Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre — Attraction in Melindwr

It has been over 20 years since we last visited Bwlch Nant Yr Arian, and it was soon after the centre began feeding the Red Kites. What a memorable experience it was then, especially for our young children, and it was not any different this time. Our children have moved on, living their lives, so my wife and I revisited here again on our way home from our holiday. We paid £5.00 for the day, as we arrived late morning and summer feeding was at 3pm. In the winter, it's an hour earlier. We decided to take a walk over the hills before lunch. With walking poles and walking boots, we set off up the Red Trail, a "strenuous" route, and it was for the first mile, but the views all around were magnificent. We came across a "giant's" chair, and it was large. We climbed it for the experience of looking across the valley towards Aberystwyth and surrounding the countryside. From here, we climbed higher before dropping down the other side into the woods. The woods appeared as though time had stood still and could have been used in films. Everything was covered in green mosses, and the air felt damp. Continuing along the trail, we walked along a ledge with a steep drop and stunning views looking over the coloured Heather as we walked back to the centre. The time allowed was 1 to 2 hours, so we covered the distance in just over the hour. We arrived back at our car and sat on picnic seats for our lunch. Although the car park was filling up, we saw a handful of people walking our route. Many had arrived with mountain bikes and disappeared off on their own trails. Getting close to 2.30 pm, we saw the first group of kites circling around up high. Along with other families, we walked down to the viewing area, then decided to walk around the lake, finishing at the bird hide. There was a small group of us waiting for the spectacular to begin and what a treat we were in for. By now, there must have been close to 180 birds flying around the lake, waiting for their feed to be thrown over the feeding area. For about 15 minutes, they darted and dived to pick their food before taking off to eat. Once eaten, they returned for more until it was gone. What landed in the lake, the gulls ate, and finally, the ducks appeared to clean up any scraps that were left. Strolling back to the car, the numbers had dwindled to 6. We have no idea where the rest disappeared to but they did. By now it was about 30 minutes after feeding ended. For a great day out, a place to let off steam, either on foot or bikes, and with dogs, I would recommend Bwlch Nant Yr Arian. There is plenty of parking, good facilities, including a gift shop and restaurant, with a choice of eating in or out. We noticed picnic spots all around. Oh, beware the statue of the Red Kite, staring into your eyes as you walk to the hide. It is an amazing feat of engineering skill and worth...

Nant yr Arian offers a truly enchanting nature walk experience that captivated our hearts from the moment we arrived. The picturesque landscape paired with the incredible amenities makes it an ideal destination for everyone.

The visitors centre and cafe boast a magnificent view, providing the perfect backdrop to savor the delicious locally sourced food. The meals made on-site were delightful and I cannot recommend the cake enough.

There were families at the children's play park, keeping the little ones entertained whilst parents soaked in the beauty of the surroundings. Not to mention, the excellent toilet facilities, they were clean and well-maintained, with Dyson driers making our visit even more comfortable.

The cute visitors shop was a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and locally crafted goods, giving us a chance to take a piece of Nant yr Arian's charm home with us.

The extensive grounds offered several scenic walks, each trail revealing its own distinct natural beauty. And the highlight of our visit was the daily kite feeding at 3 pm - an absolute must-see spectacle that left us in awe of these magnificent birds.

Adventure enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the dirt track for mountain bikes, providing an exhilarating experience for cyclists of all skill levels.

In conclusion, Nant yr Arian is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike. With its breathtaking scenery, superb amenities, and unique experiences, it's undoubtedly a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and create cherished memories. We can't say this was our first visit, it's more of our happy place and it doesn't seem to matter if it's a blustery October afternoon or a sunny August day, with each season brings a new canvas to admire.

No entry cost. Car parking is reasonable. You will need at least 2 hours for a walk and slice of cake. Cafe is...

Edited June 2025 Sadly the cafe and shop have now been closed. I hope that something is worked out in the future to open this space again as it will be sorely missed, as will the staff that ran it! The red kite continue to be fed daily at 2pm. Toilets are the portable ones!

Visited in June 2024 Blue badge parking.... there are a few bays near the cafe as you drive in on your right-hand side. There is also a bay further up the hill where the benches are, and the viewing area is! Paid parking unless blue badge in correct bay. This is one of the most accessible outside areas we've been to for a long time. A lot of thought has gone into the manoeuvrability of this place. All the ramps are gently sloped, so manual wheelchair users don't need to strain themselves, or their helpers don't feel the pressure of a steep slope on their muscles! Prams are equally easy to push around. The route around the lake is just breathtaking, especially when the redkites come in. It's immense to see them in their feeding circle! Feeding times are on the blackboard, I think it's 2 or 3 p.m., depending on the weekday and weekend! It's so peaceful there. We loved it so much whilst camping in the area that we visited the site twice in the week and will likely go back when in the area again! The staff were friendly in both the gift shop and cafe. The cafe had a good selection of hot and cold foods for varying diets. The coffee was a good brew. There is plenty of seating inside and outside. Accessible toilets. Also, an outside toilet for all opposite the cafe near the blue badge car park. Skate park and circuit routes for cyclists. There are activities set up around for the children to discover as they go around the walk like a little adventure as well, keeping them occupied! A playground next to the cafe. Dogs are welcome on leads. Great place for...