Information for visitors

Here is helpful and important information for groups visiting Hag Dyke. Please read it carefully.

Notice of arrival

Contact details for your warden covering your visit will be sent in advance. Please get in contact with them to advise your approximate time off arrival.

Keys

The keys to the hostel are now located at the hostel itself and instructions will be given with your booking confirmation.

Approach

On foot, you should head in the general direction of Great Whernside summit and take the signposted footpath to the left of Dowber Ghyll. DO NOT go along the Ghyll bottom. Wear good footwear, and after dark carry torches.

By vehicle, cross the bridge over Dowber Ghyll and take the track. YOU MUST keep to the track all the way to Hag Dyke. DO NOT leave the track and drive over the fields. Be warned that in winter the track can easily become blocked by snow. The track is completely unsuitable for ordinary vehicles. Only attempt it with a Land Rover or other equally capable 4×4.

Arrival

Enter by the boot room, taking off your boots before going into the other rooms. Please follow the detailed start up procedures in the instruction manual usually found in the kitchen or dining room.

Fires

Visitors may light fires as required (there are no extra charges) but please avoid waste. Coal is found under the stairs in the Dining Room. Please replenish it with coal from the Barn before you leave.

Sanitation

Hag Dyke uses cesspit sanitation, so only use a minimum amount of disinfectant. Please warn everyone that nothing solid must be put down lavatory pans, otherwise the drainage system may block, with very unpleasant results. Whilst normally there are no problems, in case of need there are drain rods in the barn. Bleach is for floors only.

Sleeping arrangements

There are bunks in the Henderson (4), Priestman (6), Dutch (16) and Findlay (10) rooms. Mattresses must not be moved around without the Warden’s permission.

Fire risks

Hag Dyke is fitted with a fire alarm system which will sound in all rooms when activated. The recommended assembly point in the event of a fire alarm is the flagpole. Check the whereabouts of fire extinguishers and exit doors. You should brief all members of your group on fire safety, including the assembly point, when you arrive and arrange a fire drill, so everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Please ensure that you leave the fireguard in front of the fire when it is unattended.

Tents

Visitors associated with your group (and no one else) may pitch an unlimited number of tents in the field behind the chapel.

Ball games

To avoid broken windows please keep well away from the Hostel and Chapel. The field behind the Chapel is ideal for ball games.

Maintenance

There are no permanent wardens. Offers of extra ‘spring cleaning’ type of jobs are always welcomed. If there is no Warden in attendance parties are asked to use their own ideas.

Wardens

Provided at weekends and generally at the beginning and end of longer visits. If invited to eat with your group, they will pay for their food if requested. They are voluntary helpers and their job is to be of advice and assistance regarding the care and use of the Hostel and general amenities.

Refuse

Rubbish that can be burnt, especially remains of food, should be burnt on the Hostel fires in order to keep down the possibility of vermin. Please take all other rubbish away with you. Ash from the fires should be kept separate and have been deposited in the ruts of the Land Rover track.

Leaving

See that the Hostel is clean and as you would wish to find it, that the fires are out, or almost out, the oven and utensils are clean and that there is no food left that will encourage vermin.

Follow the instructions for leaving in the instruction manual. This is important. Turn of gas, water and electrical supply as detailed.

Click below to download a copy of this Information for Visitors so you can print it and take it with you.