Nestled in the heart of Mid Wales, near the vibrant coastal town of Aberystwyth, lies the enchanting Ty'n y Bedw Wood. This isn't just another woodland stroll; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a tapestry of natural beauty, offering a rejuvenating escape from the everyday. Here are five compelling reasons why a visit to Ty'n y Bedw Walk should be high on your list of outdoor activities.
Firstly, the sheer variety of the landscape within a relatively compact area is captivating. As Natural Resources Wales themselves highlight, Ty'n y Bedw Wood sits on a steep hillside near the River Ystwyth. The trails wind through beautiful mixed woodland, where you'll find some truly enormous Douglas fir trees towering above. This creates a sense of awe and wonder as you walk beneath their impressive canopy. The contrasting open views along the floodplain of the River Ystwyth, accessible from the same car park at the nearby Grogwynion Nature Reserve via a boardwalk, offer a different, equally stunning perspective. This juxtaposition of dense woodland and open riverside meadows ensures a visually rich and engaging walking experience.
Secondly, the Ty'n y Bedw Walk caters to different fitness levels and preferences. There are two main waymarked trails starting from the car park. The "Craig yr Ogof Walk" is graded as easy, covering a mile (1.8 kilometres) and taking around 45 minutes. While it includes a steep climb at the start and steps up to a viewpoint bench, it's generally manageable and rewards you with lovely views across the wooded hillsides. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the "Ty'n y Bedw Walk" itself is graded as moderate. This longer trail of 3 miles (5 kilometres) takes approximately 1½ hours and involves numerous long climbs and steep descents. The varied terrain, including wide forest roads, grassy paths, and narrow streamside tracks, keeps things interesting. As the Natural Resources Wales website advises, walking boots with good grip are recommended for this route, and a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Thirdly, the walk offers more than just exercise; it's a chance to connect with nature and potentially spot some local wildlife. The Grogwynion Nature Reserve, adjacent to the woodland, is described as one of the wildest sections of the River Ystwyth, frequently changing its course after floods. This dynamic environment supports a variety of wildlife, including the rare 5-spot ladybird and wolf spiders that inhabit the shingle banks. While walking through the woodland, keep an eye out for woodland birds and the subtle changes in flora as you ascend and descend the hillside. The peace and tranquility of the woodland provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Fourthly, the location of Ty'n y Bedw makes it easily accessible while still feeling like a genuine escape. Situated just 10 miles south-east of Aberystwyth, it's a short drive from the town and well-signposted.
