Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre

Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is managed by Natural Resources Wales. For full details of the visitor facilities here (including trail lengths and grades) and information about any changes or temporary closures to trails or other facilities, and car parking charges please go to the Natural Resources Wales website.

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 feeding red kites every day.

RED KITE FEEDING

Bwlch Nant yr Arian has been a red kite feeding station since the 1990s, and over 100 of these distinctive birds of prey come in to feed every day.

The feeding takes place by the lake at 2pm in winter (GMT) and at 3pm in summer (BST). Follow the accessible Barcud Trail to the viewing area and large bird hide or watch through your binoculars from the outside seating area at the café.

WALKING TRAILS

The waymarked walking trails start from the visitor centre and are of different lengths.

The Barcud Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and goes around the lake to the viewing area for the red kite feeding. Our three Discovery Trails follow the same route.

The Miners' Trail follows a leat which once carried water to power lead mines. It goes onto the ridgetop where the Giant’s Chair is a great place to take in the view before the descent to the lake.

The Ridgetop Trail goes up onto the heather clad ridge and has views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. Head past the stone viewpoint before dropping down through the trees and onto the narrow leat path.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

The mountain bike trails start from the visitor centre car park. They are waymarked and have been graded for difficulty. See our website for grading information and read the information panel at the start of the trails to make sure you pick a trail that’s right for you.

The Arian Trail follows low-level forest roads and a section of public road around the lake and is suitable for all the family.

The Melindwr Trail is designed in two loops to allow competent riders of blue-graded trails to improve their skills before progressing to the next grade.

The Pendam Trail has some of the best flowing sections here with relatively short climbs and the Summit Trail weaves its way through the forest and onto the moorland; both trails are graded red.

The Syfydrin Trail is a black-graded long and challenging ride which takes in all of the Summit Trail and goes onto the high open hills with stunning views.

SKILLS PARK

The skills park is a purpose-built track for mountain bikers to practice their technique or warm up. Features include rollers, step ups, berms, tabletops, hips and bowls.

HORSE RIDING TRAIL

The circular waymarked Mynydd March Trail has stunning views over Cardigan Bay and Pumlumon Fawr, Mid Wales’ highest mountain.

It follows forest roads, public roads and trails with some short steep sections.

RUNNING TRAILS

The two waymarked trails (Y Llo and Y Fuwch) offer an introduction to trail running.

They follow forest roads and singletrack paths with occasional roots, mud and rocks, and have steep ascents and descents.

ORIENTEERING

There are four permanent orienteering courses including an easier course for beginners and a harder course for experienced orienteers.

Get the map from the visitor centre, then try to find the controls (marker posts) in the right order.

CHILDREN'S PLAY AREAS

There are two play areas, one for toddlers and one for older children. All of the play equipment is of robust timber construction which blends in with the forest surroundings.

CAFE & SHOP

The café menu includes hot and cold snacks and a delicious choice of cakes, and there is a takeaway service. There is seating inside and outside; the outside seating area overlooks the lake.

The shop sells wood crafts, jams and chutneys, bottled Welsh beer, books and an ever changing range of gifts.

Please check opening times and food service times on our website.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

The Barcud Trail and Discovery Trails are suitable for wheelchair users.

There is wheelchair access to the visitor centre, café and toilets, and parking for Blue Badge holders.

The café has facilities for the hearing impaired.

OPENING TIMES

Please check the Natural Resources Wales website for opening times and car park charges.