Pendinas and Tanybwlch is a fairly new nature reserve. It was designated in 1999 following a public meeting which attracted more than 100 local people.

Owned by Ceredigion County Council, the 100-acre site takes in part of a former rubbish tip, which served the town for more than 50 years.

As the name suggests, the reserve has two distinct features - the old hill fort of Pendinas and the shingle beach at Tanybwlch.

Pendinas

Pendinas is the largest Iron Age hill fort in Ceredigion. It was first built around 400BC and you can still see the outline of the ancient ramparts. A distinctive memorial to the Duke of Wellington in the shape of an upturned cannon was built on the hilltop in 1858.

The views from the fort can be spectacular. The whole of Cardigan Bay lies below and on a clear day, you can see the mountains of Snowdonia to the north and Pumlumon to the east.

There are three marked footpaths leading to the summit. Here are the starting points:

1. Travelling from town, go past the Fire Station in Trefechan and take the first turning right into Pen yr Angor. Follow the narrow road round to the stone jetty where car parking is available.

2. Travelling from town, go past the Fire Station in Trefechan and take the second turning right into Felin y Mor; go past the new housing development, through a kissing gate and through a couple of fields before beginning the climb up Pendinas.

3. Follow the footpath signposted from Cae Job housing eastate in Penparcau, near the Tollgate Pub.

Tanybwlch

Tanybwlch is a shingle ridge beach, tucked away round the corner from Aberystwyth harbour. Although a mere stone's throw from the town, the beach can feel quite an isolated, desolate place.

Look out for a blackthorn growing along the shingle ridge - it dates back more than 200 years and is quite visible from the main track.

Whimbrel and Ringed Plover can be seen here as well as the Red Kite and the occasional Chough overhead. There've been some sightings too of polecat.

Ceredigion County Council is always on the look-out for volunteers to lend a hand on various project such as footpath improvements. Let us know if you'd like to join one of their workdays.

Grid Reference: SN585800 Opening Times Unrestricted access. Admission Charges Free Location Aberystwyth Telephone 01545 570881