The River Leri used to flow into Cardigan Bay at Aberlerry, just to the south of Ynyslas. Its route was diverted in 1824 to provide a sheltered harbour for the local shipbuilding industry. Traeth Maelgwn is now the other side of the river but its vast sands can be seen clearly from Ynyslas.

Historically, these vast sands were a popular meeting place for major assemblies. The area was strategically positioned where the three counties of Ceredigion, Powys and Gwynedd met. It was also easily accessible by sea and by the ancient road known as Sarn Helen which linked Carmarthen in the south with Caerhun near Conwy in the north.

From 517 to 547, Gwynedd was ruled by the mighty Maelgwn, a great-grandson of Cunedda. Legend has it that he called a gathering of princes on the sands along this part of the Dyfi Estuary in 537.

Each prince had to sit on a throne as the tide rolled in. Whoever remained seated longest would be declared the winner and the overall ruler of Gwynedd.

Maelgwn's throne had been made by Maeldaf Hen who coated it with waxed feathers so that it floated. Not surprisingly, Maelgwn won the contest and was recognised as the new pendragon. This story is 500 years older than that of King Canute.

The ritual of sitting in a chair against a rising tide is re-enacted every August as part of Borth's annual carnival.

The walk ends where it began at the Visitor Centre.