Name Address Phone Fax Description Beds Credit cards Disabled facilities? Drinks license? Under 3s? No smoking? High chairs? Cots? Parking Facilities Meals Travel Buses Trains Ferries Next hostels Tourist Info OS sheet Grid Ref Price notes Under 16s Adults Abergavenny It is possible that YHA will have a Youth Hostel at Abergavenny. Please contact YHA Cymru-Wales, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF1 9HA. 01222 396766 01222 237817 No No No No No No No No - Bangor Tan-y-Bryn, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 1PZ 01248 353516 01248 371176 Set against the backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains with good road and rail links, this large Victorian house is accessible to all travellers. The city boasts a Victorian Pier, cathedral and maritime centre. Penrhyn, Beaumaris and Caernarfon castles are nearby as well as the Greenwood Centre and Anglesey Sea Zoo. 84 Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Reception, lounge, games room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, cycle store, laundry facilities, shop, dining room and grounds. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 18.00 hrs - 19.00 hrs On A5122 50yds before sharp bend into Bangor. From railway station turn right then at cinema turn left onto High Street. At end turn right into A5122. Hostel on right. Frequent from surrounding areas (Tel: 01286 679535). Bangor 1 1/4m. Holyhead/Dublin, Ireland (17m) Idwal Cottage 9m, Llanberis 11m, Conwy 15m, Snowdon Ranger 17m 01248 351915 114 590722 6.20 9.15 Blaencaron Blaencaron, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6HL 01974 298441 In the unspoilt Arfon Groes Valley, this former village school with limited heating has a rural location with good access. Birdwatching is particularly good and mountain biking is popular too. The Tregaron Bog National Nature Reserve, Strata Florida Abbey and Devils Bridge Narrow Gauge Railway and Waterfall area are within easy reach. 16 Yes No No No Yes No No Nearby. Self-catering kitchen/dining/common room, drying room, shower and toilet. Credit cards not accepted. No hostel shop. Self-Catering only From Red Lion Inn, Tregaron, take B4343 north. Take 1st right for 2m to phone box. Turn right. Hostel 1m. Arriva Cymru 516, James 589 BR Aberystwyth - Tregaron, alight 2m N of Tregaron, then 3m (Tel: 01545 572504). Aberystwyth 20m. Dolgoch 12m (9m by mountain), Tyncornel 14m (8m by mountain), Ystumtuen 21m. 01545 570602 146 713608 4.20 6.10 Borth Morlais, Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5JS 01970 871498 01970 871827 An Edwardian house overlooking the sea and less than 10 miles from the university town of Aberystwyth. The Animalarium, Fast Trax and Ynyslas Nature Reserve are within walking distance. Not far away is the Centre for Alternative Technology, probably the most interesting eco centre in Europe with working displays of wind, water and solar power - it's fun and yet educational. There is also Celtica, RSPB and the Ynys Hir Reserve. 60 Yes No No Yes No No No Yes Lounge, T.V. room, showers, cycle store, shop and dining room. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 18.00 hrs - 20.00 hrs On the B4353 between Borth village and the Ynyslas golf links. Arriva Cymru 511/512, 520/4 from Aberystwyth (Tel: 01970 617951). Borth 3/4m. Fishguard/Rosslare (55m) Corris 19m, Ystumtuen 18m, Kings (Dolgellau) 34m 01970 612125 135 608907 6.20 9.15 Broad Haven Broad Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3JH 01437 781688 01437 781100 This spacious, modern single storey building with views of St Brides Bay is a favourite with families and walkers. Within 10 miles are Scolton Manor Heritage Park, Kaleidoscope Discovery Centre and boat trips to Skomer and Skokholm Islands with their variety of birds and wildlife. Close to Pembrokeshire Coast path. 75 Yes Yes No No No No No Yes Yes, 18.30 hrs From Haverfordwest take the B4341, in Broad Haven turn right into NP carpark, hostel on far right.. First Cymru/Silcox 311 from Haverfordwest (passes close BR Haverfordwest) (Tel: 01437 775227). Haverfordwest 7m. Pembroke Dock 10m and Fishguard 22m. St David's 17m (25m by path), Marloes 10m (by path 13m), Penycwm (Solva) 8m, Manorbier 28m 01437 763110 157 863141 6.85 10.15 Bryn Gwynant Bryn Gwynant, Nantgwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NP 01766 890251 01766 890479 A stone mansion and coach house in wooded grounds. Forests nearby provide opportunities for mountain biking, orienteering and pony trekking. The Watkin Path to Snowdon is 3/4 mile away. Visit the attractive village of Beddgelert, the Aberglaslyn Pass with its impressive waterfalls, Sygun Copper Mine or the spectacular, unspoilt Llyn Peninsula. 67 Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Shop, showers, cycle store and camping. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs On the A498 8m west of Capel Curig and 4m east of Beddgelert. Snowdon Sherpa 96 Beddgelert-Llanberis with connections from Caernarfon, BR Bangor & BR Porthmadog (Tel: 01286 679535) Betws-y-Coed 13m; Bangor 25m. Holyhead/Dublin 35m Pen-y-Pass 4m, Capel Curig 8m, Llanberis 11m, Snowdon Ranger 9m 01766 512981 115 641513 6.20 9.15 Capel Curig Plas Curig, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0EL 01690 720225 01690 720270 The hostel overlooks a river and forest with views of Moel Siabod. A village location on historic coaching route with inns/pubs nearby. Excellent opportunities for mountain sports. Ideal area for riverside walks, forest tracks and routes to other hostels. Attractions include Swallow Falls, Ugly House, the bustling village of Betws-y-Coed, and the Plas-y-Brenin Activity Centre. 