Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest
Forest park famous for daily Red Kite feeding, with scenic walking, cycling trails, and a children's play area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Red Kite feeding time!
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest
Best Time
Red Kite feeding time!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Forest park famous for daily Red Kite feeding, with scenic walking, cycling trails, and a children's play area.
"Incredible experience to be so close and to see such a high volume of red kites."
🎯 Arrive for the Kites
The Red Kite feeding is at 2 PM daily. Get there early to snag a good spot or use the viewing hide.
📸 Don't Forget Your Camera
Capture the incredible sight of the Red Kites and the beautiful forest scenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Kite Feeding Spectacle
Visitor Centre Viewing Area
Witness dozens of majestic Red Kites swooping in for their daily feed. An unforgettable wildlife experience!
Scenic Forest Trails
Various marked routes
Explore well-maintained paths through beautiful woodland, offering stunning views on clear days.
Mountain Biking Routes
Designated MTB trails
Challenging and enjoyable trails for mountain bikers of all levels, set amidst picturesque scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Red Kite Feeding Times
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for the Kites
The Red Kite feeding is at 2 PM daily. Get there early to snag a good spot or use the viewing hide.
📸 Don't Forget Your Camera
Capture the incredible sight of the Red Kites and the beautiful forest scenery.
🗺️ Photo Trail Maps
Marked trails are great, but snap a pic of the noticeboard maps as a backup.
☕ Coffee Van Available
While the cafe is closed, a coffee van often provides hot drinks and snacks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for the Kites
The Red Kite feeding is at 2 PM daily. Get there early to snag a good spot or use the viewing hide.
📸 Don't Forget Your Camera
Capture the incredible sight of the Red Kites and the beautiful forest scenery.
🗺️ Photo Trail Maps
Marked trails are great, but snap a pic of the noticeboard maps as a backup.
☕ Coffee Van Available
While the cafe is closed, a coffee van often provides hot drinks and snacks.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be muddy, especially after rain. Good walking shoes are a must.
🐶 Keep Dogs Leashed
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead, especially near the kite viewing areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular Red Kite feeding, calling it an incredible wildlife experience. The well-maintained forest trails and scenic views on clear days are also highly praised. While the closure of the visitor centre and cafe is noted, the presence of a coffee van and the free entry to the park are appreciated.
"Been here before and I would highly recommend it, even just to see the Red Kites getting fed. Don't forget your camera. Last time I went here the cafe was open, but this year it is closed and just a small caravan there providing hot drinks and a few bites to eat.
Clean and tidy and well maintained throughout the walkig area's and plenty of information."
john howe
"Went on a rainy midweek day so it was super quiet. The trials are well way-marked and well maintained.
Can’t comment on the views due to low cloud cover, but I suspect on a clear day it’s beautiful scenery. Likewise, due to the weather we only saw a few red kites but it was a wonderful half day out."
Anna Clair West
"Super nature park.
We visited to see the Red Kites being fed, which happens every day at 2 pm. There were so many Red Kites!
It was a shame the cafe wasn't open on either of the days we were there (June Tuesday & Wednesday) it looked good.
The park is free to enter.
The car park payment kiosk was out of order when we visited.
We came back the following day to walk the 5 mile blue running /hiking trail. It was just stunning, with fabulous views. There are shorter routes and dedicated mountain bike routes as well.
All the routes started at the top of the car park. They all had route markers but do take a photo of your route on the noticeboard as a backup.
We arrived back from our walk, in time for the Red Kites again at 2 pm, but this time we watched from the Hide for a closer view.
It is just such a lovely countryside park and so well cared for.
😎👍👍👍👍"
Mark Poley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest is located near Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth. It's accessible by car, with clear signage from the main roads. Parking is available on-site, though the payment kiosk has been out of order recently.
Public transport options are limited. While buses may run to nearby villages, driving is the most convenient way to reach the forest. Check local bus schedules for routes serving Ponterwyd.
From Aberystwyth, take the A44 east towards Llangurig. Turn right onto the B4340 signposted for Bwlch Nant yr Arian. The visitor centre and car park will be on your left.
Yes, there is a car park at the visitor centre. While a payment kiosk is usually present, it has been reported as out of order, meaning parking may be free.
Yes, the forest is accessible for campervans and motorhomes, and it's a popular spot for those enjoying van life adventures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park itself is free to enter. While there's usually a charge for parking, recent reports indicate the payment kiosk has been out of order, potentially making parking free.
The forest trails are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Red Kite feeding happens daily at 2 PM. The visitor centre and cafe are permanently closed.
No, tickets are not required for the Red Kite feeding. It's a public event, and visitors can gather to watch. Arriving a little before 2 PM is recommended. +1
Unfortunately, the main visitor centre and cafe are permanently closed due to financial mismanagement. However, a coffee van is often present in the car park.
Yes, Bwlch Nant yr Arian is a popular destination for day trips, including during bank holidays. Expect it to be busier on these occasions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are various trails, including a 5K red walking trail and accessible routes. The 'blue running/hiking trail' is noted for its stunning views on clear days. Always check the noticeboard for route markers.
Yes, Bwlch Nant yr Arian offers wheelchair-friendly trails, making it accessible for visitors with mobility needs. 
Activities include walking, running, mountain biking, and wildlife watching, particularly the Red Kite feeding. There's also a children's play area.
The main cafe is permanently closed. However, a coffee van is usually present in the car park offering hot drinks and light snacks.
The viewing hide offers a closer view, but many visitors find sitting on the western shore provides excellent views as the kites congregate before feeding.
📸 📸 Photography
The Red Kite feeding is a prime subject, offering dynamic shots of birds in flight. The forest trails and panoramic views on clear days also provide excellent photographic subjects.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful light for forest photography. For the Red Kites, the feeding time at 2 PM is essential, but they start gathering earlier.
Bring a telephoto lens for the Red Kites to capture them in detail. Wide-angle lenses are great for the expansive forest and landscape views.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with Natural Resources Wales or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
The main attraction is the Red Kite. You might also spot other woodland birds and potentially small mammals if you're quiet and observant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The main draw for kids will undoubtedly be the Red Kite feeding at 2 PM, which is a truly captivating wildlife experience. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
🚴 Mountain Bikers
Whether you're looking to progress your skills or simply enjoy a scenic ride, the dedicated MTB trails offer an exciting experience. The forest setting provides a challenging and rewarding environment for a cycling adventure. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Red Kite Feeding Phenomenon
While the main visitor centre is closed, a small coffee van typically operates in the car park, offering refreshments. This ensures visitors can still enjoy a warm drink while waiting for the feeding or after a walk. Remember to bring your camera, as the opportunity to photograph these birds in action is unparalleled.
Exploring the Forest Trails
Mountain bikers will find dedicated trails designed for progression and enjoyment, making it a popular spot for cycling groups.
While the trails are generally well-marked, it's always a good idea to take a photo of the trail map at the start as a backup. Be prepared for changeable Welsh weather; waterproofs and sturdy footwear are recommended, as paths can become muddy after rain. Visitor Experience Post-Centre Closure
Practicalities have adapted: a coffee van usually provides refreshments, and parking may be free due to the payment kiosk being out of order. Despite these changes, the park is described as clean, tidy, and well-maintained, with many visitors still finding it a 'super nature park' and a 'wonderful half day out'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit