Starting in Aberystwyth, this walk explores dramatic rock formations, a superb Blue Flag beach and sand dunes that form part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve.
START
Make your way to Aberystwyth Tourist Information Centre and cross to the promenade. Bear right to its end below Constitution Hill. Turn right and take a winding path signed Ceredigion Coastal Path to the top.
Continuing on the walk, take the path along the grassy cliff-side to a lane where you bear left through the holiday village of Clarach. After crossing a bridge, walk ahead to join the coastal path with its striking views of the rocky beach platform below. As you approach Wallog, you can see the shingle ridge of Sarn Gynfelyn at low tide. This moraine from the last Ice Age extends for 7 miles under the sea and, according to legend, it is part of a submerged kingdom.
2.5 MILES
Pass a lime kiln and a house, then cross a track to continue on the undulating coastal path. After two footbridges close together, there is a long steep climb to the walk’s highest point. Look out for seals, dolphins and porpoises offshore, as well as the unusual rock formation in the cliffs known as Craig y Delyn (Harp Rock) because of its grit strata resembling the strings of a harp.
The path eventually reaches a war memorial with stupendous views. You now descend to a road and follow it into Borth where, except at high tide, you can access the beach.
4.75 MILES
Now follow the sandy beach or the shingle ridge behind it towards Ynyslas. Before reaching the dunes, it is sometimes possible at low tide to see the tree stumps of an ancient submerged forest. Continue around the headland for the views of Aberdyfi on the opposite side of the estuary. This part of the beach is often covered with shells.
8.75 MILES
From here it is a short walk to the visitor centre. At Ynyslas you can see different types of dunes, from bare embryo dunes to fixed dunes, which are rich in vegetation. Between the dunes are low lying areas known as slacks where orchids and other flowers grow. You can walk along the boardwalk to explore the dunes without damaging this fragile environment. If you're lucky you may spot linnets, wheatears, stoats, lizards and several butterfly species.
Useful Information
TERRAIN
Cliff paths and beach. Some steep ascents and descents on the cliffs.
HOW TO GET THERE
By car: Aberystwyth is on the A44 on the west coast, southwest of Machynlleth. For Borth, leave the A487 for the B4353 at Tre’r Ddol or north of Bow Street.
By public transport: Borth and Aberystwyth are on the Cambrian Coast Line. Buses from Aberystwyth via Borth to Ynyslas, 1 mile south of Ynyslas Visitor Centre.
REFRESHMENTS
Danny's Bar
Borth, Ceredigion SY24 5HZ
Tel. 01970 871122
MORE INFO
Borth Tourist
Information Centre
Cambrian Terrace, Borth SY24 5HU
Tel. 01970 871174
Visit Wales
www.visitwales.co.uk
