Refine your search
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.
The visitor centre is the starting point for a range of waymarked trails for walkers, mountain bikers, runners and horse riders.
It is well-known for its long established tradition of daily feeding of red kites, Wales’s National Bird of Prey.
The range of trails include:
three waymarked walking trails of different lengths which all offer great views.
three of the finest mountain bike trails in Wales, famous for long singletrack runs and superb views.
skills park with purpose-built track for mountain bikers to practise their technique.
two running trails with flat sections, climbs and a variety of surfaces.
four orienteering courses ranging from beginner level to a more challenging option for experienced orienteers.
a way-marked circular trail for horse riders via forest tracks, paths and quiet tarmac roads.
The café serves fresh, locally sourced produce daily and the menu includes succulent pork sausages and tasty venison or beef burgers, homemade soups and a delicious choice of cakes.
The Visitor Centre café is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm (hot food is served between 10am and 3pm).
There are two play areas, one for toddlers and one for older children.
The toddlers’ play area is for children aged between three and six years. It has a safety-surfaced play zone and easy access for parents, pushchairs and young children. The equipment includes two toddler swings and a purpose built unit with a slide, climbing wall, climbing net and ladder.
The Dizzy Heights Play Area is for children aged six years and older. It has a wood chip surface, two giant basket swings, an orangutan climbing frame and a purpose-built section with slide, climbing wall, rope ladder, fireman's pole and climbing net.
All of the play equipment is of robust timber construction which blends in with the forest surroundings.
Discovery backpack
You can borrow a free discovery backpack at the visitor centre and discover more of the great outdoors.
Each backpack contains useful goodies like binoculars, a magnifying glass, a bug pot and nature identification cards along with a guide explaining how to use them.
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.
Please see the Bwlch Nant yr Arian update on our Bwlch Nant yr Arain web page for the latest information
The visitor centre is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years day)
Onsite parking costs £1.50 for up to two hours and £3.00 for over two hours. A season ticket is 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.
Opening Details
Open all the time
Visitor Centre open 10am until 5pm daily
Visitor centre Cafe is open 10am to 5pm (hot food is served between 10am and 3pm).
Red Kite Feeding - the red kites are fed by the lake every day at 2pm in winter (GMT) and at 3pm in summer (BST).
Prices
£1.50 parking fee for up to two hours
£3 parking fee for over two hours
Address
Bwlch Nant Yr Arian,
Ponterwyd,
Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion,
SY23 3AD
Location
Directions
Map reference: SN 717813 Lat: 52.41506 Long: -3.88710
Located 10 miles east of Aberystwyth on the A44 (Aberystwyth - Llangurig (A470) road) and two miles west of Ponterwyd.
The nearest train station is Aberystwyth, and has connections on to the 525 bus which stops at the entrance to the car park.
OS Grid Reference: SN 717813
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 10 miles from Aberystwyth station
Nearby
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
Onsite parking costs £1.50 for up to two hours and £3.00 for over two hours. A season ticket is 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
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
High chairs for children
Children's menu