Ysgubor-Y-Coed: Nature and Culture

Ysgubor-y-Coed is a Welsh community in northern Ceredigion. According to its Community Council, it includes Eglwysfach, Glandyfi and Furnace, as well as the RSPB reserve at Ynys-hir. Looking for a hotel in this area and hoping to shape your stay around nature or culture? The themes are distinct: the RSPB nature reserve at Ynys-hir features a variety of habitats and three walking trails, while Eglwysfach adds St Michael’s Church and the seasonal “Walk, Talk and Tea” experience. You can focus more on landscapes and trails, or on a guided experience connected with the church.

Nature and trails in Ynys-hir

The RSPB nature reserve at Ynys-hir includes Welsh oak woodlands, salt marshes along the estuary, wet lowland grassland, freshwater pools, reedbeds and peat bogs. This variety ranges from woodland and open, wet areas to water and reed habitats. If you want to experience nature primarily through its different landscapes, this mix offers some specific points of interest. There are also three walking trails to explore in the reserve. The variety of habitats and exploring on foot are two distinct aspects of the nature experience.

The Ynys-hir RSPB visitor centre is located between Eglwysfach’s main road and the Dyfi Estuary. The Ceredigion section of the Wales Coast Path also includes an additional stretch to Eglwysfach. If you plan to include this route in your walk, check the current route beforehand.

St Michael’s Church and churchyard

St Michael’s Church in Eglwysfach is a Grade II* listed church. The present building dates largely from 1833. Inside, pews and woodwork from the early 19th century have been preserved; they were painted matt black by R. S. Thomas and the artist Elsi Eldridge. For travellers interested in culture, the focus is on the building’s history, its listed status and the design of its fittings.

The churchyard is mostly level, with a paved path from the lychgate to the church door. In spring, the grounds are managed as a wildflower area to encourage biodiversity. The churchyard is also home to St Non’s Well, which is traditionally believed to have healing properties. Here, a specific path feature, seasonal nature management and a long-held tradition come together.

The seasonal “Walk, Talk and Tea” experience

The “Walk, Talk and Tea” experience in Eglwysfach is offered every Wednesday and Saturday between April and September. It is seasonal and available on request; confirm availability before your trip. Weather permitting, the guided experience includes a walk along parts of the nature reserve or the coastal path. It ends with tea and cake at St Michael’s Church. Those who want to explore several trails in the nature reserve will find three options there; those who prefer a guided activity with refreshments at the end may want to consider this experience. For the latter, bear in mind the season, the need to request it and the weather.

Discover more destinations: Ponterwyd, Llangwyryfon, Rhydlewis, Llanon, Llechryd, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Pontarfynach, Llandysul.

For the broader travel guide: Ceredigion.