
Bwlch Nant yr Arian in Winter
Winter
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre,
Ponterwyd,
Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion,
SY23 3AB
Details
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is easy to find, just off the A44, and its range of visitor facilities mean it is a popular destination during the tourist season. During the winter the site is less busy and so this is an ideal time to enjoy the waymarked walking trails and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of nature without the crowds.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian is well-known for its long-established tradition of feeding red kites. The number of these birds of prey which come in for the daily feeding is often higher during winter than in the warmer months as other food sources decrease during the colder weather (feeding time is at 2pm every day until the clocks go forward in March when it is at 3pm). You may also see other less common birds here in winter including herons and whooper swans.
The visitor centre is perched on a dramatic hilltop and the wind is often cold, strong and easterly. This is great weather for a bracing winter walk to blow away the cobwebs and burn off the Christmas excesses but make sure you wrap up extra warm and hold onto your hat!
Be aware of the effect the weather may have on your visit and check the forecast before you set off. The visitor centre is on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains and snow can be frequent and heavy. After a heavy snowfall, the site (car park, visitor centre and trails) is closed for the safety of visitors and staff.
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.
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
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