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The Elenydd is an area in the southern Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales, between Llanwrtyd Wells and Tregaron. It is a wild and beautiful place, with silence broken only by a gurgling stream, the bleating of sheep or the call of a bird. It is a wonderful area for outdoor activities like walking and cycling, an ideal place to escape from the pressures of the modern world.Simple youth hostels have provided accommodation here for many years and have always been popular with walkers and cyclists. They are in isolated and stunning locations and have been run by volunteer wardens for many years.The Youth Hostels Association closed the last three of these hostels in 2006, but we have managed to save two of them - Ty'n Cornel and Dolgoch. They are both converted farmhouses in the hills and are full of character. And you can help to keep them open by visiting them!
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After a long, hot, day's walking the hostel was an oasis. The warden (Catherine) had contacted me in advance to see if there was any food or provisions I needed, as I was walking, carrying all my supplies, for 5 days. It was so lovely to have fresh fruit and a big mug of tea with milk! I had the camp "field" all to myself - a level, freshly mowed spot, with views of the ponies and their foals in the adjacent field. The camping area was provided with timber rails which were invaluable for airing bedding and tent before packing away. Despite Covid restrictions I was able to have my own shower and toilet cubicle. I will definitely return with family in tow, in order to explore this stunningly beautiful and remarkably quiet part of the country. There are infinite possibilities for walking in the area, with footpaths, tracks and bridleways, as well as Access Land close by.
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Date of stay: June 2021
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Response from Gillian Keen, Marketing at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 16 Mar 2022
We look forward to welcoming you back with your family!
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Just enjoyed a week at this extremely remote older style basic Hostel. Amazing scenery and if you get a cloudless night, fantastic place to view stars, as Dark Sky area with no light pollution. Can be a bit tricky to get to, as very narrow roads, but worth the effort.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Need to check availability, as sometimes block booked for parties.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gill Keen, General Manager at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 12 Nov 2024
Thank you for your kind review!
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Amazing stay in an absolute gem of the UK countryside. Couldn't recommend this area enough and this hostel for a great bikepacking trip. Warm fire, swapping tales with the warden and breakfast with a view. The riding around this area is also stunning for road and gravel.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Gill Keen, General Manager at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 12 Nov 2024
Thank you for your kind review. We look forward to seeing you back at Dolgoch soon!
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It must be stressed that Dolgoch is very remote (10 miles from nearest shop?) and offers very basic accommodation and facilities - 1 large communal bunkbed dorm + 2 smaller 'family' bunkbed rooms upstairs, one loo, two showers downstairs with an entrance hall and large stone flagged kitchen / common room with one woodburner stove. There is one gas cooker, 3 gas kettle hobs with toast grills underneath, LED lighting where until recently old gaslights were fitted. It is like a Youth Hostel would have been maybe 30+ years ago. So rare - and attractive for some for just these reasons. Ideal for walkers and cyclists really then who only need a crashpad, carbs and somewhere to dry wet / sweaty clothes and muddy boots.
The woodburner is the only source of heat in winter. It needs constant feeding with pine logs (supplied) and poking with a poker to get the best from it. The kitchen is functional at best - 12 visitors in say 3-4 groups who dont know each other would swamp the facilities at mealtimes and in winter it is 'challenging' due to the cold and darkness. No mobile signal, No radio reception. Headtorch advisable. Sleeping bag also. Handtorches and bedding supplied but a good down bag is preferable. Positive mental attitude a must.
Best visited therefore in spring (Easter onwards) and summer when the outside seating and location can be fully appreciated. Ive stayed twice in winter now and think I owe myself a midsummer stay.
The location and surroundings are the USP (unique selling point) - pleasant walking from the doorway to Llyn Brianne reservoir, Soar y Mynydd chapel (1822), the Doethie Valley, part of the Cambrian Way and even Drygarn Fawr - challenging upland walking in any season. Easy-ish car drives to Tregaron (13 miles?) or Llanwrtyd Wells (similar) or Llandovery (20 miles?) - but best to stay close to the hostel for the scenery really - waterfalls, ponies, red kites, buzzards, herons, sheep of course, lots of sheep.
If you love communal living, hearty meals cooked by a few hands and ready teamwork when washing up and cleaning up then way to go! If youre used to b&b's, flicking switches, social media and dont own a compass then best go somewhere else, maybe.
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Date of stay: December 2013
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EWHT, Owner at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 8 Mar 2015
Thank you for your comprehensive review of our hostel. You should definitely experience Dolgoch at different times of the year. Every season has its charms - the bluebell clad hills of Spring should not be missed! There are actually two toilets at the hostel - one at the foot of the stairs and one by the showers cubicles. Distances to nearest towns are Tregaron - 9 miles Llanwrtyd Wells - 10 miles and Llandovery - 21 miles. As with all YHA owned or affiliated hostels, all bedding including pillows is provided and we ask customers to refrain from bringing their own bedding/sleeping bags. This allows us to maintain a clean environment for all our guests. Looking forward to welcoming you back at a warmer time of year! The Dolgoch Volunteer Managers.
