Walking

Walkingworld

CREGENNEN LAKES

With December having the shortest days of the year (and often dodgy weather) the opportunity for longer walks becomes limited. So here’s a 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 and involves a circular walk around the twin Cregennen Lakes which are in the care of the National Trust. These two lakes are located at an elevation of 785 ft./239 metres above sea level with one of the lakes covering 27 acres (and including a small island) and the other covering 13 acres. The approach to the lakes is down narrow lanes with few passing places but this just adds to the feeling of remoteness you get when come here. Often called ‘one of the must visit destinations of the Dolgellau area’, Cregennen Lakes give reasonably flat walking on fairly good paths and tracks with a little lane walking included too to complete the circuit. There is a small hillock next to the car park that is easily climbed and 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 very steep and it really is, and although there is a path all of the way up the ascent involves negotiating rock gullies where hands as well as 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…

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 Lakes located above Dolgellau down

narrow tight lanes. There is an honesty box and toilets in the car park. J Grid Ref: SH 657143 J Nearest postcode: LL39 1LJ J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL 23 – Cadair Idris

and Llyn Tegid J What to expect: This walk uses a combination of field paths and tracks

which are fairly clear throughout. It also involves some lane walking where there could be cars. Most of the walk is flattish but boots are best worn as it

could be muddy at this time of the year.

Children should be well supervised around the lakes and on the lane sections. J Dogs: OK on leads J Suitable for: Walkers of all ages J Refreshments: Best heading into

Dolgellau where there are cafés, pubs and shops

WALK DETAILS

START/ FINISH 2 3

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Pen-y-Mynydd

START

Exit the car park and go left along the lane. Continue until you reach a marker post on the right. Here leave the lane going right to follow the direction of the arrow on the post taking a grass path past a small sign to reach a stile in a wall. Cross the stile to reach a path junction and marker post.

Points of interest on this section

J Cregennen Lakes are located at an elevation of 785

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Points of interest on this section

J The mountain in front of you on this section is Tyrrau Mawr which forms part of the Cadair Idris mountain range that rises to an impressive 2,930 ft./893 metres at its highest point.

ft./239 metres above sea level with one of the lakes

covering 27 acres (and including a small island) and the other covering 13 acres

From the marker post take the right hand path (Llwyber 2 Path). Follow the path around the shores of the first lake to 4 At the bridge the path forks. Cross the bridge and follow the path besides the lake. Continue on the path to reach a stile in a wall and cross it (there is a small bridge before the stile). Once over bear left towards the second lake. Bear right on the path following the lake edge to curve left at a marker post and reach a boat house. Continue on the lakeside path to cross a stile of pass through a gate.

Now go right at a marker post and follow a wall uphill away from the second lake. Next descend by the wall to reach a lane. Go right passing through a road gate. Beyond this follow the lane back to the car park and walk start point.

curve left away from the lake. Follow the path to reach a path junction and marker post right.

Points of interest on this section

J On this section the impressive pointy peak up to your right is Pared y Cefn Hir the main summit of which is called Bryn Brith

Here go right to follow a path across a marshy grassy valley. 3 Stay ahead at a path junction right to descend to a bridge at the end of the first lake.

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A WORD OF CAUTION

Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.