A Bannau Brycheiniog youth hostel has invested £40,000 to help it become more accessible and environmentally-friendly.
The investment was praised by Sarah Murphy, the Welsh Minister for social partnership, during a recent visit to this facility.
The investment was the result of a combination of funds granted by the government and by YHA (England & Wales).
The government, via the Brilliant Basics Fund administered by Powys County Council, awarded the hostel £32,000 earlier this year.
YHA further contributed a sum of £8,000, enabling the hostel to make key improvements to the site.
The funding has been invested in sustainability measures to help the hostel reduce its carbon footprint, and to help attract new visitors.
New cycle facilities have been fitted (Image: Supplied)
New improvements include a lockable CycleHoop bike shelter that is equipped with EV bike charging, an EV charging point in the carpark, levelled surfaces and paths that lead to picnic and camping areas.
Enhancements also include solar lighting on the access road, and timber fencing, between picnic areas and the driveway.
The Welsh Government’s Minister for Tourism, Sarah Murphy, said: "These fantastic additions at YHA Bannau Brycheiniog are part of the Welsh Government’s £5million ‘Brilliant Basics’ investment into a range of measures which will help deliver a greener, more accessible visitor experience for people choosing to holiday in Wales.
"Projects such as this make a real difference.
"Amenities have a big part to play in making a trip a memorable one and although these types of facilities often go unnoticed, they are an important part of a visitor’s experience.
"It’s great to see YHA driving forward sustainability not just for themselves, but for their visitors too."
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With the addition of EV charging, the hostel can now accommodate electric bike and car owners.
The CycleHoop bike shelter will also have an eco-friendly sedum roof, which will go towards the biodiversity of the area.
Hostel manager, Jane Barber, said: "It was wonderful to welcome the minister to the hostel and show off the new additions to the site.
"We are immensely grateful for the Brilliant Basics funding at YHA Bannau Brycheiniog.
"It has made an immediate difference to the youth hostel, which will not only have a positive impact on the thousands of guests who stay with us each year but also on the longer term financial sustainability of the hostel, as they will enable us to attract more guests to stay with us."
Bannau Brycheiniog youth hostel typically welcomes more than 12,000 overnight guests every year.
The hostel, nestled in Libanus, serves as a doorway to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and is located at the base of the highest mountain peak in South Wales, Pen-y-Fan.
It has been a favourite place for walkers, cyclists, campers, and groups for more than half a century.
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