The big dining room has picture windows with gorgeous views of the River Caerfanell in its winding valley under the bulk of Twyn Du (Black Down). The sitting room has a wood-burning stove that’s throwing out lots of heat and as our group of 19, spread around several comfy sofas, start on pre-dinner drinks, the noise level rises to a convivial hum.
We are on a self-catering break in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) national park, but this is not one of those large holiday lets you find on specialist websites that cost thousands. A two-night winter break here can cost as little as £21 a head, because we are taking advantage of the Youth Hostels Association’s policy of hiring out entire hostels during low-demand months.
