21-23rd June 2024 at the Ty’n Cornel Hostel, Tregaron. The former YHA hostel, reckoned to be the most remote in Wales, lies in the Elenydd Wilderness, a land of beautiful river valleys, lakes, forests and moors. The Club has rarely, if ever, visited this area so this weekend offers new experiences for all of us. It is to be hoped that there will be a good number of takers for the long routes but don’t be put off, there are routes for all abilities.

The Long Walk Route and alternatives

There are plenty of interesting walking routes around Ty’n Cornel which radiate out from the Hostel into the Cambrian Mountains with all capabilities catered for.

For the traditional challenge, the route of this year’s Long Walk is 55 km/1500 m ascent (34 miles/4900 ft). This combines part of the Cambrian Way with sections of the hostel recommended walks and adds a long excursion to the North to visit the remains of the Cistercian Abbey at Strata Florida. The return is along part of the Lon Las Cymru track south-east to join the River Towy valley, south to Llyn Brianne and north up the pretty Afon Doethie valley back to the hostel. GPX file download.

The shorter variant of the Long Walk is 40 km/1150 m ascent (25 miles/3800 ft) and omits the loop down to Lyn Brianne by crossing west from Soar y Mynydd to the hostel. GPX file download. Both routes entail minimal road walking.

In addition to the Cambrian Way, the hostel website lists seven walking routes ranging from 10-22 km (6-14 miles). Five are circular routes (1, 2, 5, 6 and 7) and two are linear (3 and 4) going to Dolgoch Hostel or Llanddewi Brefi. All have downloadable PDFs with detailed route descriptions, items of interest on the way and a sketch map. The plotted GPX files for the Hostels recommended walks can be downloaded here:

Ty’n Cornel Walk No. 1 Soar y Mynydd 12.5 km

Ty’n Cornel Walk No. 2 Bryn Ambor and Doethie Valley 17.5 km

Ty’n Cornel Walk No. 3 Landdewi Brefi and back 22.9 km

Ty’n Cornel Walk No. 4 Dolgoch Hostel and back 18.6 km

Ty’n Cornel Walk No. 5 Llyn Brianne – Soar y Mynydd 22.7 km

Ty’n Cornel Walk No. 6 Janet’s Walk 22.6 km

Ty’n Cornel Walk No. 7 Esgair Cerrig – Telephone Box – Soar y Mynydd 15.2 km

The Long Bike Ride

Forests, moors, reservoirs and spectacular views in an area of quiet wilderness. The routes comprise a mixture of country lanes, gravel roads and singletrack. Whilst probably not suitable for road bikes they shouldn’t require any serious mountain biking skills. The long route in particular will test the energy management of the rider, both in terms of legs and battery, if you’re lucky enough to have one. There is a café just short of halfway round where both may be able to get a short recharge.

There are three options from the hostel, two heading North to the Elan Valley reservoirs and one East to Llyn Brianne.

The Long Bike Route, 93km (57.5m), 2100m (6875ft) ascent. GPX file download.

The Short Bike Route, 75km (47m), 1620m (5300ft) ascent. There is a cafe in Elan village, a diversion of a mile each way. GPX file download.

Llyn Brianne Bike Route, 31km (19m) 670m (2200ft). This is a very scenic ride with lots of singletrack to start, leading to quiet lanes with spectacular views. GPX file download.

Further routes can be found by going to the Komoot website; go to Routes, type in “Tregaron” (village) and select 10 miles radius.

Ty’n Cornel Hostel, Tregaron, SY25 6PH

For any questions contact Stuart Dix stuartdix@mac.com If the meet shows full, contact the Meets Secretary t.josephy@btinternet.com who may be able to arrange extra accommodation

Please note that this is a catered meet. Anyone with specific dietary requirements must contact the meet leader well in advance to see whether these can be accommodated or not. This is entirely at the meet leader’s discretion. Catering is provided on the understanding that the absence of any allergens cannot be guaranteed. If you have any specific concerns, discuss them with the meet leader and please consider self-catering.

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