Thanks to money from the Richards Bequest legacy fund — named after late supporter H S Richards — the outdoor games boxes are being donated to hostels with lots of flat outdoor space.
A selection of outdoor games were trialled last year, and the most popular have now been added to the boxes: these include lawn boules, quoits, tug of war and the fast-growing Spikeball. YHA has also invested in skywatching boxes that contain monoculars for birdwatching or stargazing. There are two larger boxes that also include birdwatching books, constellation guides, as well as a tripod with phone adaptors for amateur photographers. They’ll be distributed in hostels in dark sky areas.
Marathon accommodation
Fancy a real challenge this year? YHA is the official accommodation provider of the first edition of the 13 Valleys Ultra, an ultramarathon within the Lake District National Park from 29 September to 1 October 2023. If you have the stamina, you can choose from four distances. There’s a 20km trail run alongside three ultra-distances: 60km, 100km and a frankly daunting 180km.
Want to join the challenge? We also are offering discounted places in the event if you are able to raise a minimum of £150 towards our work.
Here are a few hostels you can stay at during the event:
YHA Windermere: Overlooking England’s largest natural lake, YHA Windermere offers the chance to stay in an idyllic countryside setting only two miles from Windermere.
YHA Hawkshead: This family friendly grade II listed building is an ideal base reat for walking and cycling and also offers our biggest choice of Camping & Cabins – with an atmospheric village of camping pods, cabins and tipis in our grounds.
YHA Keswick: Overlooking the River Greta and Fitz Park, with far reaching views to Latrigg and Skiddaw, YHA Keswick is a stunning, recently refurbished Lakeland hostel.
YHA Chester Trafford Hall: Situated just outside the city centre of Chester, YHA Chester Trafford Hall was originally built in 1756 and combines the grandeur of a glorious Georgian house with modern, sustainable facilities.
See the full list of hostels in the Lake District.
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