Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Centre

Owned by the Forestry Commission, the Bwlch Nant yr Arian centre is set in a stunning lakeside setting overlooking the Melindwr Valley with the Ceredigion coastline in the distance.

There are three waymarked paths (see below):
- Lakeside trail suitable for all ages, for wheechairs and pushchairs
- Short circular walk 1.5 miles
- Long circular walk - 5.5 miles
The visitor centre has information on local wildlife, the centre has a tearoom and a small outdoor play area for children.

As well as the scenery, the main attraction has to be the Red Kite. Red Kite Feeding sessions are held across the lake all year round, at 2 pm in the winter and 3 pm in the summer. During the winter months, you can see up to 100 Kites wheeling around and about 40 in the summer.

There are also resident pairs of kites in the area so the chances of seeing this once-rare bird of prey are very high at any time. You can also see Buzzards and Ravens here, as well as the occasional Peregrine Falcon or Goshawk. On the lake itself, there are various wildfowl such as Grebe and Coots.

Location
On the A44 Aberystwyth Llangurig road, about 10 miles east of Aberystwyth. It's well sign-posted and, if you're using public transport, the 501 bus from Aberystwyth to Ponterwyd stops at the entrance to the car park.

Opening Times
April September: 10 am - 5 pm every day
October March: 11 am until dusk every day.

Admission Charges
There's no admission charge as such but there is a £1 all-day parking fee for cars (£2 for coaches) and there's a voluntary donation box for the Kite feeding sessions.

Contact details
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
Llywernog, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, SY23 3AD
Tel: 01970 890694