Tag: nature reserve

Out & About: Ynyslas

Ynyslas estuary looking out towards Aberdovey

It’s been a long while since we did one of our ‘Out & About’ posts.

Grass growing on sand dunes

There’s been a big house move and lots of DIY jobs to do recently. Then, of course, the Covid restrictions we’ve had to contend with this year. So, all in all, it hasn’t been the best time for getting out and exploring. However, when time and opportunity allows, we still head off for walks or a short drive somewhere.

Adelle sitting on a boulder looking out over Ynyslas estuary to Aberdovey

We have lots of new things and places to discover. One such location that’s been on our list since we moved to Wales is Ynyslas.

Three teasel heads

It’s a stunning area that encompasses a multitude of habitats for wildlife… and people!

track alongside the boatyard in Ynyslas

It’s part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve which serves to protect the landscape here.

Groyne posts in Ynyslas Estuary

There’s both sandy and pebble beaches, dunes, salt marsh, raised peat bog and grassland contained within it.

Group of pebbles on the beach at Ynyslas

We arrived on a perfect sunny day, received a warm welcome from a warden and parked on the beach car park (normally £2 all day, but free on this occasion).

Sand, stones and shells on Ynyslas beach

There are a number of way-marked trails that you can take – or just ‘freestyle’ and wander around.

Sandpiper footprints in the sand

Some people appeared to unpack chairs from the car and just plonk themselves right where they parked. However, you didn’t have to move far to get a bit more space if so desired.

Ynyslas estury

We walked the 2½-mile ‘Ynyslas Trail’ which took in the dunes, beach, estuary and salt marsh, thus giving a nice taster of the scenery and various habitats. (It also means that you’ve ‘earned’ your cup of tea or ice-cream at the end).

Justin standing on Ynyslas beach

Having done that, we spent a couple of hours on the beach taking in the fabulous views both out to sea and inland.

grass on top of sand dunes

We really loved the place… and it’s less than half an hour’s drive from our new house.

Horses on the water's edge

We’ll be returning often to explore further or just relax with a picnic.

Panorama of Ynyslas from the top of a sand dune

A day out to Cors Caron National Nature Reserve

Cors Caron raised bog boardwalk in early July 2019

We took a trip to Ceredigion in Wales last week – we think that’s our 4th visit in the last 12 months.

Cors Caron information board

We love the variety of walking on offer in the area – woodland, farmland, riversides and coastal scenery are all within easy reach.

Wooden signage showing different walks at Cors Caron

One rather special and rare habitat that we visited was to be found at Cors Caron National Nature Reserve. It’s a large, open expanse of ancient peat bog – with various footpaths, gravel tracks and raised ‘decking’ walkways to explore. It covers an area of approximately 2,000 acres in total. The raised bogs built up from deep layers of peat have taken around 12,000 years to form.

Cors Caron raised bog boardwalk in early July 2019

This was the first time that we’ve actually visited the site in mid-summer – and really beautiful it was too.

Raised bog

It was green and lush with huge, clear blue skies above.

Raised bog

We strolled slowly around the reserve taking in the scenery and wildlife. Bees, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and all manner of other insects flitted and buzzed around. An incredible 170 bird species have been recorded here and you could here various songs and calls as you walked. We particularly loved the sound of the curlew that drifted across the site. We didn’t see any otters on this visit, but apparently they do roam these waterways – along with other mammals such as water voles and polecats.

Heron in a raised bog

We stopped for a moment at the hide – what a view! From inside the dark, enclosed hide – the outside seems to stretch out in Techni-colour before you.

Hide along the Cors Caron raised bog boardwalk

The Cors Caron reserve is also home to many interesting, and sometimes rare, wild flower species such as the bog asphodel (pictured below), cotton grass and sphagnum moss.

Yellow bog asphodel growing in a raised bog

If you’re ever in the area be sure to stop and take a wander. There are walks of varying distances on offer, you’ll come across wonderful sights on all of them.

Wildflower path

It’s an uplifting, life affirming place. Hopefully we’ll return very soon!

Wildflower path

If you click on the panoramic image above, you can see it in greater detail. Additionally, if you’re planning a visit, you can download a PDF copy of the map here.