Birdwatching
This is an exceptionally good area for birdwatching in spring and summer and the owners can advise visitors on the best areas to visit in all seasons. The RSPB reserve at Ynyshir, the Teifi Marshes reserve near Cardigan, the ancient oakwoods of Dinas and certain sections of the Ceredigion Coastal Path are each worth a whole day’s visit and it is quite possible to see 60 species on the farm itself in the summer months during a weeks stay.
Walking
Bryn Isaf and Swydd are both close to a scenic public footpath which affords wonderful views of the Cors Caron and the Cambrian Mountains form a 13 mile circuit, with the possibility of a fine pub meal in Tregaron half way round; this links with the Ystwyth Trail. The Ceredigion Coastal Path can be accessed 10 miles away at Blaenplwyf and is as beautiful and much less crowded than the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path further south, with towering cliffs, unusual rock formations and dramatic seascapes. There are long walks through the Tywi Forest, just above Strata Florida, about 5 miles away. Devils Bridge and the romantic Mynach Valley walk is 30 minutes away by car and the Cwm Rheidol with its dramatically steep hillsides can be accessed from Aberystwyth via a narrow gauge railway.
History
Aberystwyth, 30 minutes drive to the north and Lampeter, 30 minutes by car to the south are both old university towns; the former has a perfect 19thc seaside promenade and a ruined 13thc castle, the latter a charming 19thc town hall and university buildings modelled on Oxbridge in 1822. Further afield Aberaeron (40 minutes drive SW) is a delightful late Georgian port constructed around a small tidal harbour. Machynlleth (60 minutes drive N), is a beautifully positioned town at the head of the Dyfi estuary with a 15thc Parliament House, a mediaeval bridge and a 19thc clock tower. Rhayader (50 minutes drive) is a pretty 19thc walking centre giving access to the Elan Valley and other dramatic moorland scenery. Other interesting historical sites include Llanerchaeron (NT) a carefully restored Nash country house set in a fascinating 18thc garden on the banks of the River Aeron, Dolaucothi Gold Mines (NT) near Pumsaint, which date from the Roman period, Cigerran’s 13thc castle overlooking the dramatic Teifi Gorges, immortalised by JMW Turner among others and the 12thc Cistertian Abbey at Strata Florida , burial site for some of Wales’s mediaeval princes.
Fishing
Permits for fishing on the River Teifi to the S. Of Cors Caron can be obtained from the Medical Hall in Tregaron (newsagents). In addition Cruglas Cottages guests can fly fish (by arrangement with the owners) on the two kilometres of the Teifi which pass through the farm and on the Sand Martin Lake to the south of the farmhouses.
Cycling
In addition to the wealth of small safe roads around Swyddffynnnon, there is a long distance cycling route between Tregaron and Aberystwyth, which follows the line of the old railway as it runs along the eastern edge of Cors Caron. 30 mins to the south is the Aeron Trail, which follows the valley of the River Aeron all the way to the sea.