Ynyslas Beach at Ynyslas National Nature Reserve

Ynyslas dunes are remarkable. They are still growing, day by day, millimetre by millimetre, providing a home for many rare plants and insects. When you visit, you can see the process taking place. Earth, sea and wind in action. In the summer, the sand dunes are transformed into a colourful carpet of wild flowers and are especially renowned for their rare orchids.

Ynylas is a popular outdoors pursuits destination. When the tides out, the flat sands are often used by kiters while the estuary is good for windsurfing. Note that the waters here are not safe for bathing because of strong currents.

There are two way-marked boardwalk paths leading through the dunes and the view from one of the platforms can be stunning.

And then there's the submerged forest ... the remains of tree trunks which appear at low tide, from the days when the shingle ridge was further out to sea. This could be part of the inspiration for the famous story of the lost land of Cantre'r Gwaelod.

Birds to see......
Stonechats, linnets and larks can be found in the older dunes. Listen for the larks' stream of notes high up in the air. The estuary is home to many wading birds - the shelduck, with its bright green head and chestnut patch on its chest is amongst the most colourful.
Parts of the dunes may be roped off in spring and early summer to protect rare ring plover eggs, which are laid directly on the sand.

When you look out to sea, you may see dolphins and porpoise, just some of the fascinating beach.

Grid Ref : SN610940

Time : You will easily spend a whole day here, though the trail through the dunes can be walked in an hour.

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Prices

Free entry
Car Park (Easter - September):
£1 per day
£3.50 for an unlimited entry season ticket

Open all the time
Access : Open at all times via the beach road. Information centre open Easter - Early September 9.30am - 5.30pm. Toilets open Easter - Sept.

Nearby

• Nearby B&Bs and Guesthouses
• Nearby Camping and Touring
• Nearby Hotels
• Nearby Self Catering
• Alternative Accommodation