New bunkhouse in Wiltshire

A newly renovated bunkhouse set in a converted skittle alley and attached to a real ale pub has been leaving guests 'bowled over' in Wiltshire. Recently opened YHA Clyffe Pypard is conveniently located right next to the Goddard Arms and has already welcomed a steady stream of visitors from all over the world.

It is run by operators Raymond and Libby Orchard, who have been stunned by the array of nationalities of visitors heading to the tranquil and scenic village. We've had a terrific start to business with guests from New Zealand, Australia, Iran, Samoa, Canada and the US not to mention a whole host of European nations," said Libby.

The 16-bed bunkhouse has been converted from a skittle alley into comfortable accommodation, ideal for groups or individuals visiting the Ridgeway, Wiltshire Cycle Way or the Chilterns Raymond and Libby converted the bunkhouse themselves; creating a kitchen, three bunkrooms, showers and toilets, thanks to Rural Renaissance who part-funded the project.

YHA South West Regional Manager Noel Preston-Jones said: "I'm sure visitors will be delighted with the bunkhouse not least because the owners are members of the Campaign for Real Ale! "This facility joins YHA as part of our Enterprise expansion programme, allowing new and existing accommodation operations to be licensed.
"We then include these operations in our national accommodation guide which goes out to quarter of a million members, and feature them on our national website at www.yha.org.uk. "YHA is constantly working in partnership with local authorities, other charities and private operators to develop the network of accommodation available to our members."

Overnight prices at YHA Clyffe Pypard start from £ 11.00 for adults and £8.00 for children.

The Friends of The Ridgeway has long believed that there is a shortage of cheap accommodation at the western end of the Trail. Here, it is relevant to repeat that in our view the natural terminus is at Pewsey. Can anyone suggest, better still, does anyone actually own a building that might be developed in this way?