Cors Caron National Nature Reserve, near Tregaron

Welcome

Cors Caron National Nature Reserve is a vast area of wetland filling the broad valley of the River Teifi near Tregaron.

The reserve includes three raised bogs - areas of deep peat that have built up over the last 12000 years.

The raised bogs are surrounded by a complex and unique mix of habitats - reedbeds, wet grasslands, woodland and rivers, streams and ponds.

The variety of habitats makes this reserve a fantastic place for wildlife and its ever-changing shades of red, brown and yellow provide a rich counterpoint to the green of the surrounding hills.

Despite first appearances, there has been human habitation here from the earliest times and the bog itself was, for centuries, at the heart of the area’s life and economy.

Peat was a vital fuel until the middle of the 20th century and you will find evidence of peat cutting everywhere.

National Nature Reserve

Cors Caron is a National Nature Reserve. 

National nature reserves are places with some of the very finest examples of wildlife habitats and geological features. 

There are over 70 National Nature Reserves in Wales.

Find out more about National Nature Reserves.

Visiting Cors Caron

The fully accessible boardwalk goes over the south-east bog and to the large observation building where you can enjoy a peaceful view of the landscape and wildlife.

The circular Riverside Walk is a longer route which passes through the heart of Cors Caron

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders can also access the Ystwyth Trail, a Sustrans National Cycle route.

Walking trails

All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from the main car park. 

Cors Caron Walk

1½ miles, 2.6 kilometres, accessible

The boardwalk goes over some of the most impressive parts of the bog to a large hide with views of the landscape.

It is fully accessible with an all-weather surface and several benches.

Riverside Walk

4½ miles, 7.6 kilometres, moderate

This circular route follows the river bank and goes through the heart of Cors Caron. can be muddy and wellington boots are recommended!

Please note:

• no dogs are allowed on this walk
• this walk is occasionally closed due to flooding or reserve management work

Old Railway Walk

6.5 miles, 10.5 kilometres (there and back), easy

This linear route follows an old railway track along the edge of the reserve and is part of the Ystwyth Trail, a Sustrans National Cycle route from Tregaron to Aberystwyth.

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders may use this trail.

Accessibility information

Facilities for visitors with disabilities at Cors Caron include:

• The fully accessible circular boardwalk route runs for 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometres) over the south-east bog
• The access to the boardwalk is 450 metres from the main car park along a fully accessible path (the total distance of the return route is 1.6 miles/2.6 kilometres)
• The route goes past the entrance to the observation building where you can enjoy a peaceful view of the reserve and its wildlife
• There are passing and resting places along the way
• There is some seating along the boardwalk and in the observation building
• There are accessible toilets in the main car park

Opening times

Please check the top of this page for any changes to these opening times.

The toilets are open at all times.

The Riverside Walk is occasionally closed due to flooding.

Please note that no dogs are allowed on the Riverside Walk.

How to get here 

Location

Cors Caron National Nature Reserve is about two miles north of Tregaron on the B4343. 

It is in the county of Ceredigion.

Ordnance Survey map

Cors Caron National Nature Reserve is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 187 and 199.

The OS grid reference for the main car park is SN 692 625.

Download the location map. 

Directions

The main car park is two miles from Tregaron on the B4343 towards Pontrhydfendigaid (OS grid reference SN 692 625). Follow the brown and white tourism sign from the crossroads in Tregaron.

There is also a small amount of car parking in a lay-by off the B4343 north of Maesllyn Farm (OS grid reference SN 695 631) and at Ystrad Meurig Station Yard, off the B4340 (OS grid reference SN 711 673).

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Aberystwyth.

Some buses between Aberystwyth and Lampeter stop in Tregaron, and the service from Aberystwyth to Tregaron via Pontrhydfendigaid goes past Cors Caron.

For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.

Parking

Parking is free of charge.

Closures and diversions

• Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.
• We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
• Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.

Contact details

0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk