
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre
Mountain Biking, free entry
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre,
Ponterwyd,
Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion,
SY23 3AB
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Details
Bwlch Nant yr Arian has a range of purpose built mountain bike routes that weave their way through conifer plantations, down steep slopes and along river beds.
PARC SQILIAU | SKILLS PARK
The skills park is a purpose-built track for mountain bikers to practice their technique or just warm up before hitting the longer trails which start from the visitor centre. Features include rollers, step ups, berms, tabletops, hips and bowls and the site was carefully selected so that the track doesn’t affect other trails or the view of the lake.
PENDAM TRAIL - RED GRADE ROUTE | 6.2 miles, 10 kilometres
The ‘Pendam’ Trail is a roller coaster ride of fantastic purpose built single track that weaves its way through conifer plantations, down steep side slopes and along deep river valleys. The Pendam trail combines sections of the ‘Summit’ and ‘Syfydrin’ trails to give you a taste of the fantastic riding and scenery available. Although it is the shortest route at Nant yr Arian, it includes lots of sweet single track and some hard climbs, parts of it are technically challenging so take care.
The Pendam Trail includes sections of public road and tracks shared with horse riders so watch out for other users. Check out the Mountain Bike/Horse Code. Watch out for the weather, remember that it can change rapidly, and some sections of the trail are open and exposed. Please leave gates as you find them.
Distance 9km | Time 1 - 2 hours | Climb 220m
SUMMIT TRAIL - RED GRADE TRAIL | 11.1 miles 18 kilometres
The ‘Summit’ Trail is a roller coaster ride of fantastic purpose built single track that weaves its way through conifer plantations, down steep side slopes and along deep river valleys
This is a demanding route with some technical single track descents and long climbs. Parts are open and exposed, watch out for the weather and enjoy the superb views.
SYFYDRIN TRAIL - BLACK SEVERE GRADE | 21.7 miles, 35 kilometres
The Syfydrin Trail includes the entire Summit Trail with its fantastic single track, and also leads you out onto the high open hills for a long and challenging ride in exposed and remote countryside.
More information in relation to whether or not a route is suitable for you and where you can get training can be found on the Natural Resources Wales website.
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.
Open all the time
Prices
Free entry
Car parking:
£1.50 parking fee for up to two hours
£3 parking fee for over two hours
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
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
Facilities for hearing impaired
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