YHA Helvellyn - Hostel

The beds were comfortable, and it’s a great YHA, but room 15 could use a proper clean. There was plenty of dust behind the bed, around the pipes and in the cupboards, and an odd smell came and went in both the room and showers. WiFi was unreliable, and there was no network. The walk up to the car park is steep, which could be difficult for anyone with mobility difficulties. The road in is a narrow country lane with big potholes. Google Maps only gets you to the road entrance, so keep driving along it to reach the YHA car park.

The staff were lovely, and breakfast was fresh and tasty. The location is fantastic for heading straight out on a walk. We eventually got used to the drive up, which takes 8-15 minutes depending on traffic, and nicknamed it the Track of Doom. I’m not keen on mixed-sex bathrooms. On Saturday night, brushing my teeth felt like doing it in the gents’ loo at a pub. The shower cubicles are very small, especially since you have to be fully dressed before stepping out.

The staff were all lovely, and the location is great for walking in the eastern fells. I stayed two nights in a female dorm and will be back in a few weeks. The road to the hostel is about a mile of uneven ground, mostly rocks with occasional slabs, and there aren’t many places to pass.

The location is fantastic, hard to beat, and everything was super clean and quiet. We tried both the restaurant meals and self catering, with a large, clean, well-equipped kitchen. This was our first time at a YHA and we were really impressed. The staff were courteous, knowledgeable and patient, even with some customers who had unrealistic expectations. Just remember it’s a hostel, not a hotel, and the price reflects that. We’ll recommend it to anyone who’ll listen.