52 Yes No No No No No No Yes Self-catering kitchen, dining room, two lounges, showers, drying room, cycle store and shop. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs Difficult access to Hostel drive from Betws-y-Coed direction. Continue to junction with A4086, turn around and return to hostel. Steep driveway. By bus, ask driver to stop at Capel Curig Youth Hostel. Snowdon Sherpa 96 Betws-y-Coed - Llanberis, with connections from Caernarfon and BR Bangor (pass close BR Betws-y-Coed); D&G 65 Bethesda-Llanrwst (with connections from Bangor); also Arriva Cymru 19 from Llandudno and 54 from BR Betws-y-Coed, Jun-Sep only(Tel: 01286 679535). Betws-y-Coed 5m. Holyhead/Ireland, Dublin 40m Lledr Valley 10m (5m by mountain), Pen-y-Pass 5m, Idwal Cottage 6m, Conwy 18m 01690 710426 115 726579 6.20 9.15 Capel-y-Ffin Capel-y-Ffin, Llanthony, Nr Abergavenny, NP7 7NP 01873 890650 An old hill farm providing basic hostel accommodation in the Llanthony Valley on the Cambrian Way and near Offa's Dyke path. Hay-on-Wye, renowned for its second hand book shops, is only 7 miles away. Horse and trail riding holidays are run from the hostel by Black Mountain Holidays. 40 Yes No No No Yes No No Limited space in layby 30yds N of hostel gate.Use drive only for unloading at hostel. Lounge/dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, cycle store, shop and camping. WTB approved. Yes, 19.30 hrs Turn off the A465 at Llanfihangel Crucorney, follow signs to Llanthony, then signs to Capel-y-Ffin. Youth Hostel 1m N of Capel-y-Ffin village. From Hay-on-Wye follow signs to Capel-y-Ffin. Stagecoach Red & White 39, Yeomans Canyon 40 Hereford - Brecon (passes close BR Hereford), alight Hay-on-Wye, 8m (Tel: 0345 125436). Abergavenny 16m. Ty'n-y-Caeau 23m (16m by mountain), Welsh Bicknor 33m 01873 77588 161 250328 4.65 6.80 Cardiff 2 Wedal Road, Roath Park, Cardiff, CF2 5PG 01222 462303 01222 464571 Only 2 miles from the city centre, this hostel is readily accessible by public transport and provides an excellent starting point from which to explore Wales. Its name 'Ty Croeso' means Welcome House and you are assured of a warm welcome. Cardiff - the lively capital of Wales - is packed with excellent entertainment and shopping with 7 Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, museums, theatres and many festivals throughout the year. Don't miss the Museum of Welsh Life, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch or Techniquest - Britain's largest hands-on science centre. 68 Yes No Yes No No No No Yes Two lounges, T.V., dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, shop, laundry, cycle store and luggage store. Yes, 18.00 hrs - 19.00 hrs From M4, take A48M to A470 exit. Take first left off roundabout. Follow Whitchurch Road until the left turn for Fairoak Road. Follow road to roundabout. Turn left into Wedal Road, Hostel is on right. By bus, ask for Wedal Road Youth Hostel. Cardiff Bus 78/80/82 from BR Cardiff Central (Tel: 01222 396521). Cardiff Central 2 1/2m. Swansea/Cork 50m, Fishguard/Rosslare 100m Llwynypia 18m, Llwyn-y-Celyn 42m, Port Eynon 56m 01222 668750 171 185788 6.85 10.15 Conwy Larkhill, Sychnant Pass Road, Conwy, LL32 8AJ 01492 593571 01492 593580 A spacious hostel with modern facilities, pleasant lawned grounds and panoramic views. Great base for seaside holidays and easy access into Snowdonia. Close by are Conwy Castle, the Welsh Mountain Zoo, Bodnant Garden, Great Orme Copper Mine and the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve. 80 Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Lounges, T.V. room, games room, self-catering kitchen, dining room, showers, drying room, shop, cycle store, lockers, laundry facilities and grounds. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 18.00 hrs - 19.30 hrs From A55 take the exit for Conwy west of the Conwy River Tunnel (signposted A547) and follow it towards the town centre. At the town walls, turn right into Mount Pleasant and right again at the T junction at the top of the hill. Entrance to Hostel on left after 150 yds. On foot, follow main road from centre of Conwy through town walls arch. Turn left onto Mount Pleasant and right at the T junction. Frequent from surrounding areas (Tel: 01492 574512). Conwy 1/2m, Llandudno Junction 1 1/2m. Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire, Ireland 32m. Bangor 15m, Capel Curig 18m, Chester 44m 01492 592248 115 775773 6.85 10.15 Corris Canolfan Corris, Old School, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9QT 01654 761686 01654 761686 Former village school in a beautiful setting. Within easy reach are Cader Idris, the Centre for Alternative Technology, Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway, King Arthur's Labyrinth and Celtica (in Machynlleth) a journey portraying the history and culture of the Celtic people. On National Cycle Route. 