Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
Overview
YHA Alston is the perfect accommodation option for cyclists and walkers looking to enjoy the beautiful North Pennines scenery which surrounds the hostel. Ideally located for those tackling the Pennine Way or the Coast to Coast cycle route (the hostel is situated on both routes), the neighbouring countryside has great walking routes for all to enjoy, whether you are a keen hiker or prefer a more gentle approach.
Although the hostel is on the edge of town, there are three pubs that serve food, two supermarkets and local amenities within walking distance, providing all you need for a peaceful break. The hostel is also visited by red squirrels, that can often be seen through the dining room window.
Why guests love YHA Alston
Accommodation at YHA Alston
The hostel
We have seven dormitories with 30 beds, all located on the first floor.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the hostel
- Hire the whole hostel for a family getaway!
Room breakdown 2 x 2 bed rooms, 2 x 4 bed rooms and 3 x 6 bed rooms. Private room hire is available as well as single sex shared dorm rooms.
There is a self-catering kitchen, dining room and comfortable lounge area. There are four showers and male and female washrooms. YHA Alston also benefits from a spacious drying room and secure indoor cycle storage for 20+ bikes.
The spacious self-catering kitchen has a good amount of storage and workspace as well as all the essential appliances to cook up a delicious meal. There is ample crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment.
Hire the whole place
This hostel is occasionally made available for hire on an exclusive basis between November and March. This means that you can have the place to yourself and choose how many of your friends, family, club mates, etc., join you. If you are looking for space to stay with us on a normal shared basis, and can’t see any availability, then this hostel may be being used for Exclusive Hire. You can check availability for Exclusive Hire on our dedicated website.
Food and drink at YHA Alston
Things to do around YHA Alston
Cycling in Alston
The hostel is a popular stop off for the Sea to Sea bike ride. The secure bike shed and drying room offer all the facilities a cyclist needs. However we do not have bikes to rent out.
Walking and Rambling in Alston
The Pennine Way passes through some of the most beautiful and remote countryside England has to offer. This section boasts the highest waterfall in England.
Mountain Biking in Alston
The South Tyne Trail is a great route for all abilities to enjoy traffic-free picturesque rides.
South Tynedale Railway
A new narrow gauge railway from Cumbria into Northumberland. There's also a shop, café & Hub transport museum. Visit the Railway website
The Rheged Centre
Designed to resemble a Lakeland hill, the grass-covered centre houses a cinema, play areas, pottery painting and regional shops that reflect the area, its craft people and producers. Why's it
Talkin Tarn Country Park
An ideal place for water sports or a quiet stroll through the mature woodlands. Fishing and bike hire available. See details on the Visit Cumbria website
Killhope
Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum, is a fully restored nineteenth century lead mine, where you can experience for yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pen
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
See the mineral mining past of the North Pennines, with underground tours and interactive waterpower demonstrations. See samples in the nearby museum and tea-room. Visit the Mine website for
An Evening with Alan Hinkes OBE
An Evening with Alan Hinkes OBE An outdoor icon, Alan is the first and only Briton to climb all 14 of the world’s 8000m mountains – a feat achieved by fewer people than have stood on the moon!
Facilities
General
- Cot available
- Cycle store
- Free wi-fi
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
- Laundry
- Lounge
Entertainment
- Board games
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
Food & drink
- Dining room
- Meals available
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Sole use
- YHA Exclusive Hire
Need to know
Reception times: 08.00 - 10.00 17.00 - 22.00
Check in: 17.00 - 22.00
Check out: 08.00 - 10.00
Open every day?: Yes
Parking: There is parking for up to 8 cars at the hostel and additional parking nearby.
Pets: Assistance dogs are welcome.
YHA Alston - Access Statement
(PDF download - 49.09 KB)
YHA Exclusive Hire
Make YHA Alston your home for a few days by booking the whole place for yourself! Visit our YHA Exclusive Hire website for more details. Exclusive Hire group bookings can be made from November through to the end of March.
History
Purposely built in 1975 for YHA, YHA Alston is now privately owned as a YHA Enterprise hostel.
Meet the team
The hostel is owned and run by keen long distance walkers and cyclists Linda Willmott, Neil Willmott and Jenny Bradley.
Manager recommends: For something unusual, walk behind Ashgill Force waterfall. If you're feeling active mountain-bike the South Tyne Trail - the old railway path to Haltwhistle.
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