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As a 2 family party of mixed age children this was a chance to try something more remote and a change from usual youth hostels. It was a great experience - even the teenagers enjoyed it!Many thanks to our warden , Bob , who was hospitable helpful and good company.A wonderful place.
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Date of stay: October 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EWHT, Public Relations Manager at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 16 Nov 2015
Thank you for your kind review and we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay at our great little hostel! Spread the word in Warwickshire! (The Dolgoch Volunteer Managers)
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Spent a wonderful, albeit wet, weekend in this fabulous gem. It definitely isn't for those who want life's luxuries - but if your version of luxury is Mother Nature and the chance to get off the grid entirely then this is the place to think of. Sharing space with others is a given - but its worth it. Great walking and rides on the doorstep. The volunteers & wardens are champions and generations will thank them for their efforts in maintaining this type of hostel for city livers and visitors.
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Date of stay: April 2014
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EWHT, Owner at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 8 Mar 2015
We were very pleased to read your enthusiastic review of our hostel and the surrounding area It is so rewarding that our efforts as volunteers are appreciated. We do hope you will be returning soon. The Dolgoch Volunteer Managers.
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Astonishing hostel, a quite superb experience. The peace of the setting, the nature close at hand (for example, the horses in the adjacent field, the many birds feasting at the table outside my window), the views, the walks...if you are looking for somewhere to take you away from the hustle and grind and sometimes sheer madness of modern living then this is definitely the place. It is run on eco-lines and is essentially off-grid. I say "essentially" as there is a phone line, but there is no electricity, gas mains or water mains and definitely no TV, Radio or wi-fi. Solar panels provide hot water for the shower, a gas canister supplied the fuel to heat my beans on the hob. It's bring your own food btw. The house is over three hundred years old, the large kitchen/living room is dominated by a huge log-burner which I imagine gives great warmth in the winter. It's all basic. It's all fantastic. Warden John gave me a friendly welcome and explained about the running of the place. Due to the pandemic restrictions he was the only other person at the hostel during my three days there.
I will be back next year for sure when I also intend to visit the sister hostel which I understand is closer to Tregaron.
Thanks for being there and for even being open at all at this difficult time. It shows great dedication from the many volunteers who run the place to keep this project going. Total respect to all concerned.
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Date of stay: June 2021
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Response from Gillian Keen, Marketing at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 17 Mar 2022
Thank you for your glowing review! We are now taking more bookings, but no dormitory sharing. We look forward to your next visit!
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We stayed at Dolgoch hostel during the new year period and had a fantastic time. The location is beautiful and there is lots to do on the door step. All the volunteers and wardens who help organise Dolgoch are super friendly and very helpful. I highly recommend staying at Dolgoch hostel. A brilliant place in an amazing part of Wales. I will visit many more times to come. Thank you very much.
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Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EWHT, Public Relations Manager at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 18 Dec 2015
Thank you for your kind review of Dolgoch and so pleased you enjoyed your stay and will be returning. It is so good to know that others love Dolgoch and the surrounding area as much as we do! The Dolgoch Volunteer Managers.
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Spent a wonderful few days in this incredible location. As another reviewer has noted it definitely is not for those who want a luxury break - but if your version of bliss is being immersed in Nature and the chance to get completely off the grid then this is the place to go to. No mobile phone reception, no internet and no electric! There is a woodburner for heat and gas to cook on (and heat water) and solar cells charge a battery to run some LED lighting - but a headtorch is still essential.
The Hostel is run and maintained by volunteers who Love this place, and their commitment keeps it going. It was the first time in charge for the Wardens during our stay; they were really helpful and knowledgeable and offered advice & tips of where to visit locally.
We'll be back!
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Date of stay: March 2015
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EWHT, Public Relations Manager at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 10 Apr 2015
Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your break at Dolgoch. Our volunteer wardens are a great band of people - all knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the Dolgoch area. What would we do without them?! Hoping you will return before too long! The Dolgoch Volunteer Managers
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A traditional cottage in the wilderness. Bring your own food - there is a kitchen but no shop for miles. Heating is a wood burning stove. No phone signal, erratic landline. At the time I was there the volunteers were wrestling with the plumbing. On the other hand, you could watch the birds (including a woodpecker) from the window and the herd of semi-wild ponies in the field. After you have forgotten all those hotels and B&Bs you have stayed in, you will remember this place.
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Date of stay: July 2014
Value
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EWHT, Owner at Elenydd Wilderness Hostels - Dolgoch Hostel
Responded 8 Mar 2015
Thank you for your kind review of our bunkhouse and glad you enjoyed your visit. Dolgoch is certainly a very special place! There is no mobile reception in the vicinity, but the land line phone at the hostel is serving us well and can be used by guests. Come back soon! The Dolgoch Volunteer Managers.
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There are more places to choose from in the Tregaron area.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
YHA Dolgoch Bunkhouse
LOCATION
United KingdomWalesCeredigionTregaron
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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