48 No No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge/dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, lockers, laundry room, cycle store and grounds. No credit cards accepted - cheques payable to 'Canolfan Corris'. Wales Tourist Board approved. Green Tourism Award Winner. Yes, 19.00 hrs Turn off A487 into Corris village. At Slaters Arms Pub, turn left, hostel is 150 metres on the right. Arriva Cymru 32/4 Aberystwyth-Dolgellau (passes BR Machynlleth Tel: 01286 679535). Traws Cambria 701. Machynlleth 6m. Kings (Dolgellau) 15m, Borth 19m, Llanbedr 28m 01654 702401 124 753080 5.65 8.35 Cynwyd The Old Mill, Cynwyd, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 OLW 01490 412814 01490 412814 The hostel offers basic accommodation in a tranquil setting on the bank of a river in good cycling country. Pistyll Rhaeadr Falls (highest in Wales) accessible by mountain path and ten miles away is Bala Lake with watersports available. Llangollen, Chirk Castle and Lake Vyrnwy RSPB Reserve can also be visited. 30 Yes No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge/dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, cycle store, shop, grounds and camping. Wales Tourist Board approved. Self-Catering only On B4401 from Corwen. In Cynwyd, bear left immediately before bridge and follow road for 100 yds. From Bala turn right immediately before bridge on B4401, then first left. Over second bridge turn immediately right. Arriva Cymru 94 Wrexham - Barmouth (passes close BR Ruabon & Barmouth) (Tel: 01286 679535). Ruabon 18m. Liverpool or Holyhead 40m Llangollen 14m, Maeshafn 18m, Lledr Valley 26m 01978 860828 125 057409 4.65 6.80 Dolgoch Dolgoch, Tregaron, Cardiganshire, SY25 6NR 01974 298680 This remote farmhouse in the wild and lonely Tywi Valley provides simple, yet spacious mountain hut type accommodation with no electricity, gas lighting, heating by open fire. Popular for birdwatching, walking, cycling and pony trekking. Twm Shon Catis Cave, Llyn Brianne Reservoir and Dinas R.S.P.B. Reserve are nearby. 22 No No No No Yes No No In hostel grounds only. Self-catering kitchen/dining room, shower and shop. Self-Catering only From Tregaron take Abergwesyn Mountain Road for 9m. From Beulah on A483 take road to Abergwesyn and then Tregaron Mountain Road 6m. Hostel 3/4m S of Bridge in Tywi Valley along very rough and uneven forestry track. Crosville Cymru 516, James 589 BR Aberystwyth - Tregaron, alight Tregaron, 9m (Tel: 01545 572504). Llanwrtyd Wells 10m ("Heart of Wales" line). Fishguard/Rosslare 66m Tyncornel 19m (5m by mountains), Blaencaron 12m (9m by mountains). 01545 570602 147 806561 4.20 6.10 Idwal Cottage Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 3LZ 01248 600225 01248 602952 Impressive setting beside Llyn Ogwen at the head of the Nant Ffrancon Valley. With easy access to the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve just 1/2 mile away. Good walking in the Carneddau and Glyder Mountains. Mountain activities available in the area. 44 Yes No No No No No No Yes Excellent self-catering kitchen, dining room, showers, drying room, cycle store, grounds and camping. Wales Tourist Board approved. Shop with extensive store including frozen meals. Self-Catering only - Off the A5 at the west end of Llyn Ogwen, 5m S of Bethesda. D&G 65 Bangor - Llanrwst, with connections from Bangor (passes BR Betws-y-Coed); otherwise Purple Motors 6/7 from Bangor (pass BR Bangor), alight Bethesda, 4m (Tel: 01286 679535) Bangor 12m; Betws-y-Coed 11m. Holyhead/Dun Laoghaire, Ireland 30m Pen-y-Pass 10m (5m by mountain), Capel Curig 6m, Llanberis 12m (7m by mountain), Bangor 10m 01690 710426 115 648603 5.15 7.50 Kings (Dolgellau) Kings, Penmaenpool, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1TB 01341 422392 01341 422477 Country house and annexe with riverside grounds and views up to Cader Idris. Pony Trekking 1m, Welsh National Cycle route 1 1/2m, R.S.P.B. Wildlife Centre, Penmaenpool 2m. Within 15 miles are Coed y Brenin, Centre for Alternative Technology and Celtica. 56 Yes No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge, dining room, showers, drying room, shop, cycle store and grounds. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes Off A493 Dolgellau-Tywyn road. 1m W Penmaenpool, turn uphill opposite Abergwynant Trekking Centre, then 1m along lane. From Barmouth, take wooden toll bridge as interesting short cut. Arriva Cymru 28 Dolgellau - Tywyn (passes close BR Fairbourne), alight 1m W of Penmaenpool, thence 1m (Tel: 01286 679535). Morfa Mawddach 5m. Corris 15m, Llanbedr 17m, Lledr Valley 31m 01341 422888 124 683161 5.15 7.50 Lawrenny Millennium Youth Hostel, Lawrenny, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, SA68 OPN 01646 651270 Refurbished former Victorian school in village setting with fine Norman church. A good base for exploring a lesser known area of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with its rich habitat and feeding grounds for waders and wildfowl. Attractions include Oakwood Pleasure Park, Folly Farm and Carew Castle. Adjoining Prince's Trust Activity Centre can arrange canoeing, rock climbing etc. 23 No No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge, self-catering kitchen, showers and drying room. No credit cards accepted. No hostel shop. No Follow A40 west (from Carmarthen) to Canaston Bridge. Take A4075 Tenby Road past Oakwood Leisure Park to CC2000/Canaston Bowl. Turn right and follow signs to Lawrenny (5m). Postbus from Narberth (Tel: 01437 775227) Narberth 10m. Pembroke Dock 12m. Pentlepoir 7 1/2m, Manorbier 9m, Marloes Sands 23m 01834 860061 138 018070 5.15 7.50 Llanbedr (nr. Harlech) Plas Newydd, Llanbedr, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL45 2LE 01341 241287 01341 241389 The hostel is well placed to explore sandy seashores and unspoilt mountain wilderness in the southern half of Snowdonia National Park. Riverside walks into the Rhinog mountains are popular. Excellent rail and bus links make it accessible all year round. Harlech Castle, Ffestiniog Railway, Shell Island and the Italianate village of Portmeirion are within easy reach. Nature trails, pony trekking, slate mines and children's farm are nearby. 