Recommended Walks & Cycles
SELF-GUIDED WALKS
Ceredigion has much to offer the walker. Recommended walks provide easy, safe access to many hidden gems. From mountain tops to coastal views. Bronze Age forts to ancient stone circles. Waterfalls to secluded forests. River side strolls to ascending the magnificent Cadair Idris mountain range.
Recommended walks tailored to the needs and fitness of all participants. OS maps are essential for most walks.
Llanafan has 12 rights of way out of the village - so, that's just for starters!!
Coastal Walks:
The Estuary & the Beach – an easy flat circular walk exploring the wetlands and wild life of the Dyfi estuary. Ideal for bird watchers and those who love wide open skies. Returning around the sand dunes of Ynyslas and along the windswept majestic beach returning to Borth - 4-5 hours.
Cliff tops and Peninsula – exploring the pretty village of Llangrannog , walking one of the finest part of the Ceredigion coast + a visit to one of the smallest island in the UK (tide dependant). Perhaps take a picnic ?
Ceredigion Coast (see pic above) – a full day of ups and down following the spectacular newly created coastal path to Newquay. Spot the dolphins, red-billed choughs and parasol mushrooms en route. A chip supper on Newquay pier - a perfect end to a perfect day.
Riverside Walks:
Figure of 8 walk exploring beautiful upper Ystwyth river valley, it’s twists and turns, forest, gorges, waterfalls and café !
Hafod Estate – numerous self-guided half day walks through this famous crafted Welsh landscape – rivers, streams, bridges and falls.
Mountains:
Cadair Idris – the Giant’s Chair. One of the finest full days out for the keen adventurer. Following the horseshoe shape of this magnificent mountain . On a clear day the whole of Wales can be seen and enjoyed.
Plynlimon – not the most exciting mountain but the highest in the Cambrian Mountains. Recommended on clear days for the views and a picnic on the top. Please check the weather first as navigation is a challenge.
Monastery and the Teifi Pools – visit the religious retreat of Strata Florida , it’s famous graveyard, admire the Pilgrim sculpture and then a long but gentle ascent to the remote, spooky Teifi Pools. A visit to the bothy is recommended then, a return via Pen-y-Bannau hill fort. The view from this top is superb. A fine finish to a varied and atmospheric walk.
Phil's Fave- a regular favourite walk. A linear ridge path over the Cambrian Mountains, descending into a river valley, waterfalls, hidden upland pastures and a Bronze Age fort with wonderful views. A decent day's walk.
RECOMMENDED CYCLE ROUTES
There are a vast choice of cycle routes in Ceredigion. Here are a few personal recommendations:
Ystwyth Trail - follow the River Ystwyth in to Aberystwyth. A 90 minute (each way) cycle following the converted railway line in to the town - an easy attractive cycle but some experience required.
Elan Valley - a circular route via Rhayader around the beautiful lakes of the Elan - a long but easy cycle following trail and quiet lanes.
Over the Top - an arduous circular route over a remote rough mountain pass,traversing the desolate Claerwen Reservoir, descending the Elan Valley, returning along the mountain road via Cymystwyth. A long day only for the fittest.
The Bothy - another remote circular cycle following a forest trail to a remote hidden bothy, then ascending a steep pass, before returning to base. A moderate cycle 4-5 hours
Devil's Bridge & The Arch - a tough ascent from Llanafan to Devil's Bridge. After coffee at the Hafod Hotel, a further ascent to the Arch . From there a glorious descent via Cymystwyth/Coed Hafod and numerous trails home.
Please note some of these walks and cycles require car share. Bikes (manual/motorized) usually can be hired in the town, (Afan Outdoor Leisure). Better still, bring your own.
