World renowned mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington is leading an ‘expedition’ to raise funds to revamp his favourite Youth Hostel - the iconic YHA Black Sail.

The famous explorer will head a campaign to pay for much-needed refurbishment works at both the legendary former shepherd’s bothy and its sister hostel, YHA Ennerdale, four miles down the valley.

Sir Chris, who lives in the Lake District and is a YHA Vice President as well as a keen admirer of the Black Sail property, which is the most remote hostel in England and sits two-and-a-half miles from the nearest road.

He is determined that the £250,000 fundraising summit should be conquered to help safeguard the future of both of these popular sites.

“Of all the Youth Hostels I have seen, and there are many in fantastic situations, I think Black Sail is the pearl in the YHA crown without a shadow of doubt,” he said.

“What makes it so special is the isolation, the feeling that you are in the very heart of the fells, and the views are fantastic.”

So far, nearly £150,000 of the required funding has been secured but work needs to begin in a hurry to comply with the terms of the various grants awarded.

It is hoped the appeal will go a large way towards bridging the shortfall of £100,000 after last year’s hostel appeal – for YHA Boscastle - topped £110,000.

The project at YHA’s two Ennerdale sites will run in conjunction with the Wild Ennerdale partnership – a collaboration between the three land-owners in the valley – the Forestry Commission, National Trust and United Utilities.

This alliance was formed to put a stop to heavy forestry that has been taking place in the valley since the early 1900s and recreate a wild landscape ‘dominated by natural forces’.

“I’m sure that looking up to the north face of Gable and down the valley from YHA Black Sail will get more and more wonderful as the Wild Ennerdale project takes place,” added Sir Chris.

“That’s why it is imperative that Black Sail and the larger sister hostel, YHA Ennerdale, are maintained in excellent order so that future generations can stay in the very heart of this stunning valley.”

Anyone interested in helping Sir Chris scale the fundraising heights should contact email helenjohnson@yha.org.uk or call 01629 592602 or call the Freephone donation hotline on 0800 652 4885.