Aberystwyth — Devil's Bridge
Abedev four
Verified Slow Way
Verified by 100.00% of reviewers
Verified Slow Way
Verified by 100.00% of reviewers
By Nia LK on 26 Jun 2023
Description
This route from Aberystwyth to Devil's bridge (Pontarfynach) follows the beautiful Rheidol Valley on a mix of cycle paths, quiet country lanes, woodland tracks and pathways and fields. The route passes or comes close to some of the stations on the Vale of Rheidol train line; you need to book in advance to catch the train at any station other than the terminus. The first section of the route is on a cycle path through the backwaters of Aberystwyth, then passing briefly through the industrial estate before entering a quiet country lane where the miles are eaten up easily (resident traffic only - rare to encounter vehicles but those that do travel along may be coming fast). There are also plenty of cyclists. From the end of the lane where you cross the train line there is a track past a riding stables and a brief steep climb through the woods. Afterwards it levels out again, passing through a beautiful meadow and on another brief section of lane, before entering woodland and field tracks once again. There are views of the small reservoir and a waterfall. Later the track enters the Woodland Trust National Nature Reserve - be aware that the trail you need to take does not appear on OS as a right of way - it is, however, an established route through the nature reserve following the boundary on the left. There is a very steep climb up through the woods, crossing the rail line again which is now high above you, then traversing some woodland and fields, exiting on to the main road (no pavement) for a short section before reaching the train terminal in Pontarfynach / Devil's Bridge where the route ends
This route from Aberystwyth to Devil's bridge (Pontarfynach) follows the beautiful Rheidol Valley on a mix of cycle paths, quiet country lanes, woodland tracks and pathways and fields. The route passes or comes close to some of the stations on the Vale of Rheidol train line; you need to book in advance to catch the train at any station other than the terminus. The first section of the route is on a cycle path through the backwaters of Aberystwyth, then passing briefly through the industrial estate before entering a quiet country lane where the miles are eaten up easily (resident traffic only - rare to encounter vehicles but those that do travel along may be coming fast). There are also plenty of cyclists. From the end of the lane where you cross the train line there is a track past a riding stables and a brief steep climb through the woods. Afterwards it levels out again, passing through a beautiful meadow and on another brief section of lane, before entering woodland and field tracks once again. There are views of the small reservoir and a waterfall. Later the track enters the Woodland Trust National Nature Reserve - be aware that the trail you need to take does not appear on OS as a right of way - it is, however, an established route through the nature reserve following the boundary on the left. There is a very steep climb up through the woods, crossing the rail line again which is now high above you, then traversing some woodland and fields, exiting on to the main road (no pavement) for a short section before reaching the train terminal in Pontarfynach / Devil's Bridge where the route ends
Status
This route has been reviewed by 3 people.
There are no issues flagged.
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Information
Route status - Live
Reviews - 3
Average rating -
Is this route good enough? - Yes (3)
There are currently no problems reported with this route.
Downloads - 1
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Geography information system (GIS) data
Total length
Maximum elevation
Minimum elevation
Start and end points
Aberystwyth
Grid Ref
SN5850081620
Lat / Lon
52.41424° / -4.08191°
Easting / Northing
258,500E / 281,620N
What3Words
gurgling.treble.stays
Devil's Bridge
Grid Ref
SN7389176922
Lat / Lon
52.37579° / -3.85398°
Easting / Northing
273,891E / 276,922N
What3Words
denser.encodes.cube
Aberystwyth | |
---|---|
Grid Ref | SN5850081620 |
Lat / Lon | 52.41424° / -4.08191° |
Easting / Northing | 258,500E / 281,620N |
What3Words | gurgling.treble.stays |
Devil's Bridge | |
---|---|
Grid Ref | SN7389176922 |
Lat / Lon | 52.37579° / -3.85398° |
Easting / Northing | 273,891E / 276,922N |
What3Words | denser.encodes.cube |
Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.
reviews
Rhys Jones
28 Jun 2023A walk that often matches date steam train route and rewarded with beautiful valleys views and Devil's Bridge Steam Train Cafe (Two Hoots Cafe).
The start in Aberystwyth route is quite functional. Goes along the river path, past some river wildlife areas, the Morrisons supermarket, relatively unknown Woodtrust land and through the Industrial estate. All very safe route. Better than the main A-road route.
There is some lane walking but it doesn't last long as you end up walking along bridle paths, past a riding stables, woodland and lovely meadows, the steam railway is a joyful companion.
Next is a reservoir and a narrowing valley that only gets more beautiful. It's a varied and scenic route.
Neil Summersgill
26 Jun 2023Was lucky to get a guided route from Wild Trails Wales. This a great route - we did it from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge. Not quite 5 stars as not a major fan of industrial estates - but luckily it wasn't that long until we were down some pleasant quiet country lanes. It soon became wooded as the valley narrowed and got steeper on either side - but luckily most of the walk is on the flat - until the end ! The Rheidol valley is very scenic and there were some beautiful meadows, wooded areas and waterfalls. The final climb from the valley floor is very steep to Devils Bridge - going to Aberyswyth would be much easier ! Although you get to the little steam railway crossing there is plenty more steep hills to go. Can recommend the Two Hoots cafe at Devils Bridge where the final train stop is. The train is £30 per person so not a cheap option and the bus route is via Tregaron quite a detour.
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Nia LK
26 Jun 2023This route is a practical and beautiful route between Aberystwyth & Devil's Bridge. It could be used in conjunction with the tourist train for a fun day out. There is some walking on country lanes which may not be to everyone's enjoyment but they are very quiet. The remaining route through woodland tracks and pathways is very attractive and atmospheric. Given 4 stars instead of 5 as there are some steep sections, particularly at the end, which may mean the route isn't suitable for those with lower levels of fitness or mobility issues.
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