Around a quarter of a million people visit Ynyslas every year, drawn by the wide expanse of sand, the flower-rich dunes and the envigorating sea air.

There is also a Visitor Centre where you can find out more about the flora and fauna of the dunes. Events such as the Family Quiz are also organised during the holidays.

Animals living in the dunes include the common lizard, stoats, polecats, rabbits and voles. The Skylark and the Meadow Pippit can be seen and heard over the dunes and the rare Ringed Plover is another visitor.

A variety of butterflies and moths can be seen, including the Dark Green Fritillary and Gatekeeper butterfly and the Scarlet Tiger and Portland moth. The boardwalk path takes you past different types of Marsh and Bee Orchids which flower during the summer months.

Ynylas is also a popular outdoors pursuits destination. When the tides out, the flat sands are often used by kiters while the estuary is good for windsurfing. Note that the waters here are not safe for bathing because of strong currents. At low tide, look out for tree stumps on the beach - they're the remains of an ancient submerged forest.

There are public toilets at the Visitor Centre (open Easter until September) and there's usually an ice-cream van parked on the sands.

Opening Times Open access to dunes and beach. Visitor Centre open Easter - September. Admission Charges Easter - September : £1 for daily parking or £3.50 for an unlimited entry season ticket. Address Visitor Centre, Ynyslas, Borth, Ceredigion. Telephone 01970 872901

For details of special events held at Ynyslas click here.

To return to the main page for the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, click here.