If you are struggling to stay motivated with your training over winter why not make the most of one of the many membership benefits and explore a new part of the country? As a member of Triathlon England and Triathlon Wales you can join YHA for a whole year for just £1 which gives you money off stays at their extensive network of hostels.
Whether you’re looking to go in a group, with your family or get away from it all on your own YHA has a room and location to suit your needs. We have picked just three hostels that could make the perfect base for a weekend of training, exploring or relaxing.
YHA Wasdale Hall
200 year-old YHA Wasdale Hall, in the west of the Lake District, is an ideal base for to take on all elements of your triathlon training, whatever ability you may be. This National Trust property, with many of its original features and breath-taking views, is often cited as a favourite hostel amongst guests and it is easy to see why.
Its position on the shores of Wast Water make it an obvious choice for anyone looking to do some open water swimming. Not only is the lake the deepest in England, but it also has very little boat traffic, making it a swimmer-friendly option over neighbouring Lakes.
And let’s not forget cycling and running, YHA Wasdale Hall boasts iconic routes a stone’s throw away. From the challenging Wrynose Pass (14 miles away), one of Britain’s most spectacular bike climbs, and Scafell Pike (6 miles away), to routes around the hostels extensive grounds or nearby woodland walks there is something to suit everyone.
YHA Brighton
If you would rather have museums, shopping and nightlife on your doorstep then Brighton may be the YHA hostel for you. Nestled amongst some of Brighton’s most exciting attractions, such as the Pavilion, Brighton Pier, the seafront and the Lanes shopping area, you can easily enjoy the city during your stay.
With a cycle store on site, the South Downs nearby, and National Cycle Network (NCN) route 2 linking you to the rest of the south coast, it makes a great place to spend a few days on two wheels.
YHA Cotswolds
In the centre of Cirencester, surrounded by the Cotswolds, this hostel provides the best of both worlds. Whilst the building only became a YHA hostel in 2016 it has had a wide variety of uses in its past, from a beer barrel store and WW2 aircraft parts factory to a theatre. It now sits amongst the creative hub of Cirencester with neighbouring buildings offering arts classes, workshops and galleries.
If you step further afield you will not only find the extensive Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Nation Beauty (AONB), with plenty of villages and pathways to explore, but also the start of the 184 mile Thames Path. Or why not join the NCN route 45 towards Cotswold Water Park where you can explore 40 square miles of countryside and pathways through over 150 lakes. Within the park is the Waterland Outdoor Pursuits centre which has regular open water swimming sessions in the lake to complete your triathlon training.
Visit https://www.yha.org.uk/membership to find out more about becoming a YHA member. To take advantage of the £1 membership enter the discount code, from your member benefits area, during check out. You can only make use of this offer when purchasing by Credit or Debit card.