47 Yes No No No No No No Yes Lounge, self-catering kitchen, dining room, shop, games room, showers, drying room, cycle store and garden with BBQ. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs On A496 in centre of village beside stone bridge over river. Tight turn into Hostel drive. Arriva Cymru 38 Barmouth-Blaenau Ffestiniog (Tel: 01286 679535) Llanbedr 1/2m. Kings 17m, Bryn Gwynant 31m, Snowdon Ranger 33m, Borth 48m. 01766 780658 124 585267 5.65 8.35 Llanberis Llwyn Celyn, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4SR 01286 870280 01286 870936 The hostel overlooks lakes and has views toward Snowdon summit. Only 1/2 mile from the village of Llanberis with the Snowdon Mountain Railway, Padarn Country Park and Electric Mountain. Watersports at Llyn Padarn. Low level and mountain walks start in the vicinity of the hostel. 60 Yes No No No No No No Yes Lounge, T.V. room, self-catering kitchen, dining room, showers, drying room, cycle store and shop. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs From High Street take Capel Coch Road (Spar on the corner), keep left at fork in road half way up hill. Hostel on left through farm gate. KMP 88 from Caernarfon; Williams 77 from Bangor (pass close BR Bangor), on both alight Llanberis High street, thence 1/2m (Tel: 01286 679535) Bangor 11m Holyhead/Ireland 30m Snowdon Ranger 11m (4m by mountain), Pen-y-Pass 6m, Bangor 11m, Bryn Gwynant 11m 01286 870765 115 574596 6.20 9.15 Llanddeusant The Old Red Lion, Llanddeusant, Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, SA19 9UL 01550 740619 01550 740225 A former Inn retaining some original features and adjacent to a 14th century church in a truly Welsh area. Basic facilities but fully centrally heated and with open fire. Families welcome. Circular walks to lakes, iron age forts and Roman camps are popular. Dinefwr Park and Castle Woods Nature Reserve, Carreg Cennen Castle, Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves and Dolaucothi Gold Mines are all easily reached. 28 No No No No Yes No No Cars/mini-buses only. Self-catering kitchen, common room, showers, cycle store, drying room and camping. No hostel shop. Wales Tourist Board approved. No credit cards accepted. Self-Catering only From A40 Brecon-Llandovery road, turn off in Trecastle, travel for 9m on Llanddeusant road and turn left opposite Cross Inn. From W head S on A4069. Turn left opposite Three Horseshoes, then turn immediate right and then right in Twynllanan and immediately left to Llanddeusant Village. Hostel is on track behind church. No Service. Llangadog 7m. Ystradfellte 23m, Llwyn-y-Celyn 25m, Port Eynon 44m 01550 720693 (seasonal). 160 776245 4.65 6.80 Llangollen Tyndwr Hall, Tyndwr Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8AR 01978 860330 01978 861709 In its own grounds with accommodation in the main Victorian manor house and the coach house, Tyndwr Hall is popular with families. The Vale of Llangollen is an excellent gateway to North Wales and attractions include music festivals, steam train rides, Dr. Who museum, Plas Newydd and Victorian school. Close at hand is the longest aqueduct in Britain and the famous Horseshoe Pass leading to the Valle Crucis Abbey. 130 Yes No Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes, 18.00 hrs - From A5 E of Llangollen turn left after golf club and follow signs to the hostel. From the town follow A5 towards Shrewsbury, after the Fire Station bear right up Birch Hill. Right at Y junction, Hostel 1/2m. Arriva Cymru 94, Bryn Melyn X5 Wrexham-Llangollen (pass BR Ruabon), alight Llangollen, then 1 1/2m (Tel: 01978 363760). Chirk 5m; Ruabon 5m. Cynwyd 14m, Maeshafn 16m, Chester 23m, Shrewsbury 28m, Capel Curig 38m. 01978 860828 117 232413 6.20 9.15 Lledr Valley (Betws-y-Coed) Lledr House, Pont-y-Pant, Dolwyddelan, Conwy, LL25 0DQ 01690 750202 01690 750410 Former quarry manager's house with large play area adjacent. Handy for valley and forest walks and also walking routes to nearby Youth Hostels. Slate quarries, copper mines and woollen mills can be visited as well as Dolwyddelan and Conwy castles. The Conwy Valley railway line links with the Ffestiniog Railway. 60 Yes No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge, self-catering kitchen, dining room, showers, cycle store, shop, grounds and camping. