A new era has dawned at Elterwater Hostel in the Lake District as Antony Moore steps into the role of manager, following the retirement of long-serving Nick Owen, who led the hostel for an impressive 33 years dating back to its days under the Youth Hostels Association (YHA).
Antony, a passionate lover of the Lakes and an accomplished ultra-runner, brings a rich and varied background to the position. Originally from Cambridgeshire, he recently relocated to the area with his wife Jennie, who works for the Brathay Trust. With early career roots in hospitality working as a chef and managing hotels, Antony later transitioned into children’s services and went on to lead several charities as CEO. Now, he’s come full circle returning to his hospitality roots in what he describes as a “dream role in a beautiful location.”
“It feels like my career has come full circle,” he says. “I started in hospitality and now I’ve come back to it and in such a special place.”
Nestled on the edge of Great Langdale, Elterwater Hostel has flourished under independent ownership since it was purchased from the YHA by Christine and Alan Thomas. The hostel has earned multiple accolades over the years, including recognition from Cumbria Tourism in the Customer Service and Employee of the Year categories, as well as a bronze award in the Best Hostel category from The Great Outdoors magazine in 2021.
Its commitment to sustainability has also been acknowledged through the Green Tourism Awards achieving Silver in 2014 and Gold in 2017. The hostel is a favourite among independent travellers, families, school groups, and event organisers, including the local fell running community who host training sessions there.
Antony is keen to build strong connections with both regular guests and new visitors, listening closely to what people want from a stay in the Lakes, already in conversation with schools and adventure organisations to better understand their needs around accommodation, food, and experience.
Next month, Elterwater Hostel will once again be present at Ambleside Sports, where it proudly sponsors one of the junior fell races each year.
Antony’s personal journey into running began a decade ago after being diagnosed as an insulin dependent diabetic. Since then, he has lost seven stone, qualified as a run leader, running coach, and guide runner, and completed numerous extreme ultra races across the UK.
Meanwhile, former manager Nick Owen is now enjoying retirement and plans to travel. A dedicated member and former team leader of the Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, Nick was awarded an MBE for services to mountain rescue in the 2023 New Year Honours list.
