Issue 13

June 2002

A Room with a View - at YHA Poppit Sands

Drawing back the curtains, sunlight flooded into the room; without getting out of bed I could see the waves gently lapping the sandy beach below; through the open window the gentle murmur of the sea reached my ears: so began a day at Poppit Sands youth hostel.

Breakfast was taken alfresco at one of the picnic benches in the garden. Then, following a leisurely exploration of the steeply sloping, bracken covered grounds, it was time for my wife and I to head for the coast path.
The cliffs here are very high and the rocks clearly show their twisted and distorted strata. Unfortunately the weather did not live up to its early promise and a strong, gusty wind, combined with the threat of rain, persuaded us to curtail our intended walk to Moylgrove; having walked around Cemaes Head we returned by inland paths and lanes to the beach at Poppit, just in time to have lunch at the beach cafe.

In the afternoon we drove to the village of Cilgerran, parking by the River Teifi. This was a very peaceful place on a Thursday afternoon in May, with the deep river flowing swiftly by. We lingered awhile before climbing up the bank to inspect the substantial remains of the castle, and then returned the short distance to the hostel, stopping off on the way to inspect the ruins of St Dogmaels abbey.

Things to do from YHA Poppit Sands

1. Walk on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

2. Visit the fine sandy beach nearby

3. Explore the Ceredigion coast

   • Mwnt - a small cove from where it is said dolphins can be seen

   • Aberporth - popular seaside resort

   • Llanganog - an unspoiled seaside village with access to cliff-top walks

4. Visit the Teifi valley and its attractions

   • Cilgerran for castle and river

   • Wildlife centre (near Cilgerran)

   • Coracle centre at Cenarth

Poppit Sands youth hostel