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs On A470 1m north west of Dolwyddelan. From Pont-y-Pant railway station turn left along road, then left across bridge and left along main road. Crosville Cymru 84 Llandudno-Blaenau Ffestiniog only on Sundays (limited service). Pont-y-Pant 3/4m. Holyhead/Ireland 50m Capel Curig 10m (5m by track), Bryn Gwynant 18m (10m by path), Idwal Cottage 16m, Conwy 28m 01690 710426 115 749534 5.65 8.35 Llwyn-y-Celyn Libanus, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8NH 01874 624261 01874 625916 Traditional old Welsh farmhouse with some unique wall paintings and a nature trail in its grounds. Many walks from gentle strolls to spectacular ascents, including Pen-y-Fan (2967 ft), can be enjoyed. Popular attractions include Dan-yr-Ogof Show Caves, Craig-y-Nos Country Park and the Llangorse Rope Centre. 42 Yes No No No Yes No No Yes Self-catering kitchen, dining room, showers, drying room, shop, cycle store, small seminar rooms, grounds and camping. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs Hostel signed on main road A470 about 2m N of the Storey Arms centre. 7m S of Brecon. Stagecoach Red & White 43 from Merthyr Tydfil - Brecon (ask for Llwyn-y-Celyn Youth Hostel) (Tel: 01633 266336). Merthyr Tydfil 11m; Abergavenny 28m. Ty'n-y-Caeau 9m, Ystradfellte 12m, Llanddeusant 25m, Capel-y-Ffin 33m, Cardiff 35m. 01874 622485 160 973225 5.65 8.35 Llwynypia , Rhondda, CF40 2JF 01443 430859 01443 440232 On a wooded hillside with a nature trail, the hostel shares the building with the Glyncornel Environmental Centre. The area is steeped in mining history. Worth visiting are the Rhondda Heritage Park, Llancaiach Fawr and the many museums, unique shopping arcades and castles in and around Cardiff. 62 Yes No No No No No No Yes Lounge, dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, shop and grounds. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs From M4 turn off at junction 34, follow signs for Rhondda Valley and Glyncornel Centre. Stagecoach Rhondda X9 from Cardiff-Penrhys (Tel: 01443 682671). Llwynypia 1/2m. Fishguard/Rosslare (Ireland) 50m Cardiff 18m, Ystradfellte 18m, Llwyn-y-Celyn 30m 01443 402077 170 993939 6.20 9.15 Maeshafn Holt Hostel, Maeshafn, Mold, Denbighshire, CH7 5LR 01352 810320 01352 810320 The hostel with basic amenities lies on the edge of the Clwydian Hills only 3 miles from Offa's Dyke footpath. The quiet lanes provide excellent cycling routes. An area for undisturbed walking. Loggerheads Country Park and nature trails are near by. Maeshafn Village (and pub) 1/2 mile. 31 No No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge/dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, cycle store, small shop and grounds. Wales Tourist board approved. No credit cards accepted. Self-Catering only Off the A494 Mold to Ruthin road, at west outskirts of village of Gwernymynydd follow Maeshafn sign. Left at village. Hostel 1/2m on left. Arriva Cymru B5 from Mold, with connections from BR Flint and Chester. Alight Maeshafn Road end then 1 1/2m (Tel: 01824 706968). Buckley 8m; Flint 10m; Chester 16m. Llangollen 16m, Chester 14m, Cynwyd 20m, Conwy 41m 01352 759331 117 5.15 7.50 Manorbier Manorbier, Nr Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7TT 01834 871803 01834 871101 Modern, spacious hostel in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Local attractions include Folly Farm, Great Wedlock Dinosaur Experience, Heatherton Country Sports Park, Oakwood Leisure Park, Manorbier and Pembroke Castles, Tenby (a walled Medieval town) and many sandy beaches. 56 Yes Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Lounge/T.V. room, games room, self-catering kitchen, dining room, shop, showers, cycle store, laundry facilities, grounds and camping. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs From Tenby take A4139 towards Pembroke approx. 4m, take left turn - B4585 Manorbier. From Pembroke take A4139 towards Tenby approx. 6 m ignore first right turn to Manorbier village. Take second right turn - B4585 signed Manorbier. Follow signs to Youth Hostel. At playground go straight, turn left at Artillery Range gates, hostel 1/2m. First Cymru/Silcox 358/9 Tenby - Haverfordwest, alight Skrinkle 1m (Tel: 01437 775227) Manorbier 2 1/2m Pembroke/Rosslare Ireland 10m Lawrenny 9m, Pentlepoir 13m, Broad Haven 28m 01834 842402 158 081975 6.85 10.15 Marloes Sands Runwayskiln, Marloes, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3BH 01646 636667 (during open periods). A cluster of converted farm buildings owned by the National Trust alongside the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Watersports are popular at nearby Dale and the famous bird sanctuary and marine reserve of Skomer Island can be reached by ferry from Martins Haven. 30 Yes No No No Yes No No Limited to 6 cars only. Minibuses in National Trust carpark. Combined lounge/dining room/self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, cycle store and small shop. Wales Tourist Board approved. No B4327 from Haverfordwest 11m, turn right to Marloes, then at village church turn L to Marloes Sands car park. Hostel down private track on left approx 200yds (coaches not allowed).Speed limit 5mph. From Haverfordwest or Milford Haven to Marloes (infrequent - not daily), thence 1m (Tel: 01437 775227). Milford Haven 11m; Haverfordwest 14m. Pembroke/Ireland 7m Broad Haven 13m by path, Pentlepoir 24m, St Davids 22m 01437 763110 157 778080 4.65 6.80 Newport (Pembrokeshire) Lower St Mary Street, Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA42 0TS 01239 820080 01239 820080 Modern hostel, ideal for holidaymakers. A short walk away are shops, pubs, the beach, coastal path, bird sanctuary and estuary. The Preseli Hills with their iron age forts, hut circles and burial chambers can be explored as well as the Iron Age experience of Castell Henllys. 