• Address: Plas Newydd, Llanbedr, Barmouth, LL45 2LE
• Telephone: Within UK 0870 770 5926 Outside UK (+44) 1341 241287
• Category: YHA
• Nearest Beach: Barmouth
• Web details: www.yha.org.uk/hostel/hostelpages/190.html

Homely hostel in a village close to beaches, unspoilt mountains and Harlech Castle. There are beaches and mountains aplenty to explore. Cycle the Mawddach Trail, walk the Rhinog mountains and mountain bike on world-class tracks in Coed-y-Brenin Forest. Barmouth beach stretches two miles from the harbour. The sand is smooth and soft and a promenade extends the entire length of the beach. The tide covers the beach at full flood, and retreats about half a mile when at full ebb. Barmouth is renowned for its beach and deserves a good reputation. On a sunny day you might think you had died and gone to heaven the view is so breathtaking. The beaches between here and Harlech are all wonderful.

As with all North Wales’ breaks, checking the charts is a must before going on a surf trip. It can get good surf in the right conditions though, although windsurfers and kitesurfers might find the place more useful. Just make sure you stay well away from other beach users andkitesurfers will love wha Harlech has to offer