(sometimes spelt 'Tyncornel')
Ty'n Cornel has been called the most remote hostel in Wales. It lies up in the hills at 400 metres, by the side of a stony track across the mountains. From either direction there is little sign of the hostel until you round the final bend. Its full Welsh name is 'Tyddyn yn y Cornel' and is very appropriate as it means 'Smallholding in the Corner'.
Built in the early nineteenth century, it was one of a scattering of farms in the area, many of them now in ruins. It was only in the late 1940s that the children living there had daily transport to the primary school in Llanddewi Brefi; before that they had to lodge in the village during the week, even when only 5 years old! Both the hostel and homes in the nearby Brefi valley were without mains electricity until 2003/4, when an EU grant enabled connection to the National Grid - but many people mourn the passing of the gas lights at Ty'n Cornel!
The last family to live in Ty'n Cornel moved out in 1952 and the land was then used by another farm. There were farm buildings, trees and a garden opposite, but these were removed to build the sheds that stand there now. The farmhouse was rented to the YHA in the 1960s and sold to them in 1973 by the then warden, Will Lewis, who continued until the 1980s.
The track past the hostel continues to the isolated chapel of Soar y Mynydd. This delightful 18th century chapel was built when the area was more populated than today and before the nearby valleys were flooded to create Llyn Brianne reservoir. It is kept in good repair and during the summer has a service every Sunday.
Ty'n Cornel is a favourite hostel with those who search solitude. Walkers can explore the mountain terrain of the Elenydd from outside the front door, while adventurous cyclists have several hilly tracks to choose from. Wherever you wander, you are now likely to see red kites, birds of prey that had almost died out by 1990.
The hostel is comfortable and has an open fire in the lounge. There is also a small area of grass adjacent to the building where it is possible to camp.
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Ty'n Cornel is 11 km / 7 miles south-east of Llanddewi Brefi, from where it can be reached by road, the last mile of which is unsurfaced (follow the brown road signs). Other popular approaches, on foot or bicycle, are over the track from Soar y Mynydd chapel or up the Doethie valley from Rhandirmwyn. It is useful to have a recent map showing 'open access' information.
 | OS maps: | Landranger 146, 147 Explorer 187 | (1:50,000) (1:25,000) |
| Grid Reference: | SN 751 535 | ||
| Public transport: | Train to Aberystwyth,Carmarthen or Llanwrtyd Wells, Bus X40: Cardiff/Carmarthen/Aberystwyth to Lampeter, Bus 585: Lampeter/Tregaron/Aberystwyth to Llanddewi Brefi Postbus 287: Llandovery to Rhandirmwyn | ||
| Nearest shop: | Llanddewi Brefi | 11 km / 7 mi | |
| Next hostel: | Dolgoch | 31 km / 19 mi (by road) 8 km / 5 mi (by footpath) | |
Ty'n Cornel is a simple hostel with 2 dormitories and 8 bunk beds in each one. Duvets, pillowcases, sheets sleeping bags and blankets are provided - just bring your own towel. It has electric lighting and water heating, separate washrooms and toilets for men and women and one shared, hot shower. The sitting room has tables, chairs, benches and plenty of books and other reading material. Wood and coal is provided for the open fire.
There's a well equipped, self-catering kitchen with gas rings, a small gas oven and microwave, electric kettle and toaster, a fridge and plenty of pans, crockery and cutlery. There isn't a hostel shop (though a small amount of food is usually available for emergencies) no meals are provided and the nearest shop is 11 km / 7 miles away - so bring food with you!
Outside, there's a car parking area, a large shed with room for cycles and an area with picnic tables where you can sit and admire the view whilst enjoying a hot cup of tea!
But there's no phone, the nearest public phone is at Llanddewi Brefi, 11 km / 7 miles away, and there's no mobile phone reception! However some mobiles will work by the cattle grid on the road, 2 km / 1 mile away, and at certain spots on the hill behind the hostel.
Ty'n Cornel is open all the year. Advanced booking is essential from mid-November to mid-March as there may not be a warden present then. See the Contacts page for booking information.
| Martin Hanks has produced a series of beautifully illustrated maps showing walks in the hills around the Elenydd hostels. See our Walking and Cycling pages. |  |
Recent comments show how much people enjoy staying here:
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