Ask UK Holiday Breaks
Tell us where you're going, who you're travelling with, or what you'd like to do.
Borth and Ynyslas
Borth and Ynyslas make a great combination if you want a relaxed day by the sea without the busier feel of a large resort.
Borth gives you a long beach, cafés and a traditional seaside village, while Ynyslas adds huge sand dunes, wildlife, estuary views and some of the most open coastal scenery in this part of Mid Wales.
Spend Time on Borth Beach
Borth Beach stretches for miles, with a gently shelving shoreline that works particularly well for families.
At lower tide the sand opens out dramatically, giving you plenty of space for walking, games and simply finding a quieter spot away from the busiest part of the village.
The beach is also popular with surfers when conditions are right, and there are local businesses offering lessons and equipment.
Walk Through the Ynyslas Dunes
At the northern end of the beach, the landscape changes completely as you reach Ynyslas.
The dunes are among the largest in Ceredigion and form part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve.
Paths take you through shifting sand, dune grass and open coastal habitat before reaching viewpoints across the Dyfi Estuary.
Follow the Ynyslas Walk
If you want more than a quick wander through the dunes, follow the waymarked Ynyslas Walk.
The circular route is around 2.7 miles and takes roughly one and a quarter to two hours.
It passes through sand dunes, seashore, farmland and saltmarsh, so you get several different habitats within one fairly easy walk.
Look for Wildlife
Ynyslas is much more than a beach.
The dunes support orchids, mosses, fungi and a huge variety of insects, while the estuary mudflats and saltmarsh are important feeding areas for water birds.
The wildlife changes throughout the year, so even a winter visit can be worthwhile when the beach itself feels too cold for sitting around.
Walk Between Borth and Ynyslas
If you enjoy a longer coastal walk, Borth and Ynyslas are connected by an easy section of the Wales Coast Path.
The route between them is around five miles and gives you views over the sea, dunes and Borth Bog.
At very low tide, long stretches can sometimes be walked along the beach, although the official coast path moves inland around obstacles and tidal areas.
Stop in Borth Afterwards
Borth is the easiest place to find food and facilities after exploring the dunes.
There are cafés, pubs, shops and places for an ice cream or simple meal, so it works well as the practical base for the day.
You can keep the visit simple with beach and food, or turn it into a longer day by adding the nature reserve and a proper walk.
A Few Useful Tips
Ynyslas is part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve and is open for visitors throughout the year.
The main Ynyslas Walk is graded easy and is around 2.7 miles long.
The beach car park at Ynyslas is tidal and can flood, so pay attention to signs, tide conditions and staff advice before leaving your car.
Swimming and inflatable water equipment are not permitted at Ynyslas because of dangerous currents around the estuary.
Borth has more conventional seaside facilities, including cafés, pubs and shops, so use the village for food and refreshments rather than relying on the nature reserve.
Dogs are welcome in much of the area, although seasonal restrictions can apply on parts of Borth Beach, so check the signs when you arrive.
Stay near Borth: Find hotels and cottages for exploring Ynyslas, Aberystwyth and the wider Ceredigion coast.