28 Yes Yes No No Yes No No Limited parking. Lounge, self-catering kitchen/dining room, showers and cycle store. No hostel shop. Wales Tourist Board approved. Self-Catering only From A487 to Fishguard turn right on Lower St Mary Street. Hostel is on right behind the Eco-Centre. (NB: this hostel is 125 miles from Cardiff on the west Wales coast). Richards 412 BR Haverfordwest - Cardigan (Tel: 01437 775227). Fishguard Harbour 9m. Fishguard-Rosslare, Ireland 8m (by 2 buses) Pwll Deri 22m by coastal path (13 by road), Poppit Sands 11m by coastal path, Trevine 15m 01437 781412 145 058393 5.65 8.35 Pen-y-Pass Pen-y-Pass, Nantgwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NY 01286 870428 01286 872434 Formerly a haunt of Victorian climbers, the hostel is the starting point for two of the most popular ascents of Snowdon, and also the Snowdon Horseshoe, and mountain routes to several other hostels. Stunning mountain and valley views with Padarn Country Park, Caernarfon Castle, the Welsh Slate Museum and many other attractions easily reached. 84 Yes Yes No Yes No No No Public car park opposite - limited number of permits available. Two lounges, T.V. and games room, self-catering kitchen, dining room, shop, showers, drying room, cycle store and lockers. Wales Tourist Board appproved. Yes, 19.00 hrs From A55 coast road follow signs for Llanberis then A4086 to Hostel. From A5 turn onto A4086 at Capel Curig. Turn right at Pen-y-Gwyrd Hotel. Hostel on right. Williams 77 Bangor to Llanberis. KMP 95 (or Arriva 19/54 - summer only) from Betws-y-Coed. Bangor 18m, Betws-y-Coed 12m. Holyhead/Dublin 30m Bryn Gwynant 4m, Capel Curig 5m, Llanberis 6m, Idwal Cottage 11m (5m by mountain path) 01286 870765 115 647556 6.20 9.15 Pentlepoir The Old School, Pentlepoir, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, SA69 9BJ 01834 812333 This converted school provides a friendly hostel with basic facilities, just inland from Saundersfoot and Tenby with their sandy beaches, attractive harbours and variety of watersports. Attractions in the area include Stepaside Bird and Animal Park, Folly Farm, Colby Woodland Garden (NT), Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. 34 Yes No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge/self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room and cycle store. Shop nearby. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs Take A478 to Tenby from Kilgetty roundabout. Stay on main road to Tenby, past garage on left, hostel is on the right. The hostel is about 3/4m from the Kilgetty roundabout. From Saundersfoot rail station, turn right to Pentlepoir. At main road (A478) turn left. Hostel is 200 yds on right. Silcox 350-2, 361 from Tenby (Tel: 01437 775227). Saundersfoot 3/4m. Pembroke/Rosslare 11m. Lawrenny 7 1/2m, Manorbier 13m, Broad Haven 21m, Marloes Sands 24m 01834 811411 158 116060 4.65 6.80 Penycwm (Solva) Whitehouse, Penycwm, Nr Solva, Haverfordwest, Pembs, SA62 6LA 01437 721940 01437 720959 This hostel offers high standards, ideal for couples, families and small groups. With comfortable rooms and good home cooking (dinner must be booked by 10.00 am), it is an ideal base from which to explore Pembrokeshire. The magnificent sandy beach of Newgale is just 2 miles away, and the picturesque harbour village of Solva is only 4 miles away. 26 No No Yes No Yes No No Yes Lounge, T.V. room, self-catering kitchens, showers, cycle store, luggage store, indoor recreation area and lawned grounds. Credit cards not accepted. No hostel shop. Wales Tourist Board Approved (4 star grading). Yes, 18.30 hrs Access via A487 Newgale to Solva road. At Penycwm take minor road N towards Letterston/Mathry and follow signs to hostel. Richards 411 BR Haverfordwest-Fishguard (passes close BR Fishguard Harbour), alight Penycwm, then 1 1/2m (Tel: 01437 775227). Haverfordwest 10m. Fishguard/Rosslare 12m Broad Haven 8m, St David's 9m (17m by path), Trevine 8m 01437 763110 157 857250 6.20 9.15 Poppit Sands Sea View, Poppit, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, SA43 3LP 01239 612936 01239 612936 This recently refurbished and upgraded former inn is at the north end of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Individuals, families and small groups will particularly enjoy the sweeping beach of Poppit Sands, just below the hostel. The magnificent Pembrokeshire coastline also comprises rugged cliffs, secluded bays, and picturesque harbour villages. 36 Yes No No No Yes No No yes Lounge, self-catering kitchen/dining room, showers, drying room, shop and camping. Wales Tourist Board approved. Self-Catering only Turn right in village of St Dogmaels to Poppit Sands (1 1/2m). Hostel signposted from Lifeboat station - go down steps to hostel. Richards 407/9 from Cardigan to within 1/2m (Jul - Aug only), but to St. Dogmaels, 2m, at other times (Tel: 01239 613756). Fishguard Harbour 20m; Carmarthen 26m; Aberystwyth 41m. Fishguard/Rosslare, Ireland 20m. Newport (Pembs) 11m, Pwll Deri 25m, Llanddeusant 43m, Borth 48m. 01239 613230 145 144487 5.65 8.35 Port Eynon The Old Lifeboat House, Port Eynon, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA3 1NN 01792 390706 01792 390706 A former lifeboat station near Port Eynon village providing a friendly atmosphere and marvellous views - seals can often be seen. The Gower Peninsula has 34 miles of heritage coast with many good beaches. Nearby are a safe beach, coastal walks, Worms Head and Y Felin Ddwr (heritage centre). Swansea is within 30 minutes drive. Unfortunately YHA no longer has use of the summer only hostel at Stouthall. 