
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre
Walking Route, free entry
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre,
Ponterwyd,
Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion,
SY23 3AB
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Details
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre sits at the head of a dramatic valley and has commanding views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains.
It is well-known for its long established tradition of daily feeding of red kites, Wales’s National Bird of Prey and there trails for walkers, mountain bikers, and runners which are waymarked from the visitor centre.
All of the walking trails start from the visitor centre.
MINERS' TRAIL (1.5 miles, 2.4 kilometres)
The Miners Trail winds along the head of the valley, following a leat which once carried water to power lead mines. It climbs a short but steep hillside towards the Giant’s Chair, a great place to take in the view. It then drops down across a forest road and into an area which has recently been planted with 12,000 native trees on its way back to the visitor centre.
BARCUD TRAIL (⅔ mile, 1.2 kilometres)
The Barcud Trail includes Animal Puzzle Trail and Elenydd Trail and leads you around the edge of the lake where the daily feeding of the red kites takes place (the Welsh for red kite is “Barcud Coch”). It is a circular level route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Along the route there are wooden animals to spot - pick up an Animal Puzzle Trail leaflet from the dispenser or in the visitor centre and see how many animals you can find. Look out for sculptures and poetry along the path which bring local folklore and history to life – pick up an Elenydd Trail leaflet in the visitor centre.
RIDGETOP TRAIL (2.5 miles, 4.1 kilometres)
Follow the waymarkers up onto the heather clad ridge and enjoy the views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. Head past the stone viewpoint before dropping down through the trees. Join the narrow leat path which brings you back to the car park.
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
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