Suggested Day Trips in Mid-Wales

DAY 1: Coast

Get to know the coastline by visiting the quaint welsh fishing villages of Aberaeron and New Quay with their traditional multi-coloured houses. At New Quay take one of the dolphin watching boat trips into the bay with a chance of seeing the resident bottle-nosed dolphins and a spectacular seabird city on the cliff face. There are plenty of restaurants many offering local seafood, but I would recommend fish & chips at the famous Harbourmaster in Aberaeron. If you have time in the afternoon its worth visiting the beautiful secluded beaches at Mwnt and Llangranog further south.

DAY 2: Devil’s Bridge and Red Kites

Take the iconic Vale of Rheidol steam train from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge – it’s a leisurely ride with stunning views. At Devil’s Bridge walk the trail down to the spectacular waterfalls and back and treat yourself to a welcome coffee in the cosy log cabin. Take the train back to your car and drive just out of town to Nant-yr-Arian forest in time for lunch in the Visitor Centre overlooking a lake. Then wait for the best experience of your holiday – hundreds of Red Kites and Buzzards gather overhead for their daily feeding time and then swoop down right over your head!

DAY 3: Coastal Path from Aberystwyth to Borth

Drive to Aberystwyth and walk to the north end of the promenade and either climb up Constitution Hill or if I were you take the funicular railway! Enjoy the stunning view from the top before setting off along the well-marked coastal path towards Borth. You can turn around at any time of course. When you get back, its time for a late lunch – how about home-made pizzas at Baravin overlooking the sea. Explore Aberystwyth in the afternoon – lots of independent shops and interesting architecture.

DAY 4: Scenic drive to Elan Valley

Recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the UK, take your camera with you when you drive from Aberystwyth to Rhayader and round the spectacular Elan Valley lakes/reservoirs route. Take a picnic or lunch at the Visitor Centre. On the way back stop at Cors Caron nature reserve for a short walk along the boardwalk. Finish the day with a drink & a meal at the award-winning old drover’s inn The Talbot in nearby Tregaron.

DAY 5: Bird-Watching on the Dyfi estuary

Although this is a day for bird-watchers it can still be enjoyed by non-birders for the scenery and walks available. Pack a picnic and head north up the coast and the first stop is Ynyslas Nature Reserve at the northern end of Borth beach, with its wild sand dunes. Look for waders in the mud-flats at the estuary mouth. Then its on to watch the Ospreys at the Dyfi Osprey Project on a nest platform a few yards away from you (hopefully with chicks). A short drive away is the renowned RSPB reserve of Ynys Hir which was featured on Springwatch. There is a visitor centre and many marked trails and viewing hides overlooking the estuary and ponds. On the way back stop at Pennau Crafts in Bow Street for a welcome cup of tea and Welsh Cakes (like flat scones) or Bara Brith (delicious Welsh fruit cake), and why not buy some of their excellent souvenirs to take home.

You'll find useful links for planning your trip here.