Earlier this week on the blog we featured a handy guide to some of the common seaweeds you might spot on the Welsh Coast (read it here). Today, why not try this lovely short walk at Ynys – just the other side of the estuary from us here at the Oakeley Arms – and see how many seaweed varieties you can find.

This easy but fabulous walk explores a hidden gem on the Cardigan Bay coast. Ynys Llanfihangel-y-Traethau is the full name of this tiny waterside hamlet, but it’s often known by the shorter Ynys (literally meaning island). The walk first leads along a tidal estuary, before heading to the low farmlands above the river. The walk offers stunning views of the Dwyryd Estuary and there’s the chance to explore a charming church.

Distance                   2.5km / 2 miles

Start                                       Car Park on Ynys (From Talsarnau, follow the A496 south, turning right for Harlech. Go over the railway then as road bends sharp left turn first right and follow the lane, eventually passing terrace on left then old mill on right. Continue to find parking area by benches on right opposite house)

Grid Ref SH 599 357

Ordnance Survey Map              OS Explorer OL 18 Harlech, Porthmadog & Y Bala

This walk is best undertaken at low tide and should not be attempted if the tide is coming in.

Check the tide times before setting off.

1: Face the estuary and turn to the left to walk along the road, passing the house at Glan Meirion and heading towards Llechollwyn house.

There was once a busy quayside here as it was the nearest port to the town of Harlech. Small ships would transport coal, building materials and lime, and there were several ship-building yards here too.

As the road ends, bear right to pick your way along the bottom of the rocks and then bear left again to walk along the estuary edge.

2: At low tide stay right, close to the river edge as this is the easiest route, but if the tide is turning or high stay left at the top of the rocks.

The views here are stunning, and there are several benches situated near the rocks that take full advantage of their glorious position. If you look to the left, you’ll see the wide sands of the Dwyryd Estuary flooding to meet the Irish Sea in Tremadoc Bay. Half left are the settlements of Borth-y-Gest and Porthmadog, sitting prettily below the flat-topped hill of Moel-y-Gest. The sands between here and there are called “Traeth Bach”, literally meaning “Small Sands”. Straight ahead is the Italianate village of Portmeirion, and to the far right is the Vale of Ffestiniog, flanked by the Moelwyns on the northern side of the valley and the foothills of the Rhinogs on the south side.

3: After about half a mile, you’ll see a large house on the left. If you’re down by the edge of the river, turn inland now to aim for the house and when you reach it bear right to follow a low stone wall then cross a stream by a footbridge.

Continue ahead to cross a stile over a wall near a gate at Clogwyn Melyn Farm and walk ahead to meet the farm track.

Turn left along the track and follow it, bearing right at a junction to follow the Wales Coast Path signpost uphill to a gate before a farm.

4: Go through the gate but then immediately turn left up to a kissing gate. Go through the gate into a field and bear right towards a telegraph pole with a way-marker on it, and then aim for a wall with another way-marker on a nearby fence post.

Bear left to follow the wall then at the corner (and another way-marker) turn right and carry on to another corner. Turn right here again but soon bear left for a path down to a gate.

Go through the gate and walk down the steps and up other side. Turn right to walk alongside a church wall. Follow to the front of the church and turn left into the church gate to explore.

5: Leave the church and turn left out of the gate to reach another gate. Go through this and at first walk beside the church wall but then veer right, away from the wall – aim for a way-marker by a wall and a gate. Don’t cross over here, but instead bear right to keep the wall on your left and walk down to the small gate at the end of the field.

Go through this gate and walk straight ahead through the field. Go through another gate (or cross the stile) in the corner and keep ahead in the same direction, but with this time the low wall will be on your right.

6: At the end of this field, go through a gate and into a walled track. Follow this to a gate and road. Go through the gate and turn left to return to the car park.

Ynys was the birthplace of Sir Arthur Osmond Williams, a well known Welsh Liberal Politician in the early twentieth century.

**These directions are for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. The information quoted is correct at the time of writing. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather