Phenomenal volunteer effort has saved two Welsh gems

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We have congratulated the Elenydd Wilderness Hostels Trust on its phenomenal volunteer effort.  Our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, spoke at the trust’s tenth anniversary lunch in Tregaron on Saturday (2 July).

Said Kate: ‘Not only have the trust’s activists saved two hostels in the remote heart of Wales from closure and sale, but they have maintained and wardened them, so that they are enjoyable, safe and environmentally-friendly places to visit.  These hostels are the gems of mid-Wales.’

Ty'n Cornel

Ty’n Cornel

The two hostels, Ty’n Cornel and Dolgoch, belonged to the Youth Hostels Association and when it threatened to sell them ten years ago, objectors formed the Elenydd Trust to rescue them.  Now the annual bed-nights exceed those achieved by the YHA.

Kate continues: ‘These hostels enable people to enjoy Wales’s unparalleled countryside, and for those who are walking the Cambrian Way long-distance route between Cardiff and Conwy, they are useful stopping-off places.  It is thanks to the huge voluntary effort and organisation of the trust that these hostels have remained open for all to enjoy.

Dolgoch

Dolgoch

‘The Open Spaces Society has for 151 years championed people’s enjoyment of the outdoors, and these exquisite hostels contribute greatly to encouraging people to discover mid-Wales.

‘We have joined the call from the Cambrian Mountains Society and others to make the Elenydd into the Cambrian Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It richly deserves that protection.’

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