Ponterwyd: Walking Trails, the Rheidol and History

When looking for a hotel in Ponterwyd, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: challenging walks, wildlife watching or local history. The trails vary in length and type, while historic buildings and the landscape along the Rheidol offer other subjects to consider as you plan.

Walking Trails and Cycling Route

The George Borrow Trail is in the Ponterwyd settlement area. It is a challenging, 12.8 km linear walking trail on Pumlumon. Also in the settlement area is the challenging Caradog Jones Trail, which is 6.2 km long and leads onto Pumlumon. Both trails are therefore challenging; when comparing them, the main difference is their length. Information about the two trails was last collected in October 2024. Check the latest trail information before setting out on your walk.

The 11 km Nant yr Arian circular walk offers a different kind of walking and is also in the Ponterwyd settlement area. If you are cycling, there is a moderate route with two possible starting points: Nant yr Arian or Ponterwyd. Parts of it follow minor roads, forest tracks and gravel paths. Route information was last collected in May 2025; check the latest route information before setting out.

Wildlife Watching and Getting to the Visitor Centre

Red kites are fed daily at 2 pm at the lake at Bwlch Nant yr Arian. As the feeding arrangements may change, check the latest visitor information before making this time a fixed part of your plans. The address of Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth SY23 3AB. It can be reached via the A44 and is 9 miles east of Aberystwyth.

The X47 bus between Aberystwyth and Llanidloes stops on request at the entrance to the Visitor Centre car park. If you want to travel by bus, check the latest timetable before setting out. This lets you consider getting there by bus or via the A44 separately from planning your activities.

Buildings and Local History

Hen Bont is a listed bridge dating from the late 18th century in the centre of Ponterwyd village. Ponterwyd Methodist Chapel was built in 1800 and rebuilt in 1821 and 1854. George Borrow stayed in Ponterwyd and described his visit in his book Wild Wales. Parson's Bridge is the only crossing between Ponterwyd and Devil's Bridge.

Mining history is also part of the area’s story: Silver Mountain Experience is set in the historic surroundings of a silver-lead mine that is more than 250 years old. As of 1 September 2026, the attraction is closed; the next section is under review and being planned. Check its status before visiting.

The Rheidol and Road Route

The easiest ascent to the summit of Dinas Hillfort is from the south, climbing up from the meadowland by the Rheidol at Ponterwyd. The hillfort stands at an elevation of 385 m and overlooks the upper Rheidol. For road travel, the route descends in hairpin bends through the Cambrian Mountains to Ponterwyd. A turning off the main road at Ponterwyd leads to the reservoirs at Nant y Moch.

Discover more destinations: Aberporth, Bow Street, Ysgubor-Y-Coed, Tregaron, Tal-sarn, Pontarfynach, Llanafan and Capel Bangor.

For the broader travel overview: Ceredigion.