Wild Trails Wales Guide: 6 Great Hostels to Stay in for a Walking Trip in Wales
Dolgoch Hostel, Cambrian Mountains
Hostels or bunkhouses are popular with walkers for a reason; they are often purpose designed to meet walkers’ needs, with drying rooms, maps, books, places to cook and sit in comfort after a long day out. They can also be really sociable places to meet other outdoor lovers and share stories. In Wales we are lucky to have some great independent hostels as well as the ones operated by the YHA. They’re located in places perfect for walking. Some can be booked by individuals and others can accommodate small and larger groups. Here are a few of my favourite hostels and bunkhouses for walkers in Wales.
Star Inn Bunkhouse, Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons
Owned and run by mountain leaders with a wealth of local knowledge, so much thought has gone into creating the perfect hostel for outdoor lovers, positioned at the foot of the Black Mountains looking over to the Central Beacons and the Usk Valley. The rooms and kitchen are spotless, there’s a cosy lounge with a fantastic library, a log burner and a pub right across the road. It’s also on the Beacons Way so a great pitstop for long distance walkers. Public transport available to the door.
Elenydd Wilderness Hostels, Cambrian Mountains
In the vast expanse of the Cambrian Mountains, these twin hostels are a throwback to how hostelling used to be. Both are in old farmhouses, with spotless kitchens and lounge / dining rooms with log fires. Ty’n Cornel is a must-stop on the Cambrian Way and Dolgoch is great for those exploring nearby Drygarn Fawr or Llyn Brianne areas. Both offer some of the best dark skies in Wales. Arrive on foot or bike for a return visit discount voucher!
Plas Isa, Eryri / Snowdonia
Plas Isa is run by a hugely enthusiastic outdoor couple, who moved to Dolgellau to follow their dream of creating a great guesthouse for walkers and they’ve done just that. The accommodation is beautiful set in a historic house in the centre of Dolgellau, where there are plenty of facilities. A great option to stop over on long distance walks such as the Cambrian Way or Snowdonia Way, it’s also an ideal base for Cader Idris and the Rhinogydd. The T2 & T3 bus services will get you here.
Capel Tanyrallt, Eryri / Snowdonia
This converted chapel was used as an outdoor centre for years but has been given a homely makeover by the new owners. Lou Tully also happens to be one of the best mountaineering instructors in Eryri and runs many of her courses from this base. The views to Yr Wyddfa are spectacular and there’s flexible accommodation to suit different sized groups, not to mention an enormous drying room. Located in a traditional slate mining village, you can walk the Nantlle ridge from the door and it is also a great base for exploring the old quarries, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and for walks and swims on the Llyn peninsula. The G4 bus runs from Caernarfon to Nantlle and stops at Talysarn a short walk away from Capel Tanyrallt.
The Rocks at Plas Curig, Eryri / Snowdonia
One of the best-positioned hostels in Wales, the Rocks at Plas Curig is another former outdoor centre but other than the wonderful drying room, you’d never know, as the common spaces are stylish, comfortable and almost too smart for muddy walkers. Walk out of the door to access Moel Siabod, and the northern end of the Glyderau and Carneddau, or take a short bus trip to Pen y Pass for Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Public transport friendly.
YHA St David’s, Pembrokeshire
For coastal walking in Pembrokeshire you’d be hard pressed to find a better location than the YHA St David’s at Whitesands. You can explore the entirety of the St David’s Peninsula from here, climb up the coastal peak Carn Llidi which sits just behind, or go down to the beach just 10 minutes walk away. There are shared dorm rooms as well as private rooms in three converted farm buildings, and two good catering kitchens. The Flecsi bus service can take you to the end of the hostel lane.