14/07/2023
Here's a little bit of History about YHA Hathersage
The Derbyshire village of Hathersage entered the industrial revolution early, and left it early. A wire mill was established in 1750, and 50 years later there were several such mills in operation. Activities had spread to the manufacture of needles and pins, for which Hathersage became famous. Wire and needle making moved to Sheffield at the end of the 19th century and the last mill here closed in 1902, though several of the mills are still standing. As a result of its industrial growth several Victorian villas in Gothic style were built in the locality, the youth hostel at the Hollies on Castleton Road being one. this became a YHA in 1970
Mike Rosser was the first warden. He had been assistant at High Close (Langdale) hostel in the Lakes and was to have a long and influential spell at Hathersage of almost 30 years, right up to the millennium. YHA’s Triangle magazine, issue 14, of May 1985 announced that Mike was taking the initiative and acting as Bookings Secretary in the promotion of the ‘White Peak Way’; for an experiment during August customers were able to use this facility at Hathersage to make a block booking of hostels. The December issue stated that this scheme was to extend to all 1986 holidays, having proved a success. During his time with YHA Mike also organised, virtually single handed, the Peak Challenge every year, often with over 200 entrants.
In 2016 YHA Hathersage was refurbished and refreshed under the Springboard programme. Special attention was paid to the reception, dining and self-catering areas and new beds were provided. Hathersage can sleep up to 42 guests, 17 in the main house, where there are two 6-bedded rooms, one 4-bedded and a single, and 25 within the coachhouse annexe with three 6-bedded rooms, a 4 bed en-suite room and a 2 or 3 bed en-suite room with disabled access and its own entrance. The staff flat behind reception has a living room, small kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom. There is a further double en-suite staff room in the attic. The rear courtyard, cobbled until recently, was resurfaced in preparation for the new bike store
