
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre
Running Trail, free entry
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre,
Ponterwyd,
Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion,
SY23 3AB
Details
There are waymarked running trails at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, all of which start from the centre's car park. Named after two local standing stones, Y Fuwch a'r Llo (the 'Cow and Calf') offer a fantastic introduction to trail running in the Cambrian Mountains.
The Fuwch trail is the longer of the two routes (6.5 miles, 10 kilometres) and has a variety of surfaces and several steep ascents, whilst "Y Llo" (3.1 miles, 5 kilometres) starts off with a flat section almost two kilometres long before climbing up onto the ridge and returning to the Centre.
THE FUWCH TRAIL
Be prepared for an interesting mixture of exposed forest roads and single track paths, with occasional roots, mud and rocks.
The Fuwch trail is a challenging route which takes in a variety of surfaces and several steep ascents and descents and occasional sections of tarmac road.
THE LLO TRAIL
The Llo Trail starts off with a flat section almost two kilometres long before climbing up onto the ridge and leading back to the car park.
You will need suitable footwear and clothing and please be aware of other trail users. Both of these trails require a reasonable level of fitness.
Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
Opening details
The café is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week (except Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year's day). Hot food is served between 10am and 3pm daily.
The shop is open from 11am to 4.30pm seven days a week (except Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year's day). It is closed during red kite feeding periods.
The red kites are fed daily at 2pm in winter (GMT) and 3pm in summer (BST). These times vary from winter to summer based on British Summer Time.
Prices
Free entry
There is an on-site parking charge of £1.50 for up to two hours and £3.00 for over two hours. A season ticket is available.
Address
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre,
Ponterwyd,
Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion,
SY23 3AB
Location and nearby places
Directions
Map reference: SN 717813 Lat: 52.41462 Long: -3.88531
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre is nine miles east of Aberystwyth on the A44.
The nearest train station is Aberystwyth.
The 525 bus from Aberystwyth - Ponterwyd/Llanidloes stops on request at the entrance to the car park. For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.
CAR PARKING
Please pay at the ticket machine in the car park on arrival. The ticket machine takes cards and coins. It does not give change.
Car parking costs:
£1.50 for 1 hour
£3 for up to 3 hours
£5 for all day
You can buy an annual car parking pass for £30 from the visitor centre or café.
OS Grid Reference: SN 717 813
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 10 miles from Aberystwyth station
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Regional Tourist Board Member
Wheelchairs available
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Mobility Accessibility Facilities
Dogs accepted
Hearing Accessibility Facilities
Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Has a ramp
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
To the gift shop
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Baby changing facilities
Hearing loop installed in public areas
General
Hearing loop system
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Clear signage
Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
Wheelchairs provided
Free
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
Audible alarm system
Entrance
Steps to the main entrance
- 6Number of steps to entrance
Handrail by steps
Ramp to entrance
Entrance is well lit
Food
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
Vegetarian
Vegan
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
High chairs for children
Children's menu