Legendary mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington CBE has put out a call to help save YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant a much loved Hostel in North Wales.

YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant was opened in 1959 and since then has provided accommodation to over half a million adventurers, including young people, school trips, groups, families and of course individuals.

However the YHA’s beloved and popular hostel is now too tired to continue without some major building work, putting the future of the site at risk. The refurbishment costs have been priced at £2 million – the YHA are seeking donations from the public of £500,000 towards the repairs/refurb with the YHA meeting the rest of the cost from it’s reserves. Unless the money is raised there is no way to guarantee the future of the hostel.

British mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington CBE is an Ambassador for YHA and is also publicly supporting this appeal, he said

“I am passionate about both Snowdon Bryn Gwynant youth hostel and the work of YHA; both play a critical role in making Snowdonia accessible to young people. It goes beyond low cost accommodation: the youth hostel at Bryn Gwynant is a beacon to many climbers like myself as it offers a warm bed, food, camaraderie and the opportunity for adventure.

“My own climbing adventure began in 1951 when I was only 16 and stayed in Capel Curig Youth Hostel in Snowdonia. The experience fired my enthusiasm for the hills and set me on the course of my life. However, I have been a member of YHA from the age of 14 when I cycled around the south east visiting castles and staying in youth hostels which was and still is a passion of mine.

“Youth hostels then and today change lives and I believe it is not only important to preserve YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant but also open it up to many more young people and their families. This cannot be done unless there is significant investment.”

The Chief Executive of the YHA, James Blake, followed Sir Chris Bonngintons comments by saying

“YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant is a jewel in YHA’s crown. It has already left a legacy in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people who have stayed there and we want to reach at least half a million more. The building is hugely significant to the charitable aims of YHA, but in urgent need of refurbishment, which will not be financially viable without wider support. I am delighted that Sir Chis is championing our fundraising campaign to secure the future of YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant.”

The future of YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant

The Plans for the Snowdon Bryn Gwynant youth hostel are ambitious and will create the first 5-star youth hostel in north Wales providing additional accommodation and facilities as well as enabling us to reach out and help many more vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

Transforming the hostel will create job opportunities as well as help local young people get work ready by gaining crucial work experience, training and qualifications through YHA Campus, to enable them to gain employment in the hospitality industry.

If you’d like to donate to the appeal click the link below.

If you’ve stayed at the hostel, let us know in the comments below