For this issue’s pick of the hostels, we’re on our way up. These properties are primarily found among mountains (or among hills, or at least near cliff-edges), making them perfect for walkers and cyclists in search of adventurous autumnal outings, long walks and challenging rides.
YHA Hartington Hall
Historic hostel in the White Peak
Walk out through the doors of this 17th-century manor house and you’re straight into the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park. It isn’t quite as lofty as its Dark Peak neighbours, but this is more than made up for by the drama and beauty of the nearby walks.
YHA Coniston Holly How
Adventure-focussed hostel in the Lakeland fells
For a hostel to be a key base for Mountain Leader Training and Assessment, it would have to have an upland location. So it proves at this old Lakeland house, perched close to the steep sided Coniston Fells and also next to some of the country’s best mountain biking trails.
YHA Brecon Beacons
Hikers’ hostel in south Wales
The mountains of southern Wales couldn’t be any closer to this popular hostel; you can actually see the highest of the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan, from the hostel window. As well as launching walkers high into the Beacons, it also sits at the crossroads of numerous other walking trails.
YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
Peaceful Lakeland accommodation for outdoor lovers
YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe, next to the lake of the same name, is surrounded by some of the Lake District’s pointiest crags. Glance at an OS map and you’ll see footpaths and bridleways splaying out in every direction… all of them uphill. The hostel is particularly popular with climbers, for good reason.
YHA Treyarnon Bay
Cornish hostel on the South West Coast Path
Banish any thoughts of a flattish seaside stroll. As anyone who has walked sections of the coastal path around Padstow will attest, the route that hugs the coast is anything but flat. The sea views over the north Cornwall coast are expansive, and the blustery walks in the area are life-affirming.
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall
Peak District hostel with a focus on adventure
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is superbly placed for exploring the highest areas of the Peak District National Park, not least the mighty (and mightily treacherous) Kinder Scout. Use your map navigation skills to explore the plateau, or just ramble along the many signed paths.
YHA Borrowdale
Hillwalkers’ favourite among Lakeland’s highest fellsÂ
Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Castle Crag are just a few of the mighty mountains that rise around YHA Borrowdale. If you’re in search of a base for high-level walking, then this award-winning hostel is where to head. It’s well set up for walkers and cyclists of all abilities.
YHA Ilam Hall
Striking Gothic manor in DerbyshireÂ
YHA Ilam Hall offers a different perspective on the Peak District and is particularly suited to families. Kids love the dramatic Gothic manor, and nearby walks through the narrow Dovedale Valley — with river-hopping across the Stepping Stones — are an entertaining way to get the kids into walking, almost without them knowing it.
YHA South Downs
A hikers’ haven in East SussexÂ
Ok, so the South Downs might not strictly count as mountains, but the swooping hills of this lush swathe of the English countryside are right on the hostel’s doorstep. The property — which was opened a decade ago by the Queen — also sits smack-bang on the route of the South Downs Way.
Read next: How to engage people in nature conservation
