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Ceredigion Uplands | Hills and Valleys

Ceredigion Uplands

Inland Ceredigion is a different world from the coast. The land rises steeply from the sea into a rolling upland of sheep farms, river valleys and small market towns that feel as if they have been here for centuries, because they have. This is Welsh-speaking heartland, quieter and less visited than the coast, with a character all its own.

What are the main towns in the Ceredigion uplands?

Lampeter is a small university town on the River Teifi, home to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (the oldest degree-awarding institution in Wales, founded in 1822). It has good independent shops, a food co-op and a Friday market. Tregaron is smaller and more remote, a farming town at the edge of the Cambrian Mountains with a wide village green where drovers once gathered cattle for the long walk to English markets. Devils Bridge is a hamlet in a gorge where three bridges are built one on top of the other, the oldest dating to the 12th century.

What can I do in the Ceredigion uplands?

Walking is the main draw. The hills are rounded and open, with wide views and few fences. Cors Caron, a raised bog near Tregaron, is a National Nature Reserve with a boardwalk trail and sightings of red kites, curlews and hen harriers. The Teifi Pools, high in the hills above Strata Florida Abbey, are the source of the River Teifi and among the most remote spots in southern Britain.

Strata Florida Abbey (Cadw) is a ruined Cistercian monastery founded in 1164. Dafydd ap Gwilym, Wales's greatest medieval poet, is said to be buried under the yew tree in the churchyard. The site is quiet, atmospheric and rarely busy.

Is the Ceredigion uplands area good for wildlife?

Red kites are everywhere. The Ceredigion uplands were one of the last refuges for the species before its recovery, and the sky above Tregaron is never empty of them. Buzzards, ravens and peregrine falcons are common. Otters live in the rivers. The bogs and wetlands support rare plants and insects that have disappeared from more intensively farmed landscapes.

Browse accommodation and things to do in the Ceredigion uplands below.

If you are looking for a part of Wales where the hills are yours and the valleys feel like they have not changed in centuries, the Ceredigion Uplands will not disappoint. Stay a few days, walk every morning, and eat well in the evenings. Find accommodation in the Ceredigion Uplands to start planning your stay.

Inspiration

Pontarfynach | Devil's Bridge

The village of Devil's Bridge is situated at the head of the Rheidol Valley in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains. Famous for its bridges and waterfall, Devil's Bridge and can be reached via the Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway.
Tregaron

Tregaron is a town where history, legend, and nature intertwine—offering visitors a truly authentic Welsh experience. Whether you’re drawn by the wildlife, the scenic routes, or the rich folklore, this is a place where the past comes to life amid the spectacular Cambrian Mountain landscapes.
Llanbedr Pont Steffan | Lampeter

The market town of Lampeter in the Teifi Valley - home of the oldest University in Wales, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Tref farchnad Llambed yn Nyffryn Teifi, cartref y Brifysgol hynaf yng Nghymru, yng nghanol cefn gwlad hyfryd.

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Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Running Trails (NRW)

Address

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB

Telephone
01970 890453

bnya@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth

Bwlch Nant yr Arian is famous for feeding red kites daily. Range of waymarked walking, mountain biking, running and horse-riding trails and a mountain bike skills park. Café, shop and play area.
Coed y Foel Woodland and Countryside Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails -Coed y Foel Woodland & Countryside Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 9km/5.6M
Time: 3 hours (excluding rest stops)
Y Bwa | The Arch (NRW)

Address

Nr Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Nr Devil's Bridge

The old masonry arch spanning the road was built by Thomas Johnes of Hafod in 1810 to mark the Golden Jubilee of George III. Three circular walking trails are waymarked and start from the Hafod Arch car park and The Arch is designated as a Dark…
Hafod Estate | Hafod Uchtryd

Address

Cwm Ystwyth, Ceredigion, SY25 6DX

Telephone
01974 282568

hafod@nationaltrust.org.uk

Ceredigion

The Hafod Estate | Hafod Uchtryd, 12 miles south-east of Aberystwyth, is recognised as one of the finest examples in Europe of a picturesque landscape.
Newcastle Emlyn

Address

Carmarthenshire, SA38 9AE

Telephone
01267 231 557

Newcastle Emlyn is a town straddling the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire in west Wales and lying on the River Teifi.
Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley

Address

Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley, Nr Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Nr Aberystwyth

The Rheidol Valley or 'Cwm Rheidol' is a good choice for a touring day out, featuring typically Welsh scenery, some unexpected attractions such as major hydro-electric power station and a chance for activities such as fishing and cycling
Llandysul Town Historic Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Llandysul Town Historic Walk
Start/Finish: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: All walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 1.1km/1.8M
Time: 1 hour (excluding rest stops)
Spirit of the Miners Circular Walk

Address

Pontarfynach | Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of 'Spirit of the Miners' Walks
Open fields, steep woodland trails, 3 river crossings
Start/Finish: SN738767 - Devils Bridge
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 110K/6M
Time: 3hrs
Night Photography: Beginners only with Dafydd Wyn Morgan

Address

Ystrad Fflur, Abbey Rd, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion, SY25 6ES

Telephone
+441974831760

info@strataflorida.org.uk

Pontrhydfendigaid

A beginners only course to get to grips with the basics on night photography. Some equipment available to borrow.
Llyn Brianne Reservoir & Dam

Address

Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0PG

Llandovery

Llyn Brianne is a spectacular reservoir at almost 300m (990ft) above sea level. It holds over 64million cubic metres of water contained by a 91m (300ft) stone-built dam and is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Canolfan Treftadaeth | Tregaron Heritage Centre

Address

Tregaron Heritage Centre, Dewi Road, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JW

Telephone
07799 231999

Tregaron

Tregaron is one the oldest market towns in Wales, having received a royal charter in 1292. The Tregaron Heritage Centre is situated in the old Victorian church school, and includes a reconstructed Victorian era classroom, tea room and information…
Literature of Strata Florida with Dafydd Johnston

Address

Ystrad Fflur, Abbey Rd, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion, SY25 6ES

Telephone
+441974831760

info@strataflorida.org.uk

Pontrhydfendigaid

Learn more about the literature of this amazing site.
Tregaron

Address

Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JL

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythTIC@Ceredigion.gov.uk

Tregaron

Tregaron is a town where history, legend, and nature intertwine—offering visitors a truly authentic Welsh experience. Whether you’re drawn by the wildlife, the scenic routes, or the rich folklore, this is a place where the past comes to life amid…
Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Walking Trails (NRW)

Address

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth

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. Expect beautiful scenic walking trails all of which are waymarked and start from the visitor centre.
Talley Woodlands (NRW)

Address

Talley, near Llandovery, SA19 7AX

Telephone
0300 065 3000

near Llandovery

Talley Woodlands overlook an historic village and ruined abbey in Carmarthenshire, 12 miles from Llandovery. Picnic area and waymarked walking trails with steep climbs and far-reaching views over the abbey and surrounding hills
Pontarfynach | Devil's Bridge

Address

Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Devil's Bridge

The village of Devil's Bridge is situated at the head of the Rheidol Valley in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains. Famous for its bridges and waterfall, Devil's Bridge and can be reached via the Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway.