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The Arch, near Aberystwyth

What's here

Parking (free)
Picnic area
Walking trail

Welcome

The Arch car park and picnic area is named after a spectacular old masonry arch which sits by the side of the road and was once the gateway to the nearby Hafod Estate.

The three short walking trails all lead through huge beech trees planted over 200 years ago by Thomas Johnes who designed the Hafod mansion and grounds.

The viewpoint from the Panorama Walk has far-reaching views.

There are picnic tables on the grassy slope by the car park overlooking the arch.

The arch was built in 1810 to mark the Golden Jubilee of King George III and the road used to run through it!

Walking trails

The walking trails are waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trails.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Ancient Beech Trail

Grade: moderate
Distance: ½ mile/0.8 kilometres
Climb: 130 feet/40 metres
Time: ¾ hour
Trail information: A moderate walk with one steep climb. The surface is generally good but may be wet in places. Walking shoes with a good grip recommended. You need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk.

See huge 200 year-old beech trees planted by Hafod Estate designer, Thomas Johnes, on this short trail.

The Arch Woodland Trail

Grade: moderate
Distance: 1 mile/1.6 kilometres
Climb: 65 feet/20 metres
Time: ¾ hour
Trail information: A moderate walk with one steep climb. The surface is generally good but may be wet in places. Walking shoes with a good grip recommended. You need a reasonable level of fitness for this walk.

The Arch Woodland Trail winds its way uphill, passing through several areas of broadleaved trees.

It has views to the surrounding hills, especially in the areas where trees have been felled recently.

Panorama Trail

Grade: moderate
Distance: 1½ miles/2.5 kilometres
Climb: 400 feet/120 metres
Time: 1¼ hours
Trail information: A moderate walk with a long climb and steep descent. The surface will be rough and possibly wet in places. Walking shoes with a good grip recommended. You need a good level of fitness for this walk.

After a short but steep climb through heather and bilberry, you’ll reach the viewpoint with bench and panoramic views over the surrounding hills - on a clear day you can see Cadair Idris many miles away in Snowdonia National Park.

The trail continues down a steep slope and returns to the car park through areas of huge beech trees.

Other walking routes

There are five waymarked walking trails at the nearby Hafod Estate which is famous for its “Picturesque” landscape.

The Cambrian Way

The Cambrian Way passes by the Arch car park.

This long distance trail crosses some of the highest and wildest parts of Wales on its journey from the coast at Cardiff to Conwy.

Find out more about The Cambrian Way.

Dark Sky Discovery Site

The Arch has been designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site as it is one of the best local places to see the stars.

It is located in the Cambrian Mountains which have some of the darkest night skies in Europe.

Dark Sky Discovery Sites are places that:

are away from the worst of any local light pollution
provide good sightlines of the sky
have good public access, including firm ground for wheelchairs, and are generally freely accessible at all times

Get tips for enjoying the night sky on the UK Dark Sky Discovery Partnership website

Fighting tree disease

We have felled groups of larch trees infected with the fungal disease here to help stop it spreading.

The walking trails all pass through areas of recently felled trees and there are now more views from the paths to the surrounding hills.

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