Stepping Out: Llyn Cregennen near Dolgellau
Llyn Cregennen lies in an idyllic spot about 800 feet above the Mawddach river and beneath the slopes of the Cader Idris mountain range near Dolgellau.
There are in fact two lakes, the larger covers about 27 acres and has a small island while the other is just half the size.
The lakes, owned by the National Trust, is one of the “must do visits” when in the Dolgellau area and one believed to have been visited by Prime Minister Theresa May during her recent visit.
This five mile walk leads you gently downhill past the lake, across open moorland and past a derelict chapel, The return journey is along a delightful wooded valley that rises only gently. The final stretch is a little steeper but its not very long.
And as a bonus walk up the hill, just above the car park, to get a fabulous view towards Barmouth, its magnificent rail bridge and the expanse of Cardigan Bay.
The Walk
1 Return to the road and turn left and follow it for about 300 yards towards the hill that looms large above the lake.
This is Pared y Cefn Hir and after turning right at the waymarker and climbing over the ladder stile you have a choice. Turn left for a short, steep climb to the top and follow the ridge to Ty’n Llidiart. Although of modest height it makes for a fine viewpoint. But you do have nearly six miles yet to walk. The low level option by way of a footpath that leads you to Kings Youth Hostel.
2 Continue along the lakeside path through the heather and bilberry bushes past the lake. Ignore the waymarker which points right and continue to a dry stone wall that has seen better days. Keep the wall on your right as it drops down gently towards the next waypoint.
3 Ty’n Llidiart is a remote farm below to the right. The path takes you to a gate and two gaps in the wall about 100 yards apart. Beyond the second the path becomes a farm track. Keep on this track until it becomes a metalled road. Go left along the road for about 250 yards with the stream in a ravine to the right and the ruins of Rehoboth Chapel on your left.
4 Built in 1834 the Methodist Chapel has been closed for many years but the cemetery is still used.
Ahead of the cemetery follow a wide path into the woods to a gate. This is a short cut – the road you left would still bring you this gate a short distance from the Kings Youth Hostel.
Now turn right and then right again passing in front of the youth hostel. Immediately after the bridge turn right again into a field with the river Gwynant on your right.
5 Go along the path which rises gently and curves to the lft. Reaching a gate which is conveniently marked “path” keep straight ahead along the bottom of a sloping field. Emerging from the woods you will reach the gate of Ty’n Ceunant and its warning sign about the presence of farm dogs.
Veer left and up the farm track to the minor road that leads from Dolgellau admiring the view of the Cadair Idris range.
6 Turn right and walk along the road for about three quarters of a mile. Just before a cattle grid go through a gate on your right onto National Trust-owned land at Nantygwyrddail. Follow the waymarkers to the farm. Keeping ton the right of the barn cross a ladder stile and up the hillside. It’s only a short, slightly steep section. As you reach the brow of the hill the Cregennen lakes come into view.
7 Continue following the waymarkers across land that can be boggy at times. At the lake shore turn right across a small footbridge and return to the waymarker you ignored at the beginning of the walk. Turn left and return to the road and to the car park.
Don’t forget to admire the view of the Mawddach estuary. It’s a view to make anyone decide to call a General Election.
Facts
Distance: Five and a half miles
Time: allow three hours
Grade: moderate
Start/Finish: Llyn Cregennen near Arthog
Map: OS Explorer 23 Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid
Terrain: clear paths and farm tracks, one section along a minor road
Facilities: Toilets at Llyn Cregennen car park, shops and other facilities in Dolgellau
Parking: Free at the National Trust car park but donations welcomed
Directions: From Dolgellau’s Eldon Square take the road towards Tywyn. While still within the town limits turn left onto a minor road signposted Cadair Idris. It’s a narrow lane with passing places and its about five miles to Llyn Cregennen. The road from Arthog is steep, very steep.
