Legendary mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington CBE calls on public to help save YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant.

The future of YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant in Snowdonia National Park is at risk unless a total of £2 million can be raised. If the fundraising campaign is successful, the extensive refurbishment of the building and grounds will secure the future of the youth hostel for future generations as well as provide opportunities to many more young people.

Owned and operated by the youth charity YHA (England & Wales), the youth hostel has provided accommodation since it opened in 1959. Set in 42 acres of large wooded grounds with views over Llyn Gwynant and Snowdon itself, more than half a million people have stayed at the hostel, using it as a base while exploring the stunning surroundings.

YHA is appealing to the general public to help it raise at least £500,000 to enable it to get work started and save this iconic youth hostel for future generations. YHA has committed to find the balance from its own resources.

As well as restoring the early Victorian mansion house, YHA wants to set up a dedicated fund to support breaks to Bryn Gwynant for young people with challenging lives, and also establish the first YHA Campus there: a pioneering work-skills programme to get young people into jobs.

“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,” said Sir Chris Bonington. “Youth hostels 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.”

Plans for the youth hostel are ambitious and will create YHA’s first 5-star youth hostel in north Wales, providing additional accommodation and facilities as well as enabling YHA to reach out and help many more vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

As well as supporting the fundraising campaign, Sir Chris is also an Ambassador for YHA, helping promote and showcase YHA to a wider audience and assist the charity in spreading its message of the important impact it makes on society.

If you would like to donate to the Save YHA Snowdon Bryn Gwynant Appeal, visit yha.org.uk/give/bryn