Those of you who have been reading Outdoors and Old Ways for a while will know that I love Bwlch Nant Yr Arian near Aberystwyth in Wales. Sunday was a beautiful day…with actual SUN so I spent a lovely afternoon walking and watching the Red Kite feeding which the centre is so famous for.
As I didn’t have a full day there, I decided to walk the Miner’s Trail which is the shortest marked walk, it skirts around the side of a hill then has a steep climb to the top, there are gorgeous views the whole way around so it is great to stop and look periodically to take it all in. The valleys that run in all directions are just stunning with forested slopes, fields and streams softening the craggy rocks.
Any time of year is good for a visit here, al though spring and autumn reveal the most colour, interest and wildlife. The trees were all coming into leaf with bright green foliage and as it was a sunny day for once, the blue sky was vivid with fluffy clouds. Towards the top of the hill, lichen looked amazing on branches and it is an indicator of good air quality so I always love to have a close look.
After the walk, it was almost time for the daily Red Kite feeding spectacular. The birds are fed once a day - 2pm in winter and 3pm in summer - and it is a sight to behold. They know the schedule, and for the hour before food, they begin to gather, swirling around high above in ever-increasing numbers, calling to each other in the otherwise silent environment. At 3pm, one of the centre staff appears on a small, grassy patch in the middle of the lake to spread out the food and the kites swoop and dive to pick it up from the ground in huge numbers, I mean hundreds of birds and it is a sight never to forget. No picture does it justice, but I took a couple!
So, if you are in Mid-Wales and fancy a day out in nature I highly recommend Bwlch Nant Yr Arian, as well as walks there are wheelchair-accessible paths, mountain bike trails, a visitor centre and shop, cafe and child’s play area so everyone can have a good time. Check out their website HERE for more information!