The Cambrian mountains are a wonderful area for walking and cycling. In the 19th century livestock was walked from this part of Wales to the markets in England, using tracks crossing the mountains. These old drovers' roads can still be used by walkers and cyclists.
The Elenydd hostels are perfectly situated for outdoor types to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area to the full.
As well as the public footpaths in the Elenydd area, much of the higher land has open access for walking. This means that walkers can go where they like, but be warned that it is best to avoid the boggy, tussocky areas as they are very hard-going. The Cambrian Way long-distance footpath from Cardiff to Conway goes past Ty'n Cornel hostel and close to Blaencaron. The Doethie valley is an especially beautiful part of the Cambrian Way. Many people enjoy walking between the three hostels; there are different routes, roughly in a triangle and it is a wonderful 3 day trip.
The roads are quiet with very little traffic and for the energetic cyclists there are plenty of hills, including the famous 'Devil's Staircase' on the road to Abergwesyn. The Lon Las Cymru national cycle route traverses Wales from Cardiff to Holyhead and the mid point of the 175 mile route is close to Dolgoch hostel. The area has plenty of tracks and bridleways for offroad riding and the Ystwyth Trail will soon be open along the old railway line from Tregaron to Aberystwyth.
The Elenydd is not as heavily used as areas like the Brecon Beacons. You can be off-road and not see anyone else all day. Click here for advice.
Martin Hanks and Dave Lukes have produced a series of beautifully illustrated maps showing walks in the hills around the Elenydd hostels. They are available for purchase from the hostels - here are 2 examples:
| Day walk from Ty'n Cornel |  |
| Walk between Dolgoch and Ty'n Cornel |  |
Click here to see a page of photographs taken by one of our supporters, Dave Plummer, during a group walk between hostels in the Elenydd in August 2004
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