Black Covert Ystwyth Riverside Walk
Ceredigion
Black Covert is a small Natural Resources Wales woodland in the steep sided Ystwyth valley, nine miles south east of Aberystwyth, where dogs with a good recall can go off lead since livestock rarely reaches the trees. It was once part of the Trawsgoed, or Crosswood, estate, and the name recalls its use as a covert for raising game birds. The Ystwyth Riverside Walk is the easy option of the two waymarked trails: a 2.7km loop that follows the river Ystwyth upstream from the picnic site and returns through conifer woodland, with no climbs of more than five metres. The beech trees are carpeted with bluebells in spring, fungi are plentiful in autumn and kingfishers hunt along the river. The surface is rough, with some steps and roots, and can be wet in places. For something harder, the 3.5km Birch Grove Woodland Walk climbs 120 metres to a viewpoint on the Iron Age hillfort of Allt Fedw, with views to Pumlumon.
This is a quiet, dog friendly woodland walk that suits older dogs and puppies as well as energetic ones. There is little or no livestock in the wood, so a dog with good recall can have a fair amount of freedom under close control, and the river is alongside for a drink and a paddle; keep dogs out of the water when the Ystwyth is running high after rain. The trees give good shade in summer. There are no facilities beyond the picnic area and a free car park, so bring water and poo bags.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.7 km (1.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 50 min
- Walk Type
- River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Picnic area and shelter by the car park; no toilets or cafe. Nearest food in Aberystwyth or Llanilar.
- Parking
- Black Covert car park, Natural Resources Wales, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Black Covert Ystwyth Riverside Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CeredigionFrequently Asked Questions
Is Black Covert Ystwyth Riverside Walk dog friendly?
Black Covert rates 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it earns that score well. The woodland sees little to no livestock, the river is right there for a drink and a paddle, and the gentle terrain suits dogs of all ages and fitness levels — from older dogs and puppies to those who like to roam.
Can dogs be off lead at Black Covert Ystwyth Riverside Walk?
Dogs with a reliable recall can enjoy a good amount of freedom here, as livestock rarely reaches the woodland. That said, the description recommends keeping them under close control rather than letting them range completely unsupervised — so off lead works well for dogs you trust to come back when called.
What should I know before visiting Black Covert Ystwyth Riverside Walk with my dog?
The path surface is rough in places, with some steps and exposed roots, and can be muddy after rain — so it's worth having sturdy footwear. If the River Ystwyth is running high after rainfall, keep your dog out of the water. There are no toilets or cafe on site, and the nearest food is in Aberystwyth or Llanilar, so pack water and poo bags before you set off.
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Black Covert Car Park and Picnic Site, B4575, Trawsgoed, Aberystwyth SY23 4AT
52.3376, -3.9573
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