Walking in Ceredigion...
THE YSTWYTH TRAIL
The Ystwyth Trail connects Aberystwyth, on the shore of Ceredigion's Bay, with Tregaron in the northern Teifi Valley. Substantial sections of the Ystwyth Trail follow the track of the old Great Western Railway line (formerly the Manchester & Milford Railway).The Ystwyth Trail bridges a number of strategic provisions for walking within Ceredigion, connecting Tregaron and the upper Teifi Valley with the Ceredigion Coast Path and providing a northerly return route for individuals following the linear footpath that extends between Borth and Tregaron via Devil's Bridge, Cwm Ystwyth, Pontrhydygroes and Pontrhydfendigaid - see details of the Borth to Pontrhydfendigaid linear route below. Click here to learn more about the Ystwyth Trail.
CEREDIGION COAST PATH - GUIDEBOOK
The full colour, bilingual, 240 page official guide to the Ceredigion Coast Path is available by mail order from Ceredigion's Tourism Service.
Full details of Ceredigion's mail order service - together with PDFs of the publications guide and order form - can be accessed in this section.
You can access more details of the Ceredigion Coast Path at www.WalkCardiganBay.com
PET DOGS
Owners are advised to keep pet dogs on a leash at all times when walking public rights of way within Ceredigion, to clear up and remove any dog mess and ensure pet dogs do not disturb farm animals, wildlife or other users of the public rights of way involved.Please see the appropriate sections below for specific advice as regards pet dogs on permissive right of way and on group walks.
GROUP WALKS
Click here for further details on group walks. Visit the events page for details of group walks arranged by various Ramblers Association groups and others within Ceredigion.Below, you will find a wealth of downloadable resources aimed at ensuring you thoroughly enjoy a walking holiday in Ceredigion.
WALKING IN CEREDIGION - DOWNLOADS...
PUBLICATIONS... |
|
|
Publications Guide A PDF file containing a list of useful booklets describing walks in Ceredigion. Where available, ISBN reference numbers are quoted in order to ease your task in sourcing the material, otherwise a mail order service to UK addresses is offered by Ceredigion's Tourist Information Service - you can also download an order form. |
|
|
Mail Order Form (UK only) A mail order service to UK addresses is offered by Ceredigion's Tourist Information Service. |
|
CIRCULAR ROUTES... |
|
|
* NEW * LLANDYSUL TRAILS Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli was the first area in Ceredigion to achieve Walkers are Welcome status. The area has committed itself to keeping footpaths open and ensuring that walkers are welcome in local businesses. This publication offers details of eight circular routes in and around Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli. |
|
|
* NEW * TREGARON TRAILS A collection of 7 circular walks in the spectacular upper Teifi valley area. The length of the walks progress from 3.5 miles to 11 miles and take you to spectacularly scenic locations including the National Nature Reserve and RAMSAR site at Cors Caron; the ruins of Strata Florida abbey, once the Westminster of Wales; and to Llanddewi Brefi. |
|
|
TREGARON AREA TRAILS: 1 - FFRWD AR GAMDDWR A fine 19.3 km (12 mile) circuit along single track roads and rough tracks that explores surprisingly remote and rugged countryside. The rough tracks do, however, pass through occasional boggy areas. This route is suited for those on horsebaor or mountain bikes. Long sections on tarmac might deter walkers but the section from Nantymaen to the junction of the Afon Groes and Afon Fechan, although wet underfoot at times, passes through magnificent countryside with fine views. |
|
|
TREGARON AREA TRAILS: 2 - Y GARN FAWR This circuit of some 15.3 km (9.5 miles) uses minor roads and forestry tracks then crosses open moorland to reach the summit of Carn Fawr before descending steeply back to Tregaron. This route crosses property managed by Forestry Commission Wales, please note the warning on the back cover page. This route is suitable for those on horseback, or mountain bikes. The long road section might discourage walkers but, after the initial climb, the return over Carn Fawr offers fine views within remote surroundings. |
