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Things to see and do at Cregennan

Walker enjoying a peaceful moment at Cregennan
Walker enjoying a peaceful moment at Cregennan | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Step out into an ancient landscape dotted with evidence of 4,000 years of human activity. Enjoy spectacular views, fascinating geology and thriving wildlife.

A rich history

For many centuries, people have had a connection to this landscape. The standing stones and cairns here likely date from the Bronze Age and the old sheepfolds reflect a long history of farming which continues today. There are several small ruins, including Hafoty Fach, birthplace to 18th century hymn writer, known as Ioan Rhagfyr.

Spectacular views

On a clear day you can enjoy views across the Mawddach estury towards Barmouth, where our very first parcel of land, Dinas Oleu, is located on the headland above the town. You can also climb Pared y Cefn Hir to enjoy an amazing panorama off mountain scenery.

Cregennan circular walk
Cregennan circular walk | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Cregennan circular walk

This moderate three and a half mile circular walk is a great way to take in the fascinating geology in this stunning landscape, home to a rich mixture of wildlife, ancient history and two lakes that shelter below the rocky ridge of Pared y Cefn Hir.

There is also an option along the route to cut back for a shorter and easier one and a half mile circular walk.

Two special lakes

Both lakes and surrounding land were gifted into the care of the National Trust in 1959 by Major C. L. Lynne-Jones, in memory of his two sons who were lost in the Second World War.

The lakes have exceptional water quality and clarity to depths of 8 meters, making them among the best examples of upland lakes low in nutrients (oligotrophic) in Wales. They provide a home to a breadth of plants and invertebrates, that support many species such as breeding palmate newts and rare swift.

Aerial view of Llynnau Cregennan lakes, Eryri (Snowdonia)
Aerial view of Cregennan Lakes, Eryri (Snowdonia) | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Please help us protect the lakes

We kindly ask people not to swim, kayak, paddleboard or allow dogs to enter the lakes. This helps minimise the risk of introducing invasive species from neighbouring waterbodies and pollutants from dog treatments and sun lotion.