Image shared for Ystwyth Trail: Black Covert to Llanilar and back
Canal / Riverside Out & back

Ystwyth Trail: Black Covert to Llanilar and back

Walk

Dyfed

Distance
6.6 mi
Est. time
3h 30m
Difficulty
Easy
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.

About this walk

Start in the Natural Resources Wales public car park at Black Covert, reached from the lane just south of Pont Trawsgoed. Walk out to the quiet lane, turn towards the signed Ystwyth Trail junction and follow the former railway towards Llanilar. Cross the B4575 carefully at the signed trail crossing, then continue through riverside woodland and open valley fields. At Llanilar use the short signed access to the old station car park as the turnaround, then retrace the same trail to Black Covert.

Allow about three and a half hours with stops. The main shared trail is gently graded, with gravel and compacted surfaces, occasional gates and patches of mud or puddles after rain. The car park approach includes a short quiet lane, and there is a road crossing in each direction. Watch for cyclists and horse riders, keep dogs under control and stay away from the river edge during high water. Carry food and water; refreshments in Llanilar require a short village detour and depend on opening hours. Black Covert has picnic space and public parking, with no overnight parking. Follow signs for current forestry operations. This route stays on the valley trail and does not use the Birch Grove woodland hill walk.

Walk details

County
Dyfed
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Canal / Riverside
Distance
6.6 mi (10.6 km)
Est. time
3h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Along the route

2 places
Parking
Essentials · 3.3 mi along
Black Covert Picnic site
Parking · 6.6 mi along

Terms of Service

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.