW Mor Lodge, 83 - 87 Mount Wise, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2BP 48 Bath Lane, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE12 6BD Cott Lane, Burley Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 4BB Lower St Mary Street, Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA42 0TS

dS or xf

YHA Ninebanks YHA Okehampton YHA Okehampton Bracken Tor YHA Osmotherley YHA Oxford YHA Patterdale YHA Penzance YHA O YHA Perranporth YHA Poppit Sands YHA Port Eynon YHA Portland YHA Portreath YHA Pwll Deri YHA Ravenstor YHA Rhossili YHA Rowen YHA Scarborough YHA Sheen Bunkhouse YHA Sheringham YHA Sherwood Forest YHA Skiddaw House YHA Slaidburn Slimbridge YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant YHA Snowdon Llanberis YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass YHA Snowdon Ranger YHA South Downs YHA St Briavels Castle YHA St Davids YHA Stour Valley YHA Stratford YHA Streatley YHA Street YHA Swanage YHA Swansea YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall YHA Tanners Hatch YHA Thurlby YHA Tintagel YHA Totland Bay YHA Treyarnon Bay YHA Truleigh Hill YHA Wasdale Hall YHA Wells Next The Sea YHA Whitby YHA Wilderhope Manor YHA Windermere YHA Tanners H YHA Woody’s Top at YHA Wooler YHA Wye Valley YHA York YHA Youlgreave treet

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Orchard House, Mohope, Ninebanks, Hexham, NE47 8DQ Klondyke Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1EW Bracken Tor, Saxongate, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1QW Cote Ghyll, Osmotherley, Notherallerton, N Yorkshire, DL6 3AH 2a Botley Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 0AB Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0NW Castle Horneck, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8TF Droskyn Point, Perranporth, Cornwall, TR6 0GS Sea View, Poppit, Cardigan, Pembroke, SA43 3LP Old Lifeboat House, Port Eynon, Swansea, SA3 1NN Hardy House, Castle Road, Castle Town, Portland, DT5 1AU Nance Farm, Illogen, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 4QX Castell Mawr, Trefasser, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, SA64 0LR Millers Dale, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 8SS Rhossili Middleton, Rhossili , Swansea, SA3 1PJ Rhiw Farm, Rowen, Conwy, LL32 8YW Burniston Rd, Scarborough, , North Yorkshire, YO13 0DA Peakstones, Sheen, Derbyshire, , SK17 0ES 1 Cremer’s Drift, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8HX Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, Notts, NG21 9RN Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, , CA12 4QX King’s House, Slaidburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 3ER The Wild Goose Lodge, Shepherds Patch, Slimbridge, GL2 7BP Nantgwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NP Llwyn Celyn, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4SR Pen-y-Pass, Nantgwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NY Rhyd Ddu, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 7YS Itford Farm, Beddingham, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6JS St Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6RG Llaethdy, Whitesands, St David’s, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6PR Brantham Hall, Nr Manningtree, Suffolk, CO11 1PT Hemmingford House, Alveston, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7RG Reading Road, Streatley, Berkshire, RG8 9JJ The Chalet, Ivythorn Hill, Street, Somerset, BA16 0TZ Cluny, Cluny Crescent, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2BS Huntington Close, West Cross, Swansea, SA3 5AL Military Road, Bardon Mill, Northumberland, NE47 7AN Off Ranmore Common Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BE 16 High Street, Thurlby, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 0EE Dunderhole Point, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0DW Hurst Hill, Totland Bay, Isle Of Wight, , PO39 0HD Tregonnan, Treyarnon, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8JR Tottington Barn, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5FB Wasdale Hall, Wasdale, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1ET Church Plain, Wells, Norfolk, NR23 1EQ Abbey House, East Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT Manor, Longville in the Dale, Shropshire, TF13 6EG Bridge Lane, Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LA Ruckland, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 8RQ 30 Cheviot Street, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6LW Near Goodrich, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6JJ Water End, Clifton, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 6LP Fountain Square, Youlgreave, nr Bakewell, Derbys, DE45 1UR Visit yha.org.uk to book your next hostel stay 35

Save money every time you stay with us Become a YHA member today and benefit from great savings on everything from overnight stays to days out. Plus, you’ll be supporting a charity that transforms young lives forever through travel and real adventure.

