Bwlch Nant yr Arian, near Ponterwyd and Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB
Bwlch Nant yr Arian
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
7.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.4A forest visitor destination known for its long-established daily red kite feeding, with waymarked trails, Blaenmelindwr lake and mountain-bike facilities.
The draw here is the combination: a daily red kite feeding tradition set beside a lake, with forest trails for walking and cycling. It offers more than a viewpoint or a visitor centre alone, though the current café and visitor-centre arrangements have changed.
Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapBwlch Nant yr Arian, near Ponterwyd and Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Choose a trail-based visit and check current site arrangements before setting out. The official source lists walking and mountain-bike trails, an accessible trail, a wildlife hide and daily red kite feeding. Parking is charged and the visitor-centre café and shop are no longer operating.
Things to do
Watch for the red kite feeding
The site is known for its long-established daily red kite feeding. Check current information for the timing and arrangements; sightings and timing are not guaranteed by the supplied official page.
Explore a waymarked walking trail
The site has waymarked trails for walkers. Check the official site for current route options and conditions before choosing a walk.
Ride the mountain-bike trails
Mountain-bike trails and a purpose-built skills park are listed at the site. Check route grading, availability and conditions before riding.
Visit the wildlife hide
A wildlife hide is listed among the site facilities. Use it as a quiet stopping point and look for birds; specific species beyond the red kites are not established by the supplied official source.
Use the accessible trail
An accessible trail is listed by Natural Resources Wales. Check the current route surface, distance and suitability before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: lake and red kites
- 01
Check current site information for the red kite feeding arrangements before you travel.
- 02
Use a waymarked walking trail for a short visit around the lake; the supplied sources do not specify a particular circuit or its duration.
- 03
Pause at the wildlife hide or lakeside to watch for red kites.
- 04
Allow for paid parking and check the current facilities on arrival.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: trails and forest time
- 01
Choose a walking trail or accessible trail, checking route details and conditions before setting out.
- 02
Make time for the lake and wildlife hide, and check the current red kite feeding arrangements.
- 03
If you cycle, use the mountain-bike trails or skills park; check trail suitability and current conditions first.
- 04
Bring food or check the availability of the temporary hot-drink and cold-food unit, as the café and shop are no longer operating.
Verified history
Natural Resources Wales describes the daily red kite feeding as a long-established tradition at the site. The supplied sources do not provide dates or further historical detail.
Hidden details
A wildlife hide is available — A wildlife hide is included in the official facilities list, offering an alternative place to pause and look for wildlife.
When to go
· Check current information for the red kite feeding time; no time is stated on the supplied official page.
The supplied sources do not identify seasonal highlights or a best time of year.
Check the forecast and trail conditions before visiting; no specific weather guidance is provided in the supplied sources.
What to look for
- 01
Look for red kites at the daily feeding
- 02
use the wildlife hide and lakeside setting as part of your visit. The supplied sources do not establish a feeding time or guarantee sightings.
Best time to go
Check current trail and site information before visiting; the supplied sources do not identify a best season.
The source confirms daily red kite feeding but does not give a time. Check the current Natural Resources Wales information before planning around it.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Cyclists · Wildlife lovers · Families
Before you go
Address
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Natural Resources Wales lists walking, mountain-bike, running and horse-riding trails, plus an accessible trail. Paths, trails and play areas remain open; check current site information before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Paid parking applies daily from 6am to 11:59pm. Source-listed tariffs: up to 30 minutes free for drop-off/pick-up only; up to 1 hour £1, 2 hours £3, 4 hours £7, all day £12. No overnight parking. Verify current charges before travel.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Portable toilets are available; check current site information.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The café and shop are no longer operating. A unit in the car park provides hot drinks and cold food; check current availability.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Source lists an accessible trail and parking for Blue Badge holders. The source row also reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet; verify current facilities before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid parking; verify current charges
Check before visiting
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Bwlch Nant yr Arian
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Wales Coast Path near Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Welsh coast
13.5 km away
Place photograph8.1Dyfi National Nature Reserve (Ynyslas)
Ynyslas, near Aberystwyth, Mid Wales
16.7 km away
