I have lost faith with the way the YHA is run, more like a buisness than the charity it claims to be.

The SYHA still seams to be run allong the old ethos  that the YHA was run on. I will happily stay in a SYHA but have given up being ripped of by the YHA.

For example being forced to pay £6 for a six piece breakfast when I dont eat a big breakfast, i dont want a big breakfast and as a vegetarian I dont get £6 worth of value even if I did want a big breakfast because there were no vege sausages ect. But I cant stay in that hostel for room only rates, I am forced to buy a breakfast I dont want.

I get better value in England staying in a private bunkhouse.

Just a reminder for anyone who is thinking about taking the SYHA life membership that (I believe) the price will go up by 10 pounds from 1 September.

I had a look at some other HI affiliations and for most of them you need to be a resident in that country. For the Irish An Oige (open to all) there was no life membership and their prices are 10 Euro to the end of this year or 30 Euro to the end of 2009.

Nothing will beat the value for money of joining the SYHA, even if only on an annual membership.

And also the feeling I get is that the SYHA hostels are more geared towards the walker than the YHA, who seem to be more focused on their city hostels and going a bit more upmarket instead of being cheap and cheerful.

I bought my life membership of the SYHA many years ago for £7.50. I reckon I get more than that as a discount in Cotswolds  most years. One of my best investments ever.

Can I add the SYHA hostel at Craig (if it is still open) as a "favourite". Wonderful remote place with no vehicular access - unless the vehicle is a bicycle or shanks' pony.