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.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian has been awarded the Gold Award by Visit Wales for attractions which make an exceptional effort to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for their visitors.
The range of trails includes:
• 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 a purpose-built track for mountain bikers to practice 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 waymarked circular trail for horse riders via forest tracks, paths and quiet tarmacked roads
Café
The café menu includes succulent pork sausages and tasty beef burgers, homemade soups and a delicious choice of cakes.
It is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm (hot food is served between 10am and 3pm).
Shop
The shop sells wood crafts, jams and chutneys, bottled Welsh beer, books and an ever changing range of gifts.
Accessibility information
Facilities include:
• Accessible trail (Barcud Trail – see below)
• Disabled parking
• Wheelchair access to the visitor centre and café
• Disabled toilets
• Facilities for the hearing impaired in café
• Courtesy wheelchair
The Barcud Trail, which goes around the edge of the lake, is suitable for wheelchairs. There are no steps or stiles and the gradient is 10% or less with resting bays on uphill sections.
Opening times
The visitor centre is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week (except Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year’s day).
The café serves hot food between 10am and 3pm daily, and is open 10am – 5pm daily.
The gift shop is open from 11am to 4.30pm seven days a week (except Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year’s day). It is closed during red kite feeding periods.
The red kites are fed daily at 2pm in winter (GMT) and 3pm in summer (BST). These times vary from winter to summer based on British Summer Time.
How to get here
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre is nine miles east of Aberystwyth on the A44.
The OS grid reference is SN 717 813.
On-site parking costs £1.50 for up to two hours and £3.00 for over two hours. A season ticket is available.