|
|
TREGARON AREA TRAILS: 3a - LLANGEITHO (for walkers) A circular 27.3 km (17 miles) route over roads, minor roads, footpaths and rough tracks exploring the picturesque gently rolling countryside to the west of Tregaron and linking the town with Llangeitho and Llanddewi Brefi. There are separate route instructions available, below, for horse riders and cyclists. The route described here is for walkers. Note, however, that in view of the lengthy road sections, it is envisaged that this route, in its entirety, may be of more interest to those on mountain bikes and those on horseback. Note also that there are three steep sections on tarmac surfaces. |
|
|
TREGARON AREA TRAILS: 3b - LLANGEITHO (for cyclists and horse riders) A circular 27.3 km (17 miles) route over roads, minor roads, footpaths and rough tracks exploring the picturesque gently rolling countryside to the west of Tregaron and linking the town with Llangeitho and Llanddewi Brefi. This route, in its entirety, may be of more interest to those on mountain bikes and those on horseback. Separate route instructions are available for walkers (see above). This route does involve steep sections on tarmac surfaces. |
|
|
TREGARON AREA TRAILS: 4 - LLANDDEWI BREFI A demanding 19.3 km (12 mile) circuit using single track roads, forestry tracks, rough upland pasture and enclosed lanes to explore the remote upland area to the north and east of the settlement. The summit of Carn Fawr is hard gained but the effort is rewarded with a dramatic 360 degree panorama of the surrounding area and out east to the Carmarthen Fans and the Brecon Beacons. This route crosses property managed by Forestry Commission Wales, please note the warning on the back cover page. This route is suitable for those on horseback and those on mountain bikes. The long road section at the start and the overall length of the route mean that it is suitable for experienced walkers only. |
|
|
TREGARON AREA TRAILS: 5 - DOITHIE & TŶ'N CORNEL A demanding 25.75km (16 mile) circuit following single track roads, rough tracks and forestry roads through remote rugged countryside. Because of the lengthy road section, this circuit in its entirety may be of more interest to those on horseback, or riding a mountain bike. The stretch from Soar y Mynydd onwards does, however, provide spectacular walking through magnificent scenery and should not be missed. Cwm Doethie, in particular, is a real gem. Also of interest to walkers is the route of the Cambrian Way, which follows the forestry edge from the Tŷ'n Cornel hostel road to Nantymaen. |
|
|
TREGARON AREA TRAILS: 6 - DÔLGOCH This is a tough 16 km (10 mile) circuit, most of which follows tarmac roads in a remote location. The section from the entrance to Dôlgoch hostel to the top of Llyn Brianne, however, follows the river on its west bank where the going is tough along a wet track through tussocks. The tarmac road option uses the east bank which lies in the county of Powys. In view of the length of road walking involved this circuit may be of interest chiefly to those on horseback or riding a mountain bike. The tussocks, however, make for hard going. |
|
|
* NEW * THE HOLY WELL Head for the ruins of Strata Flordia Abbey but don't park there. Approaching the abbey bear right, then left, then bear right again. There is limited car parking space at the Forestry Commission Wales picnic site at the turn-off for Pantyfedwen. From there continue by foot to the end of the tarmac road to encounter the explanatory panel describing the circular walk (a copy is available within the PDF available from this page). The circular walk is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) long and, on the return leg, involves crossing the river on rather large stepping stones. Should the river be in flood then that might not be possible and you would then have to return by retracing your steps. This is a moderately difficult walk which should last no more than about an hour and a half. Forestry Commission Wales advises that a good level of fitness is required and recommends walking boots with good grips. This route can be muddy and slippery when wet.
