Is the YHA dying?

The YHA in the UK has been through some changes over the years and also struggled with it's revenue streams.

Over the recent years it appears that they are addressing this and you don't hear about it in the media any more. They have closed the non profitable ones down and upgraded plenty of other locations.

I was first taken to a Youth Hostel when I was 13 or 14 and my music teacher took us on cycling trips to places such as Holmbury St Mary, Blackboys and Firth Youth Hostels. I really enjoyed these experiences, I had my panniers loaded up and I was away for the weekend, exploring the countryside.

Back then a youth hostel felt warm and cosy, I remember virtually climbing up a ladder into a loft hatch in one hostel to get to our dorm. The following morning we all had our chores to do and often we would be sweeping out the hostel. I can't for the life of me remember the food - did they cook for me?

I don't remember how much a Youth Hostel cost. But having been on subsequent visits I thought that they were rather cheap. Until recently.

Well, some 20-25 years later things have changed a little. Youth Hostels are no longer the bastion of cheapness and shores. You pay your money, you can get a good hearty breakfast before you head out and you can get dinner and a packed lunch. This does of all come at a cost. The food is reasonably priced and it is good to eat with fellow walkers, cyclists and the like. But the accommodation costs? Hmm.

Maybe I am just getting old and grumpy and haven't really appreciated the increased cost of things. What prompted this blog post was that I was staying at Pen Y Pass YHA. You have to admit if you want to tackle Snowdon from the Llanberis Pass then this is the absolute ideal place to stay. Majestically placed on the edge of the road with the most stunning views of the Snowdonia Massive. Some of my fondest mountain memories are from this hostel. Hanging out in the car park with a beer on a chilly crystal clear night. The stars were simply amazing. (You can now drink in the hostel at the bar - another slight change as they progress and modernise).

The thing that got me really, was the price of staying there. We went into Llanberis for dinner at a local hotel. The cost of staying in the hotel wasn't too much more expensive (literally a couple of pounds) then bed and breakfast at the hostel. OK - were in the off season of November, but to have your own en-suite room really does make a difference.

I like the changes I think that the YHA had to change to accommodate more people and to be sustainable. They offer a wonderful place to sit and relax (you don't often get that in a B&B nor do you get a drying room). You also get the chance to meet like minded people. The only thing I didn't like was the snoring drunk (honestly at Pen y Pass?) which meant I didn't get any sleep in the dorm. However you do get an option to take twin rooms. However, out of season in Snowdonia, for the same price you could get a hotel room in Llanberis.

I don't think the YHA is dying - but they do have a very very hard job to do. Apart from the snoring drunk and the cost of a twin room, a YHA really is a wonderful place to stay. Where else will you get those views?