Walking
world THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW J Distance: 1.5 miles/3.62 kilometres J Time: Allow around 1 – 1.5 hours J Start: Use the car park for Cregennen
CREGENNEN LAKES
Lakes located above Dolgellau down narrow tight lanes. There is an honesty
With December having the shortest days of the year (and often dodgy
box and toilets in the car park.
weather) the opportunity for longer walks becomes limited. So here’s a
J Grid Ref: SH 657143 J Nearest postcode: LL39 1LJ J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance
lovely short route that can easily be fitted into the limited daylight hours of our darkest month. It’s to be found close to Dolgellau and beneath the slopes of the mighty Cadair Idris massif in an awesome setting
Survey Explorer OL 23 – Cadair Idris
and involves a circular walk around the twin Cregennen Lakes which
and Llyn Tegid
are in the care of the National Trust. These two lakes are located at an
J What to expect: This walk uses a
elevation of 785 ft./239 metres above sea level with one of the lakes
combination of field paths and tracks
covering 27 acres (and including a small island) and the other covering 13
which are fairly clear throughout. It
acres. The approach to the lakes is down narrow lanes with few passing
also involves some lane walking where
places but this just adds to the feeling of remoteness you get when come
there could be cars. Most of the walk
here. Often called ‘one of the must visit destinations of the Dolgellau
is flattish but boots are best worn as it
area’, Cregennen Lakes give reasonably flat walking on fairly good paths
could be muddy at this time of the year.
and tracks with a little lane walking included too to complete the circuit.
Children should be well supervised
There is a small hillock next to the car park that is easily climbed and
around the lakes and on the lane
offers a great viewpoint for Barmouth and Cardigan Bay beyond so it’s well worth doing this before you set out on the route. Towering above the lakes is the impressive pointy peak of Pared y Cefn Hir, the main summit of which is called Bryn Brith. From the car park the ascent looks
sections.
J Dogs: OK on leads J Suitable for: Walkers of all ages J Refreshments: Best heading into
very steep and it really is, and although there is a path all of the way
Dolgellau where there are cafés, pubs
up the ascent involves negotiating rock gullies where hands as well as
and shops
feet are required. The climb is best left for experienced hill walkers and scramblers and is certainly not suitable for a cold December day when the rock would be wet and slippery. Best stick to the lakeside route at this time of the year so wrap up warm, take some butties and a flask and enjoy a truly great walk that is perfect for a dark December day…
NWM 2021 Page 93