|
|
|
Teifi Estuary Walks A collection of 5 circular walks in the spectacular Teifi Estuary area. These walks involve sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast National trail and the Ceredigion Coast path as well as the Teifi Marshes National Nature Reserve, the Welsh Wildlife Centre and the Teifi Gorge. Amongst the historic sites visited are the CADW (Welsh equivalent of English Heritage) properties at Saint Dogmael's Abbey and Cilgerran Castle - famously featured in watercolours by Turner and others. |
|
|
Bwlch Nant yr Arian & Ceredigion Forest Walks Published by Forestry Commission Wales, this bilingual guide (English and Welsh) - in the form of a PDF file - describes some 17 circular walks, mostly on Welsh Assembly Government land across Ceredigion. |
|
|
Aberaeron - Henfynyw circular walk A circular walk of some 3.5 miles (6km) in length. It follows the coastal path south of Aberaeron before turning inland towards Henfynyw. The route includes some steep climbs. |
|
|
Rhydlewis area walks and bridleways Rhydlewis nestles in its own shallow valley, through which the Afon Ceri flows towards the Teifi near Newcastle Emlyn. This valley is bounded to the east and south-east by land rising gradually to around 500 feet. The landscape to the north and east is gentler in character. This attractive landscape can be explored on foot, horseback and bicycle. A series of interconnecting routes – public footpaths, bridleways and country roads – lead from the village into the south Ceredigion countryside. The route also passes close-by ancient earthworks at Caerau. From Rhydlewis, the longest circuit is approximately 8 miles (13km) in length. Shorter routes can also be followed. |
|
|
New Quay to Cwmtydu Coastal Walk This walk gives breathtaking views of Ceredigion's Bay. The full circular walk is approximately 8 miles (13km) long but shorter circular walks from either New Quay or Cwmtydu can also be taken. All routes include some steep climbs and stiles. The route follows a section of the Ceredigion Heritage Coast and links National Trust land at Birds Rock, Cwm Soden and Cwmtydu. |
|
|
New Quay - The Dylan Thomas Trail A circular walk offering guidance to the places and people that inspired Dylan Thomas in New Quay. |
|
|
Aberporth - Tresaith A 1.5 mile (2km) coastal walk and reference to other routes in the Aberporth and Tresaith area - includes a section of coastal path from Aberporth suitable for wheelchair users. |
|
|
Walks around Aberporth including wheelchair access This circular walk starts near the Ministry of Defence facility at Parcllyn and heads out to the rocky coastal promontory of Penpeles. |
|
|
Aberystwyth - Constitution Hill A circular walk from Aberystwyth affording spectacular coastal views and nearby woodland. A maximum of 3.5 miles (6km) |
|
|
"Spirit of the Miners" Series: Bontgoch Circular A 7 mile (11km) circular walk leading from Bontgoch. |
|
|
"Spirit of the Miners" Series: Cwmsymlog Circular A 5.25 mile (8.5km) circular walk leading from Cwmsymlog. |
|
|
"Spirit of the Miners" Series: Devil's Bridge Circular A 6 mile (10km) circular walk leading from Devil's Bridge. |
|
|
"Spirit of the Miners" Series: Nant yr Arian Circular An approximately 7 mile (11km) circular walk leading from the Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre offering spectacular views over Cwm Rheidol. |
|
|
"Spirit of the Miners" Series: Talybont Circular An approximately 6 mile (9.5km) circular walk leading from Talybont. |
|
|
Trefeurig Paths & Bridleways A collection of paths and bridleways in the upland area of northern Ceredigion surrounding Trefeurig. This fascinating area was once dotted with silver lead mines but only a few reminders remain of the industry that gave reason for the establishment of many of the small villages and settlements . |
|
|
Lampeter - Alltgoch Walk A variety of paths and forest tracks stretch for several miles east of Lampeter along a gently undulating ridge between the River Teifi and its tributary, the Afon Dulas. These routes give panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and can be used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists. They lead through mixed woodland, along leafy lanes and over farmland. The routes pass several Iron Age settlements: Castell Olwen, Castell Allt Goch and Castell Goetre. The longest route is about 6 miles (10km) although shorter options are also available. |
|
|
Llandysul Area Walks A Carmarthenshire County Council publication describing routes in the Llandysul and Pont Tyweli area. |
|
|
LINEAR TRAILS... |
|
|
Ystwyth Trail The Ystwyth Trail connects Aberystwyth with Tregaron in the northern Teifi Valley. Substantial sections of the Ystwyth Trail follow the track of the old Great Western Railway line (formerly the Manchester & Milford Railway). The trail bridges a number of strategic walking routes within Ceredigion, connecting Tregaron and the upper Teifi Valley with the Ceredigion Coast Path and providing a northerly return route for individuals following the linear footpath that extends between Borth and Tregaron via Devil's Bridge, Cwm Ystwyth, Pontrhydygroes and Pontrhydfendigaid. |
|
BORTH TO PONTRHYDFENDIGAID LINEAR TRAIL (linking to the Ystwyth Trail) From Borth, near the Dyfi Estuary National Nature Reserve and BIOSPHERE Reserve, this route proceeds past the Cors Goch Fochno National Nature Reserve through Talybont, Bontgoch and Cwmsymlog towards the Forestry Commission Wales Visitor and Red Kite Feeding Centre at Nant Yr Arian, before proceeding through Ystumtuen towards Cwm Rheidol and Devil's Bridge. From Devil's Bridge the route climbs higher still into the Cambrian Mountains, before descending into Cwm Ystwyth and, passing Hafod, proceeding to Pontrhydygroes and then to Pontrhydfendigaid. Beyond Pontrhydfendigaid, there is a new link to the Ystwyth Trail on the Cors Caron National Nature Reserve and RAMSAR site, which presents the opportunity of a return route to Aberystwyth or a diversion south towards Tregaron. In all, the route measures some 65 km (40 miles). Please note that this route has several steep sections and traverses remote wilderness areas. Three of the six sections are graded "A" calling for the ability to walk on rough terrain, carrying a light rucksack, for up to 6 hours.Two of the six sections are graded "B" calling for the ability to walk on rough terrain, carrying a light rucksack, for up to 4 hours. The remaining section is graded "C", calling for the ability to walk on rough terrain, carrying a light rucksack, for up to 2 hours.
