A couple of weeks ago you will have seen some comical pictures of me walking up a hill in the Peak District in wellies & a waterproof jacket ( not a Gucci belt in sight). It may not have been my usual attire or a location you would normally find me on a Tuesday afternoon, but can I let you know what an amazing experience I had. I joined 14 fellow Bloggers from across the UK for a full day and night of hiking, eating fabulous food and enjoying an overnight stay at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall.
We started our afternoon with a 3-hour hike up Mam Tor (mother hill). The weather was lovely, and the pace of walk relaxed. I got to chat with many of the other Bloggers and it was fascinating to hear about their previous trips to Nepal and climbing in the Alps. When asked about my last trip I mumbled something about Mexico, in the hope they thought I had been trekking in the Mexican Mountains, rather than sitting on my bum for 2 weeks drinking cocktails. We will keep that secret between us. The ground was quite firm, and I was able to complete the walk in my very robust Hunter wellies but walking boots would have been a better idea. There are plenty of different walks to do starting from YHA Castleton Losehill Hall and the staff at reception are happy to assist in choosing the best route.
After a 3 hour hike, I was very much ready for something to eat. YHA didn’t disappoint with Supper Club. A set 2-course menu for £9.95 pp, freshly prepared and amble portions. On the evening we were at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall I ate Chicken & Vegetable pie served with creamy mash & the biggest jug of gravy you have ever seen ( must have known I loved gravy). Then for dessert a large slab of chocolate fudge cake & ice cream. The meal was a great opportunity for us all to further chat about our day and swap a few funny stories over a glass of wine. Oh yes, YHA has a bar and offer a lovely selection of wines, beers and spirits to accompany your meal.
This is the general set up of a twin room at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall. Its spotlessly clean, the beds are extremely comfy and the duvets keep you lovely and warm. This room had an en-suite bathroom with a toilet, basin and shower which was brilliant to jump in after a 3-hour sweaty walk. All together YHA Castleton 146 beds in 36 rooms, most of which have en-suite facilities. As lovely as it was to be offered the room I decided to join 3 other girls in a shared room for the evening. Even though I had only met them a matter of hours before I felt I wanted to enjoy the full YHA experience of friends being on an adventure together.
I think I may have left a little bit of my heart at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall. Whether it was pushing myself to go on an overnight stay with a group of people I didn’t know, finding that I loved hiking or enjoying being ‘just me’ for 24hours. All I know is had such an effect on me I raced out to buy full walking gear and I am already planning my next YHA visit for next year my friend. It was something new, something different and it gave me joy.
