Earlier this week on the blog we featured the best places in Snowdonia to head out with your binoculars and spot some beautiful feathered friends (see here if you missed it….) and today we think it’s a perfect day to head out on a Snowdonia Birdwatching Walk. Not only is the scenery absolutely stunning, but you might just spot some gorgeous birds whilst you’re out there.

The walk starts in Furnace, near Machynlleth, about half an hour’s drive, heading South from the Oakeley Arms, and explores the lovely Ynyshir Nature Reserve.

Where:              Furnace and Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth, Ceredigion

Distance:          Approx 3 miles

Difficulty:          Easy – good paths and one moderate ascent

Start:                Furnace Village (the A487, south of Machynlleth, passes through the village. There is a car park near the Cadw Dyfi Furnace site just near the bridge in the middle of the village. Right turn if coming from the north or left turn from the south)

Grid Ref:           SN 684 952

Maps:               OS Explorer 23: Cadair Idris & Bala Lake

Directions:

1: Leave car park and walk back towards main road. Cross road and visit furnace buildings opposite. Back to road and turn left for short distance then left again down lane (signposted for Artists Valley and Cwm Einion).

2: Follow lane uphill for almost 300 metres; at sharp left bend (not first rounded s-shaped bend) follow footpath ahead by salt-bin and signpost, and into trees. Follow to track and then turn left.

3: Track eventually meets lane. Turn right along it, but not for long; soon turn left at signpost and follow path down into trees. Cross bridge then head towards stile. Don’t cross it, but turn left along path that reaches gate then track near to cottage.

4: Turn left and head upwards to signpost and lane. Turn left, but soon bear right at sign for grassy path. Path will lead across craggy lower slopes of Foel Fawr. Look to the left for views across Ynys Hir Estate.

5: At a fork, stay ahead on the higher path. Eventually, follow it steeply downhill as it reaches lane by a farm. Turn left and follow lane to main road. Turn left again here and walk carefully along the road.

6: Take turning on right, signposted for Ynys Hir and Ynys Hir Hall Hotel. Follow road and cross bridge over river. To visit hotel gardens (open to non residents for lunch and afternoon tea – see details below). Continue straight ahead to visit the RSPB Nature Reserve (once part of the estate of Ynys Hir Hall).

7: Re-trace your steps back to the hotel entrance, and take the turning that veers past a small cottage. Follow the track along the river and back to the Furnace car park.

Image from wikicommons

Points of Interest

1: Queen Victoria once owned the hall at Ynys Hir, but today it is a luxury hotel and restaurant.

2: The reserve is open to visitors from dawn to dusk. The visitor centre is open daily 9am-5pm (April-October) and 10am-4pm (November to March). For more information head to www.rspb.org.uk

**Please note that these directions are for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.