Known for its expansive sand dunes, golden beach and diverse flora and fauna, Ynyslas Beach (pronounced uh-nis-lass) provides some spectacular panoramic views and coastal walks. It is well worth visiting if you’re staying at one of our Borth and Ynyslas holiday cottages.
Where is Ynyslas Beach?
The sandy beach and dunes of Ynyslas are 1.5 miles north of Borth in Cardigan Bay, Ceredigion, on the west coast of Wales. The village of Ynyslas is around 8 miles north of Aberystwyth.
The area is part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, which includes Borth Bog (Cors Fochno), the Dyfi Estuary and the dunes at Ynyslas. At low tide, the remains of an ancient submerged forest can be seen on the beach.
Image credit: Ynyslas dunes and beach by Rudi Winter / CC BY-SA 2.0
The Ynyslas Sand Dunes
The Ynyslas sand dunes are the largest in Ceredigion, and are an important habitat for the local wildlife. They are home to diverse plants such as orchids, mosses, liverworts and fungi as well as many insects. The wider Dyfi National Nature Reserve and estuary is also home to large numbers of wading birds and wildfowl.
Can You Swim at Ynyslas Beach?
No. Ynyslas is a red flag beach, meaning swimming and the use of inflatables are not permitted as the strong tidal current can be particularly dangerous.
For swimming, we recommend heading slightly down the coast to Borth Beach, which is a popular family beach with Blue Flag status and a lifeguard presence in the summer.
Image Credit: Sand dunes and beach at Ynyslas by Gareth James / CC BY-SA 2.0
Is Ynyslas Beach Dog Friendly?
Yes! Dogs are permitted on Ynyslas Beach year-round, making it one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the area. Just be aware that they may need to be kept on a lead in certain areas to protect the population of ground-nesting birds.
Walking at Ynyslas Beach
With two boardwalk paths through the dunes and glorious stretches of the beach itself, Ynyslas is a walker’s dream. The waymarked trails include the Dune Walk (1.3 miles) and Ynyslas Walk (2.7 miles), both of which allow you the opportunity to explore the sand dunes and the surrounding landscape.
Ynyslas is also the start/end of the Ceredigion Coast Path, providing easy access to the stunning trail down to Aberystwyth.
Image Credit: Ynyslas Sand Dunes by Badgernet / CC BY-SA 3.0
Ynyslas Beach Parking
The closest car park is right on the beach, at £4 a day. Because of its location on the beach itself, the car park becomes flooded at high tides, so you need to be aware of these times to ensure you can move your car when high tide is due.
High tide times are clearly displayed on the car park signage.
Facilities at Ynyslas Beach
There is a community-run visitor centre (now called the Ynyslas Nature Home) located by the car park, with toilet facilities and a beach cafe that’s open at select times.
Ultimately, Yngslas Beach is a lovely place to visit if you’re staying in the area or looking for things to do near Aberystwyth.
