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Mountain Biking at Nant yr Arian | A Day on the Trails near Aberystwyth

Bwlch Nant yr Arian is a Natural Resources Wales forest centre in the hills nine miles east of Aberystwyth, on the A44. It has waymarked mountain bike trails for every level, a lake, walking and running trails, a cafe, and daily red kite feeding. This is a plan for a full day on the bike, with ideas for riders who want more and places to eat and stay.

Morning: warm up and ride

Start at the visitor centre. The trails range from family loops to the long red and black routes that climb onto the open hill above the forest and come back through fast, rocky singletrack. Riders new to the trails should start with a shorter route and move up. Check the trail map and conditions board at the car park before you set off, as sections close for forestry work.

Midday: lunch and the kites

Lunch at the cafe overlooking the lake. The red kite feed happens every afternoon, when dozens of birds swoop down to the water's edge. Non-riders in the group can walk the lakeside trail, which is flat and suitable for buggies, or the longer walking routes through the forest.

Afternoon: more riding or the mountains by Land Rover

Stronger riders can head back out for a second loop. For a change of pace, Cambrian Safaris runs guided trips into the Cambrian Mountains from Devil's Bridge in a Land Rover Discovery, with a guide who knows the old mines, lakes and tracks. Devil's Bridge Waterfalls, five miles away, has the famous three bridges over the Mynach gorge.

Evening: Aberystwyth

Stay nearby at Woodlands Devil's Bridge, with glamping, lodges and camping, or head down to Aberystwyth. Y Consti Restaurant is at the top of Constitution Hill, and Park Kitchen at Llety Parc serves breakfast through to dinner every day.

Good to know

• Bring your own bike or book hire in advance. Helmets are a must.
• The trails are open all year, but the top sections are exposed and cold in winter.
• More riding on our mountain biking page.