In this issue, we’re turning the spotlight on the wildly diverse landscapes of Wales. Here are just a few of the hostels best placed to showcase the country’s dramatic coastlines, mighty mountains and bustling towns.
YHA Idwal Cottage
Want the Welsh mountains? Stay here
Here’s a bolthole set among the 3,000ft giants of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Walk out of YHA Idwal Cottage, and to the north, you face the Carneddau. To the south, you can scramble up the mighty Glyderau via the gnarly Devil’s Kitchen route. YHA’s longest-standing Welsh hostel could not be in a better location.
Stay at YHA Idwal Cottage
YHA Brecon Beacons
Converted 19th-century farmhouse in the shadow of Pen Y Fan
The mountains of the Brecon Beacons rise distinctively from the South Wales earth. The Central Beacons form a sharp ridge but walkers come here in droves. This YHA is one of four properties set among the mountain range, allowing walkers to link up hostels for a beautiful long Welsh weekend.
Stay at YHA Brecon Beacons
YHA Gower
Beachside hostel on the Gower Peninsula
Named after the peninsula it rests on, YHA Gower is a handsome Victorian house just a few minutes’ walk from one of the country’s loveliest beaches. It’s also ideally placed for exploring the area’s hidden coves and coastal trails. And whisper it, but you’ll find some of the best waves in Britain, too.
Stay at YHA Gower
YHA Manorbier
Enjoy sea views from this Pembrokeshire hostel
Why stay at YHA Manorbier? Perhaps for easy access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail? Or maybe for its proximity to sandy beaches, and all the seaside fun that they bring? You can even see the sea from the hostel. YHA Manorbier also offers camping pods.
Stay at YHA Manorbier
YHA Newport Pembrokeshire
YHA Exclusive Hire hostel in Newport
On the north Pembrokeshire coast, Newport is a lovely little spot popular with hikers. This characterful former Victorian school in the town has a cycle store and a large self-catering kitchen. This hostel is available only on an Exclusive Hire basis, so you’ll get the entire place to yourself.
Stay at YHA Newport Pembrokeshire
YHA Borth
Located between the sea and the mountains
Welcome to the wildlife hotspot of Cardigan Bay, one of the best places in Wales to spot wave-racing dolphins and lazily bobbing seals. It’s here you’ll find YHA Borth, sitting high above the village of Borth (and a short drive from Aberystwyth) and offering access to both the Wales Coast Path and Borth Sands.
Stay at YHA Borth
YHA Conwy
Family hostel for mountains and seaside towns
Think of Conwy as the gateway to the mountains of north Wales and the seaside towns of the coast. This large hostel is 10 minutes from the historical centre of Conwy, making it a strong bet for families, and while the great mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) are not far away, the smaller hills near Conwy are often deserted.
Stay at YHA Conwy
YHA Kings
Stone-walled retreat on the foothills of Cadair Idris
Drop what you’re doing and flick through the suite of photos on the YHA Kings webpage. Not bad, eh? It’s located a little away from the main Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) honeypots — and it’s all the better for it. Instead, you’ll find a quaint stone house located among woodland by the shallow River Gwynant.
Stay at YHA Kings
YHA Snowdon Llanberis
Hostel on the slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself
There are a handful of excellent hostels circling the complex mountain of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The town of Llanberis, home to every keen climber in Wales (possible exaggeration), is rich with mountaineering history, which is no wonder given what’s on the doorstep. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) has always dominated life here.
Stay at YHA Snowdon Llanberis
We’re not done yet. Take a look at all of our places to stay in Wales.
Read next: How to stand-up paddleboard (safely).
