Planning a long-distance walk in North Wales? Discover trail-side hostels offering hot showers, drying rooms, and a warm welcome—right on iconic routes like the Snowdonia Way, Slate Trail, Offa’s Dyke, and more.
If you’re tackling a long-distance trail through Snowdonia or North Wales, you’ll already know that planning your overnight stops is crucial. For those walking the Snowdonia Way, Snowdonia Slate Trail, Glyndŵr’s Way, Offa’s Dyke Path, or the Wales Coast Path, hostels and bunkhouses offer a welcoming solution.
From drying rooms and self-catering kitchens and unbeatable mountain views, it’s no surprise Independent Hostels are a favourite with long-distance walkers. As a walker you need more than a bed for the night. You need:
• A hot shower, a hearty meal, and a comfy bed
• Drying rooms for your wet kit
• Self-catering kitchens for early starts or late-night refuelling
• A warm welcome from like-minded walkers
• And most importantly — locations right on or near the trail
And to make your next walk in North Wales easier, we’ve found some of the best hostels on North Wales’ most iconic routes…
Snowdonia Way
The Snowdonia Way offers a stunning route through the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. These hostels make ideal stopping points:
• Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse – Nestling at the foot of Snowdon you’d be hard pushed to find a better location
• Plas Isa, Dolgellau – Relaxed, cosy accommodation aimed at outdoor adventurers
• Braich Goch – Situated on the edge of the charming mountain village of Corris, in foothills of Cadair Idris
Each offers secure storage, hot showers, and a walker friendly atmosphere to rest weary feet after a day on a trail.
Snowdonia Slate Trail
Linking the region’s slate heritage sites, this circular 83-mile route is a gem for experienced walkers.
• Caban Cysgu Gerlan – ideal for walkers on this popular 83 mile trail
• Lodge Dinorwig – Breath taking views of Yr Wyddfa, Llanberis, and Anglesey.
• CellB Hostel – Situated right in the centre of Snowdonia, Blaenau Ffestiniog is the perfect base for walkers
Hostels on this trail combine accessibility, heritage, and great hospitality.
Glyndŵr’s Way Hostels
This 135-mile National Trail traces a figure-of-eight route through Mid Wales. These hostels offer perfect trail stops:
• Hafren Forest Hideaway – Walkers’ accommodation with optional home-cooked evening meals
• Toad Hall – Toad Hall sits beside the River Dovey, close to Snowdonia National Park
• Llanfyllin Workhouse – The ideal location to explore for Welshpool, Oswestry & Shrewsbury
Wales Coast Path
At over 870 miles, the Wales Coast Path is one of the longest continuous coast paths in the world. The hostels are perfectly placed for strategic stopping points.
• Cwtsh Hostel– A modern hostel in central Swansea
• Old School Hostel Just a quarter of a mile from the world famous coast path
Expect sea views, sand underfoot, and bunkbeds within striking distance of the waves.
Offas Dyke
Crossing the length of the Welsh-English border, this 177-mile National Trail offers wild variety. Hostel highlights include:
• Camp Hillcrest– Sits in the Beautiful Wye Valley just off Offa’s Dyke
• Llangollen Hostel – Short bus ride from Offas Dyke, perfect location for walking in the Vale of Llangollen
Why hostels are ideal for long distance walkers
They’re perfectly placed for trail access, and your tired feet will thank you for booking!
Every hostel is different — some are converted chapels, others are purpose-built bunkhouses — but what unites them is their fantastic location and genuine welcome to long distance walkers.
✅ Affordable and flexible
✅ Trail-friendly locations
✅ Drying rooms, kitchens, and hot showers
✅ Owned and run by people who understand long distance walking
Whether you’re walking solo or in a group, Independent Hostels have the perfect accommodation for you.