|
|
BORTH TO PONTRHYDFENDIGAID LINEAR TRAIL SECTION 1: BORTH - TALYBONT A linear walk of 6.5km (4 mile) that should take 1.5 to 2 hours. The route involves level walking at the edge of the Dyfi Estuary rising over gentle hills and pasture to woodland trails descending to the village of Talybont. Most sections are suitable for all family members. This is a grade B walk involving eh ability to walk over rough terrain for up to 4 hours with a light rucksack. |
|
|
BORTH TO PONTRHYDFENDIGAID LINEAR TRAIL SECTION 2: TALYBONT - NANT YR ARIAN A linear walk of 14.5km (9 miles) that should take 4 to 4.5 hours. The route involves wooded valleys onto upland pasture with steep sections, forestry and some quiet country lanes. This is a long, strenuous walk for experienced walkers, it is a grade A walk requiring the ability to walk on rough terrain for up to 6 hours carrying a light rucksack. |
|
|
BORTH TO PONTRHYDFENDIGAID LINEAR TRAIL SECTION 3: NANT YR ARIAN - DEVIL'S BRIDGE This is a linear walk of 10km (6 miles), 4 hours. It involves remote upland pasture, moorland and wooded valley and is suitable for experienced walkers only, as there are very steep sections around the Rheidol Valley. There are remote sections of upland pasture and moorland. This walk may involve steep, but not prolonged, ascents and descents. This is a grade B walk involving the ability to walk on rough terrain carrying a light rucksack for up to 4 hours. |
|
|
BORTH TO PONTRHYDFENDIGAID LINEAR TRAIL SECTION 4: DEVIL'S BRIDGE - PONTRHYDYGROES This is a linear walk of 18km (11 miles); 5½ hours. It involves rough tracks, forestry, steep hill paths and riverside walks through mixed woodland and is suitable for fit walkers used to hill walking and able to navigate in poor weather. This is a grade A walk involving the ability to walk on rough terrain carrying a light rucksack for up to 6 hours. |
|
|
BORTH TO PONTRHYDFENDIGAID LINEAR TRAIL SECTION 5: PONTRHYDYGROES - PONTRHYDFENDIGAID This is a linear walk of 13km (8 miles) lasting 4 hours. It mostly involves remote upland footpaths and tracks, some above oak woodland with fine views of Strata Florida Abbey and upland Ceredigion. It is suitable for moderately fit walkers able to navigate in poor weather. This is a grade A walk involving the ability to walk on rough terrain carrying a light rucksack for up to 6 hours. |
|
|
BORTH TO PONTRHYDFENDIGAID LINEAR TRAIL SECTION 6: PONTRHYDFENDIGAID - YSTWYTH TRAIL This is a linear walk of 2.5km (1.6 miles) lasting 1 hour. The route involves a gentle rising tarmac country lane leading to a gravel track and it then leads through a short section of boggy terrain onto the Ystwyth Trail. The route is suitable for walkers, horseriders and cyclists and is a grade C walk calling for the ability to walk on rough terrain carrying a light rucksack for up to 2 hours. This new link provides direct access to the Ystwyth Trail and to boardwalks out onto the Cors Caron National Nature Reserve maintained by the Countryside Council for Wales. Click here to learn more about the Ystwyth Trail. Conversely, this new link also affords users of the Ystwyth Trail a largely off-road access to Pontrhydfendigaid and the services within the village. It also makes is easier for users of eh Ystwyth Trail to access the historic ruins of the old Cistercian monastery of Strata Florida Abbey - once known as the Westminster of Wales and the final resting places of many of the native Princes of Southern Wales. The Strata Florida site is maintained by CADW and lies in the most tranquil of surroundings to the east of Pontrhydfendigaid below the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains.