30 Yes No No No Yes No No Use seafront car park 1/4m. Lounge/dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, shop and cycle store. Wales Tourist Board approved. Self-Catering only From the East exit jct 42 of M4 into Swansea. Then follow signs for Gower A4118 to Port Eynon. From the West, exit jct 47 of M4 and follow signs for Gower, then South Gower A4118 to Port Eynon village. Take footpath from car park to hostel. First Cymru 18/A from Swansea (pass close BR Swansea) (not Sundays Oct-Apr) (Tel: 01792 580580). Swansea 16m Swansea/Cork (Ireland) 20m Ystradfellte 39m, Llanddeusant 44m, Cardiff 56m. 01792 468321 159 468848 5.15 7.50 Pwll Deri Castell Mawr, Tref Asser, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, SA64 0LR 01348 891233 01348 891233 This compact hostel, now with central heating, provides a base for walkers and those wanting a relaxing break away from the crowds. Excellent bird and seal watching location. The Llangloffan Farmhouse Cheese Centre and Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill are nearby. Ferry to Ireland only 4 miles away by car. 30 Yes No No No Yes No No Nearby. Lounge/dining room, self-catering kitchen, shower, drying room, shop and cycle store. Wales Tourist Board approved. No Take Pwll Deri road out of Goodwick, keep following signs for Pwll Deri. From St Davids-Fishguard road, approach via St Nicholas. Richards 410 Fishguard - Goodwick (connections from BR Haverfordwest), alight Goodwick, then 4m uphill (Tel: 01437 775227). Fishguard Harbour 4 1/2m (twice daily). Fishguard/Rosslare (Ireland) 4 1/2m. Trevine 9m by path, St David's 21m, Poppit Sands 37m by path, Newport 13m (22m by path) 01348 873484 157 891387 5.15 7.50 Rowen Rhiw Farm, Rowen, Conwy, LL32 8YW 01492 650089 (during open periods) A rustic Welsh farmhouse providing basic accommodation. The area offers peace and solitude yet only 5 miles from the North Wales coast with Conwy Castle, award winning beaches and the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno. Quiet country lanes provide good cycling. 24 No No No No No No No Yes Lounge, dining room, self-catering kitchen, shower, small shop and cycle store. No credit cards accepted. Self-Catering only From B5106 follow signs for Rowen, to P.O. Continue along main street for 500yds. Turn right at Youth Hostel sign. Continue straight up hill. Hostel is 3/4m further on left. Access to hostel up steep hill - unsuitable for some vehicles. Arriva Cymru 19A Llandudno-Llanberis (pass close BR Llandudno Junction & Betws-y-Coed), alight Rowen PO, then 1m up steep hill (Tel: 01286 679535). Tal-y-Cafn 3m. Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire, Ireland 38m. Conwy 5m, Bangor 12m by mountain, Idwal Cottage 17m by mountain 01492 592248 115 747721 4.65 6.80 Snowdon Ranger Rhyd Ddu, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 7YS 01286 650391 01286 650093 In an area steeped in Welsh culture, history and customs, this former inn nestles at the foot of Snowdon with lake swimming from its own beach. Nearby are the village of Beddgelert, Sygun Copper Mine, Caernarfon Castle and Maritime Museum. The Snowdon Ranger Path to Snowdon begins here. 66 Yes No No No No No No Yes Lounge, games room, dining room, self-catering kitchen, showers, drying room, cycle store, shop and grounds. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs On A4085 8m south of Caernarfon and 5m north of Beddgelert. Snowdon Sherpa 95 Caernarfon-Beddgelert with connections from BR Bangor and Porthmadog. (Tel: 01286 679535). Connections to Llanberis, Bryn Gwynant and Pen-y-Pass Youth Hostels. Bangor 16m. Porthmadog 13m. Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire, Ireland 30m. Llanberis 11m (4m by path), Bryn Gwynant 9m (7m by path), Pen-y-Pass 14m (10 by path), Bangor 17m 01286 672232 115 565550 6.20 9.15 St David's Llaethdy, St David's, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6PR 01437 720345 01437 721831 An old farmhouse in a wonderful setting below Carn Llidi with basic accommodation and facilities in a range of adjacent outbuildings (heating is limited). The hostel is approximately 2 miles from the City of St David's with its Cathedral, Bishops Palace, Oceanarium, Marine Life Centre and watersports centre. Trips around Ramsey Island RSPB Reserve can be booked from here. 44 Yes No No No No No No Yes Lounge, self-catering kitchen/dining room, showers, drying room and shop. Wales Tourist Board approved. Self-Catering only Leave A487 Fishguard Road just outside St Davids, follow signs to Whitesands Bay. Hostel signs from golf club. Richards 411 Haverfordwest-Fishguard (passes close BR Fishguard Harbour), alight St David's, then 2m (Tel: 01437 775227). Fishguard Harbour 15m; Haverfordwest 18m. Fishguard/Rosslare (Ireland) 15m Trevine 11m by path, Pwll Deri 21m by path, Penycwm (Solva) 9m by road 01437 720392 