Join today for the following benefits: • Adults enjoy £3 off per person per night when you book direct • Children and young people under 18 travelling with you receive £1.50 off per night • Get priority notifications of special offers by email

Get kitted out for your next adventure with 15% off Cotsworld Outdoor

• Access to over 4,000 hostels worldwide through Hostelling International • Save £30 when you book a whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire • Never get lost with great discounts from Ordnance Survey

Go Ape with 10% off a treetop adventure Get away for less with 10% off Railcards

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Become a member today!

Take advantage of 10% off at GO Outdoors

Join now at: yha.org.uk/ membership

Best value

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WIN!

A Lowe Alpine daypack We have a Lowe Alpine Tensor 23 daypack (worth £60) to give away to one lucky winner. A brilliant all-round 23-litre backpack for hiking, scrambling, multi-pitch climbing, and even skiing, it can be used year-round for lightweight hikers, or makes for a great 3-season hiking pack. It’s fully compressible and has a handy external stretch mesh pocket.

To enter, just answer the following question.

Which northern YHA hostel contains an art gallery? (clue: see page 12)

Answers to: livemoreyha@yha. org.uk by October 3, 2017.

Winner will be picked at random.

37

Drying Room: Pics & tweets

Gorgeous view from Win Hill in the Peak District Gavin Chambers Left: Mmm, hostel breakfasts! Spotted in HI hostel, San Francisco Helen Knight

We’d love to see your photos of hostel stays. Share them on Twitter #LiveMoreYHA or email us on: livemoreyha@yhaorg.uk

@Coco_Travels So inspired by @SarahOuten's talk at the #YHAGM2017 - oh the love of adventure and exploring! @JonBoam natural revitalization - I can recommend the YHA pods in Hawkshead - Lake District for small family breaks x @quirkytraveller Stayed at #Eskdale #YHA @YHAOfficial this w/end in the #LakeDistrict to celebrate a dear friend's birthday. Great fun in spite of the rain! @JulieKHutchison SO happy to become @YHAOfficial life member, supporting them help

others explore & discover outdoors #LiveMoreYHA @mysticstatistic @YHABoggleHole perfect place to end lyke Wake walk.. My brother and I were warmly welcomed despite our moaning!

Great staff :) @bellsandbikes Brilliant overnight stay at YHA Eyam @ YHAOfficial followed by great cycling through @peakdistrict, listening to wildlife waking in the mist.

Reader tweets: Share your adventure #livemoreYHA

#LiveMoreYHA is published by Don’t Look Down Media Ltd in Eastbourne, United Kingdom ISSN 2514-0159

38

Name the Wainwrights

Drying Room: Celebrity Q&A

TO WIN A Páramo fleece and windproof combo The Lake District was recently inscribed onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List. To celebrate, we’ve jumbled up the names of five of its most famous fells below. Worked out what they are?

Drop us a line at livemoreyha@yha.org.uk by October 3 2017 to be in with a chance of winning.

B E AT G A RG L E PLEASEFLICK L E V H N E L LY D I S K WA D ELFBLOW To enter simply send us an email with your five answers.

The lucky winner will be drawn at random.

Answers to: livemoreyha@yha.org.uk by October 3 2017. Please feel free to share your thoughts (positive or otherwise!) on this magazine at the same time. Is there anything you particularly enjoy about it, or would like to see changed?

Women's Alize and Men's Ostro jackets

About the prize We have a Páramo fleece/windproof combo – designed to go together – to give away to one lucky winner. If the winner is female, the prize will be an Alize fleece (£125) and windproof jacket (£85). If male, the prize will be an Ostro fleece (£125) and windproof jacket (£85). The fleeces are ideal for active people who swap between activities and environments. The jackets offer packable protection for runners, cyclists and walkers. Winner will be picked at random. Details of entrants will be passed to Páramo.

Last issue: well done to Nick Somers and Helen Mclaughlin, who won Salewa Pedroc Alpha Jackets, and to Jackie Benson, Graham Banks and Graham Watson, who won Cicerone guidebooks 39

LOCATION: Nanda Devi Camp 03 1979 PACK: Expedition Series 1967

In 1967 we made a backpack that in one moment, changed the world. ‘The Expedition’ was the first pack to feature an internal frame. It made the pack lighter, stronger and easier to carry. This design became a blueprint for every pack made today. Fifty years on we still spend every moment doing what we love - designing the best backpacks in the world.

#FORMOMENTSLIKETHIS | LOWEALPINE.CO.UK/50YEARS