Nant Y Arian
This large forest near Aberystwyth has a series of good mountain bike trails and miles of good footpaths for walkers.
The forest has a good sized car park and visitor centre just off the A44 between Goginan and Ponterwyd. From here you can pick up the mtb trails heading north into the forest. There's two red grade and two black grade trails of varying lengths. These include technical singletrack descents and long climbs with more details on the open street map link and more information link below.
If you're on foot then there's nice paths around the two ponds located just to the east of the car park. There's also miles of bridleways and footpaths to the north of the car park. Some of the trails are quite challenging with a climb to Mynydd March in the northern section. From the high points there are stunning views to the Welsh Mountains. There's also a number of large ponds which are in really lovely remote spots.
The forest has a number of bird hides and is well known as a great place to watch red kites. There's also a nice cafe where you can refresh yourself after your exercise.
To extend your walking in the area you could head to the nearby Devil's Bridge Falls. The spectacular falls include the imposing Jacob's Ladder stone steps and some wonderful scenery. A few miles north you'll find Nant-y-moch Reservoir where there's a nice waterside trail to try.
Postcode
SY23 3AB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Nant Y Arian Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Nant Y Arian Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Nant Y Arian OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Nant Y Arian Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To the south east there's the noteworthy Hafod Estate to explore. The National Trust managed estate includes miles of woodland trails through the lovely Ystwyth valley. There's riverside trails, cascading waterfalls, restored gardens and lots of wildlife to see here.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Small birds feeding at Cwmbrwyno Kite Feeding Centre. A chaffinch tries to join a group of green finches at a bird feeder.
Forestry track, Llechwedd Gwinau. The track runs through mature conifers.
Footpath and forestry, Llechwedd gwinau
Blaen Llywernog viewed from Bwlch Nany-yr-arian
View over Llywernog Pond. This picturesque pond is located at the southern end of the route.
Bwlch Nant-yr-arian. Lake at the southern part of the route. There is a bird hide with information about the wildlife you can see in the area. Also look out for sculptures and poetry along the paths which bring local folklore and history to life.
Cwm Melindwr viewpoint
Red Kite in Wales. Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is renowned for its longstanding tradition of daily red kite feeding sessions. Situated atop a dramatic hill, the visitor centre commands striking views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains, straddling the boundary between the lowlands and uplands. While exploring the trails, visitors can still observe remnants of the historic lead mining industry. Nowadays, the hills are adorned with bilberry and heather, while majestic red kites soar gracefully above.