Times Square Hostel

A YHA cycling route resembling a "figure eight", popular in the 1960s, began in England and meanders southward into the Royal Forest of Dean, through the Wye Valley in Wales, north to Black Mountain and west of the Brecon Beacons. The road then leads south to the River Severn, crossed over the Wye back in England, then north into the Wye Valley again. Follow this road and you will see for yourself how picturesque this area actually is.

Unfortunately many of the hostels in the old Brecon Beacons and Wye Valley in the sixties are now closed but the beautiful countryside, they were in is still very much alive. This particular district occupies scenic regions of England and west Wales from Hereford. Following the cycle track, here are seven hostels popular in and around the Brecon Beacons during that period:

Forest of Dean, Wye Valley High & The Black Mountains

- Mitcheldean: This hostel is now closed, and was in this village growing importance with old timbered houses and narrow streets and a medieval church. Once a center for the brewing industry, the original brewery now known as The Mews, is occupied by several local businesses. On the edge of the village is a large business park, which includes Xerox, one of the largest employers in the Forest of Dean.

- Castle St. Briavel's: You'll have no trouble thinking what to write on your postcards if you stay in this Hostel, located in a Norman castle. It was once the hunting lodge of King John in 1205 on the site of an earlier fortress. Its towers were added in 1293 as part of the Ring of Stone around Wales. On a high plateau overlooking the Wye Valley, St Briavel's offers spectacular views.

- Capel-y-FFIN: Scheduled for closing soon, this small inn that was once an old hill farm. It is nestled amidst the Llanthony Valley of the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons. Located 14 miles from Abergavenny on the Anglo-Welsh border, it is now an excellent base for walkers and cyclists. There are routes leading through unspoilt countryside in all directions, including the Cambrian Way, Offa's Dyke trails and Sustrans Route 42.

Brecon Beacons National Park

- Ty'ny-Caeau: Through its activities are now complete, it was near the town of Brecon, famous for its jazz festival. Llwyn-y-Celyn: a new hostel opened nearby - another former Welsh farmhouse in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Housing should be similar to Ty'ny-Caeau with rooms from 2 to 6 + Bed and laundry facilities, kitchen and evening meals. It provides a comfortable base for exploring the park with outdoor activities from horse riding to sailing, paragliding, quad biking and hiking.

- Crickhowell: Since this hostel stopped working and was replaced by near Llangattock Bunkhouse. The recently built stone building offers accommodation for up to 30 persons and is equipped with a modern bathroom. Self-catering or catering is available and includes a large dining and lounge area with a substantial outdoor space. It is located in a very remote area, with a magical setting atop a hill with access to ancient forests, marshes and meadows of wildflowers rare.

Lower Wye Valley

- Chepstow: Though this hostel is no longer in use, it was located in this border town straddling Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Chepstow is situated at the confluence of the River Wye and Severn River on the west bank of the Severn. It is famous for its castle and racecourse, which hosts the Grand National of Wales. Chepstow proper is on the west bank of the Wye, Wales, the English part on the shore and consists of Tutshill Sedbury.

- Staunton-on-Wye: Yet ANOT.