Red kites and berms galore — Bwlch Nant yr Arian MTB trails

Known not only for its mountain bike trail network, but also for hiking, running and horse routes, plus red kite feeding, the Bwlch Nant yr Arian trail centre is managed by Natural Resources Wales and is located just inland of Aberystwyth in Mid Wales.

There are four clearly waymarked MTB trails at the centre, locally referred to as ‘Nant’. The red-rated Summit trail was built with support from Aberystwyth’s Summit Cycles shop, a good place to head if you need any spares or mechanical support.

The centre gives you options from beginner-friendly swooping flow blue trails to more technically challenging red loops, as well as a mega black-rated cross country route. The Syfydrin black trail not only takes in the purpose-built trail centre singletrack, but also some of the best nearby moorland doubletrack in the jaw-droppingly gorgeous and wild Mid Wales valleys. The skills park near the visitor centre is also a great place to warm up or practice your technique.

If you’re keen on wildlife, then Nant yr Arian holds even more treats in store for you. At the daily red kite feeding, you can witness hundreds of these magnificent birds of prey circling in the skies above before visiting the red kite hide.

The visitor centre boasts all the facilities you might expect and more, with a cafe and generous outside seating, toilets and a shop. The best way to access Bwlch Nant yr Arian is by car, where you can find parking charged by the hour (cards and contactless accepted), or you can buy an annual pass. If travelling by train, Aberystwyth is the closest station, an 11-mile (18 km) ride from the trail centre.

Thanks to the stony hand-built surface of the trails, they ride well all year round, although waterproof socks are recommended in the winter as there’ll probably be a fair few puddles about!