157 739276 5.15 7.50 Trevine (Trefin) Ffordd-yr-Afon, Trefin, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 5AU 01348 831414 01348 831414 Former school with comfortable accommodation and modern facilities, conveniently near the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and favoured by walkers and families. Excellent area for spotting seabirds. Good bus links to St Davids, Fishguard and Haverfordwest. There is a hand weaving centre in the village. Visit Porthgain with interesting harbour and history plus the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddie. 26 Yes No No No Yes No No Yes Lounge/dining room/self-catering kitchen, showers, cycle store, drying room and toilets. Picnic and barbecue area. Shop next door. Wales Tourist Board approved. Self-Catering only From the A487 take turning to Trevine. The hostel is in the centre of the village near the pub. Richards 411 Haverfordwest-Fishguard (passes close BR Fishguard Harbour) (Tel: 01437 775227). Fishguard Harbour 12m; Haverfordwest 18m. Fishguard/Rosslare, Ireland 12m (Tel: 01233 647047). Pwll Deri 9m, St David's 11m, Penycwm (Solva) 8m, Newport 15m 01437 763110 157 840324 5.15 7.50 Ty'n-y-Caeau (Nr Brecon) Groesffordd, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7SW 01874 665270 01874 665278 This old farmhouse is a good base to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park. Many low level walks provide mountain views. National Park has programme of free led walks, Nature reserves close by. 54 Yes No No No Yes No No Yes Self-catering kitchen, dining room, T.V., showers, drying room, cycle store, shop and grounds. Wales Tourist Board approved. Yes, 19.00 hrs From the A40 look for turning signposted Llanfrynach. Hostel is 1/2m N of Groesffordd village. On foot, take canal path from Brecon Theatre. At first lock follow sign to Groesffordd. Stagecoach Red & White 21 Newport - Brecon (passes close BR Abergavenny), alight Llanfrynach turn, 1m; Stagecoach Red & White 39 and Yeomans Canyon 40 from Hereford, alight Llanddew turn, 3/4m. Tel: 01633 266336 for Red & White, 0345 125436 Yeomans. Merthyr Tydfil 20m; Abergavenny 19m. Llwyn-y-Celyn 9m, Capel-y-Ffin 23m. 01874 623366 160 074288 5.65 8.35 Tyncornel Llanddewi - Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6PH This hostel (with heating by open fire and no electricity) is a favourite with anyone seeking solitude and peace. The Elenith is a relatively unknown area with fine mountain walking. The Cors Caron Nature Reserve near Tregaron is an amazing area for wildlife. Soar-y-Mynydd Chapel and the Llyn Brianne Reservoir are close by. Nearest shop and telephone 7 miles away. 16 No No No No Yes No No Yes Self-catering kitchen/common room and shower. No credit cards accepted. No hostel shop. Self-Catering only From Llanddewi-Brefi follow road S E up Brefi valley (signed to Youth Hostel - not S W to Farmers). Fork left at 4 3/4m. At signpost at 6m continue on rough track. Hostel 1m. Arriva Cymru 516, James 589 BR Aberystwyth - Tregaron, some services to Llanddewi-Brefi, 7 miles (Tel: 01545 572504). Aberystwyth 28m. Blaencaron 14m (8m by mountains), Dolgoch 19m (5m by mountains). 01545 570602 146 751534 4.20 6.10 Ystradfellte Tai'r Heol, Ystradfellte, Aberdare, CF44 9JF 01639 720301 01639 720301 The hostel comprises two charming cottages now with central heating, 1 mile south of Ystradfellte village. A network of footpaths take you to the waterfalls and a natural swimming pool at Porth-yr-Ogof. Close by are Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves and Penscynor Wildlife Park. 28 No No No No Yes No No Yes Self-catering kitchen/dining room, lounge, showers and drying room. No hostel shop. WTB approved. No credit cards accepted. Self-Catering only From M4, exit Jct 43 and take A465 north towards Glyn Neath. Exit onto A4109 signposted Onllwyn. At traffic lights turn right then take second minor road on left towards Pontneddfechan. Continue on minor road north to Ystradfellte. Hostel on left. From Aberdare (passes close BR Aberdare), alight Penderyn, 3 1/2m (Tel: 01443 409966). First Cymru X5, 160/1 Swansea-Glynneath (pass close BR Neath) then 5m (Tel: 01792 580580). Aberdare 10m. Llwyn-y-Celyn 12m, Ty'n-y-Caeau 21m, Llanddeusant 23m. 01639 721795 160 925127 5.15 7.50 Ystumtuen Glantuen, Ystumtuen, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AE 01970 890693 This former school in an old lead mining village provides basic accommodation with outside toilets and minimal heating. The university town of Aberystwyth is 13 miles away with the Ceredigion Museum and Camera Obscura. Other attractions nearby are the Vale of Rheidol Narrow Gauge Railway, Llywernog silver and lead mines, and Nant yr Arian Forest Centre with birds of prey information including the Red Kite. 24 No No No No Yes No No Nearby. Self-catering kitchen/dining area, shower and drying room. No hostel shop. Self-Catering only From A44 turn S 1m W of Ponterwyd. Hostel 1 1/2m. From A4120 Devil's Bridge via Parson's Bridge - unsuitable for cyclists and dangerous after dark. Arriva Cymru 501 from Aberystwyth (passes BR Aberystwyth), alight 1m W of Ponterwyd, then 1 1/2m, last bus late afternoon (Tel: 01970 617951). Rhiwfron (Vale of Rheidol Rly - seasonal) 2m; Aberystwyth 12m. Borth 18m, Blaencaron 21m, Tyncornel 28m 01970 612125 135 735786 4.20 6.10