A trend was emerging. When I found myself staying in some grand old country house or castle that had become a youth hostel, I’d stay a second night. St Briavels castle was no exception. Like King John before me, I decided this was a worthy residence, though I would not be using it as a hunting lodge.

Thursday 15th September 2016

Stayed at St Briavels, read, and went for pub lunch. Tried YHA supper club, had dinner with a LEJOG (Land’s End to John o’Groats) cyclist and a YHA HQ new recruit. Washed sleeping bag for first time!

Distance: a few hundred meters to the pub and back!

The supper club offered at some YHA hostels is their best evening offering, at least when other people show up. They serve masses of food and everyone eats together.

St Briavels seems very popular with LEJOG cyclists. I met two during my stay there.