replacing bearings on a rear system ex track hub

After many years and miles my rear hub has developed a very small amount of play in all directions. I wasn't able to remove the play by tightening the nuts either side of the hub (not sure what you call those nuts? I might need to replace them as I slightly rounded one out trying to tighten it).

I'm inclined to fit a new pair of £1 cartridge bearings and then cross my fingers for another decade of maintenance free rolling. Is that the case, or do hubs wear out in other ways, are the new bearings likely to fit ok? The spokes have worn some grooves around the holes in the flanges but other than that, the hub looks as good as new.

I've replaced a two sets of cartridge bearings recently and in both cases went for cheap ebay bearings and they pressed in quite easily. One I made "bearing press" with washers and stud but on the 2nd wheelset I simply tapped them in.
I'd say replace the bearings

thanks, that's good to hear, I'll give it a shot. I hope my current set hold out until I get around to replacing them.

I would also recommend spending a few quid more (Usually £2-£3 per bearing on eBay) and get quality bearings from SKF, FAG or NSK.

I also had slight play in my rear axle which was solved by replacing the sealed bearings.

It may also worth the cost to buy ceramic bearings since they are smoother and last longer

Nah.

Nah, ceranmic doesn't mean better weather sealing, good old SKF, FAG, etc. work perfectly well and cheap enough to last a long time before replacing.

Rainy, when you replace the bearing, may be worth taking it to a LBS to ensure that the axles is adjusted not too tight, as doing so will cause the bearing to wear out faster.

Tutorial for this job here:

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/199359/

No mention of tightening up being particularly tricky, I assume you want them tight enough so there's no play but no tighter.

Just an update - I put £1 bearings in and all is well one year on. The job was easy thanks to the tutorial here :)