Today on the Oakeley blog we’re continuing our series of fantastic local walks, and today we’re heading to the gorgeous location of Ynys, which is just near Harlech – less than a qarter of an hour’s drive from us here at the Oakeley Arms.

This easy but fabulous walk explores a hidden gem on the Cardigan Bay coast. Ynys Llanfihangel-y-Traethau is theis tiny hamlet’s full name but it’s often known by the shorter Ynys (literally meaning island).

Ynys was probably once an island, but at the beginning of the 19th century an embankment was built near what is now the main road to Harlech, which linked it to the mainland.

It was the point where travellers could cross the Dwyryd Estuary to reach Borth-y-Gest and Porthmadog on the other side. Crossings were very dangerous because of high tides, strong currents and quick sands. In 1860 a bridge known as Pont Briwet was built to link Penrhyndeudraeth with Llandecwyn on the other side of the estuary so thankfully the perilous river crossings became a thing of the past.

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.

Distance/Time:                          2.5km / 2 miles. Allow 1½ hours

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

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. 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.

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.

**Please note that 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. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.