|
|
|
Aeron Valley Way This route follows the beautiful Aeron Valley from Aberaeron to Abermeurig - calling at the National Trust property at Llanerchaeron - before crossing to the Teifi Valley at Lampeter. This 21 mile (34km) route follows both public paths and quiet country roads. |
|
|
Cenarth to Newcastle Emlyn Country Walk A Carmarthenshire County Council publication describing the country walk linking Cenarth with Newcastle Emlyn in the lower Teifi Valley |
|
WALK-RELATED EVENTS WITHIN CEREDIGION:
Several Ramblers Association Groups and the Tregaron-based "Clwb Cerdded Crwydro Caron" welcome non-members and visitors alike to join them on their walks. There are, however, general terms and conditions that prospective participants should be aware of, these are explained below.
FOOD & EQUIPMENT:
On short walks participants should take a snack and a drink. On longer walks, sufficient food and drink for the day should be taken. All routes will probably be muddy and rough, so suitable footwear - stout shoes or walking boots - should be worn. Waterproof clothing is essential and is best carried in a small rucksack. Note that walk leaders may refuse to take on their walks any person not appearing fit enough for the proposed route or who appears not to be properly equipped for the conditions. If in doubt consult the appropriate contact person named on the events list.
PET DOGS:
On most group walks within Ceredigion sheep will undoubtedly be encountered, groups therefore normally request walkers not to bring their pet dogs.
ACCESS TO WALKS FOR NON MEMBERS OF THE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION AND CLWB CERDDED CRWYDRO CARON. Non-members are normally welcome on walks organised by both the Ramblers Association and Clwb Cerdded Crwydro Caron. Ramblers groups normally expect people to join the Ramblers Association after having followed 3 walks as a guest. Clwb Cerdded Crwydro Caron asks guests to pay a fee of £2.00 per walk and all walkers are asked to share any travel costs. All are welcome but the clubs normally ask walkers to join after their second walk.
PRIOR CONTACT:
Circumstances can and do change, sometimes occasioning an event to be rescheduled or cancelled so please contact the walk leader referred to on the events list prior to attending any of the walks.
THE RAMBLERS’ ASSOCIATION AND CLWB CERDDED CRWYDRO CARON DRAW ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THEY ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR INJURY INCURRED DURING THE WALKS DESCRIBED AS BEING ORGANISED BY THEM.
Note that walks described on the events list as being arranged by the organisations referred to occur in and around the immediate confines of Ceredigion, but some walks are arranged further afield. More details may be obtained from these organisations' own websites at:
- Clwb Cerdded Crwydro Caron
- Ramblers Association - Cardigan
- Ramblers Association - Aberystwyth
- Ramblers Association - Lampeter
The Aberystwyth Ramblers group categorises its walks as follows:
A: Strenuous:
Experience of hill walking desirable. Will involve steep ascents and descents; mileages shown should not be taken as an indication of effort.
B: Moderate:
May involve steep ascents and descents, but not prolonged.
C: Flat or gentle gradients.
Visit the events page for details of group walks arranged by various Ramblers Association groups and others within Ceredigion.
PERMISSIVE ACCESS ROUTES UNDER TIR GOFAL & TIR CYMEN SCHEMES IN WALES:
Tir Cymen and Tir Gofal are Welsh Assembly Government agriculture and environment schemes. Under these schemes, farmers can enter into ten-year agreements to manage their farms in an environmentally sensitive way and this can include allowing access on certain routes or in certain areas. All these routes will be clearly signed and waymarked.
Are these permissive access routes open all the time?
Where agricultural or environmental reasons make it essential to close a public access or educational facility the responsible Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) Project Officer must be notified at least six weeks in advance of the proposed closure unless force majeure applies. Public access facilities may be closed for up to 10 days each year, but not on public holidays. Where a closure is approved by the Project Officer, written explanatory notices must then be posted at all entry points at least four weeks before the closure comes into effect.
Can you take your dog?
CCW advises that dogs must be kept on a short fixed lead at all times whilst on permissive access routes or areas and that access for dogs may be stopped altogether at certain times of the year.
Generally you can take the dog along, unless there is a restriction stopping you from doing so. If in doubt, CCW recommends that you keep your dog on a lead so there is no chance of it harming farm animals, nesting birds or other wildlife.
What can’t you do?
CCW advises that you can’t go camping, cycling, horse riding - or race, drive or ride any vehicle other than a mobility scooter or buggy, without the permission of the land owner or occupier.
Visit the CCW website for more details on access areas.