
THREE walks in mid-west Wales have been chosen among the top 10 autumn walks across the whole country.
The Ridgetop Trail near Aberystwyth, a walk in the Cors Caron Nature Reserve, and the Cwm Cadian Trail at Tan y Coed are among a variety of routes chosen by Natural Resources Wales to highlight the beauty of the Welsh countryside.
Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just fancy a stroll with family and friends and whether you prefer woodlands, moorlands or beaches, there will be somewhere for you to discover.
Other walks recommended by NRW include several in neighbouring Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Mary Galliers, NRW’s Recreation Marketing and Tourism Officer said: “Our sites offer every kind of spectacular display that this time of the year has to offer. From the golds, reds and browns of the turning leaves still on the trees to the rusts and yellows of grasslands and the purples and reds of bogs and moorlands.
“Autumn is a great time for visiting places that have been busier during the summer months so that you can enjoy the once crowded beaches or splash in puddles and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot in peaceful woodlands.
“Look out for unusual fungi and late flowering plants in sand dunes, and mosses and lichens along riverside paths.
“As well as enjoying a great day out, you will be doing your health good, too, as people who are active and enjoy the outdoors are more likely to have longer, healthier and happier lives.”
Amongst the top 10 is the Elidir Trail in Pont Melin-fach near Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons National Park. In the heart of Waterfall Country, the falls can be spectacular after heavy rain.
Along the trail, according to folkore, is the entrance to the fairy kingdom. But even it you don’t spot a fairy, you’ll see plenty of mosses, ferns and lichens along the way!
Trees from around the world line the Forest Garden Discovery Trail in Coed y Brenin Forest Park near Dolgellau. Finding the name labels and fascinating fact signs can be a great game for younger walkers and a great place to visit during half term.
The vast wetland at Cors Caron National Nature Reserve near Tregaron is a dramatic sight at any time of year but its colours really come into their own in the autumn. It is a fantastic place for wildlife, too, and on warmer days you may see dragonflies and damselflies darting over the water or even a lizard or an adder basking on the boardwalk in the last of the year’s sunshine.
The top 10 autumn walks include several shorter walks suitable for families with young children. Every route is waymarked and takes you through either a woodland or a National Nature Reserve that is managed by Natural Resources Wales.
Some of these sites also have visitor centres and cafes where you can find out more about what you’ve seen and enjoy a warming cuppa!
The NRW top 10 autumn walks are:-
- Route 1: Cors Caron Walk, Cors Caron National Nature Reserve, Tregaron, Mid Wales
- Route 2: Forest Garden Discovery Trail, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, near Dolgellau, North West Wales
- Route 3: Ridgetop Trail, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, near Aberystwyth, Mid Wales
- Route 4: Coed Llangwyfan Circular, Coed Llangwyfan, near Denbigh, North East Wales
- Route 5: Dune Walk, Morfa Dyffryn National Nature Reserve, near Barmouth, North West Wales
- Route 6: Water Break-its-neck Trail, Radnor Forest, near New Radnor, Mid Wales
- Route 7: Pont Annell Walk, Caio Forest, near Llandovery, South West Wales
- Route 8: Minwear Woodland Walk, Minwear Woods, near Haverfordwest, South West Wales
- Route 9: Cwm Cadian Trail, Tan y Coed, near Machynlleth Mid Wales
- Route 10: Elidir Trail, Pont Melin-fach, Brecon Beacons National Park, South East Wales
Add Comment