For riders looking for a more challenging ride, the Mawddach Trail can be incorporated into a loop on quiet back roads via the beautiful Cregennen lakes.

This circular route is 23.8 km long (14.8 miles) from Dolgellau, with a further 4 km starting from Barmouth.

The Cregennan lakes sit on a plateu below Cadair Idris, but high above the valley floor, so inevitably there will be some climbing (just over 500 m). In return for the effort you get excellent views over the Mawddach estuary to Barmouth (weather permitting), and a long free-wheel down to the valley bottom.

FREE GUIDE DOWNLOADS:

Mawddach Trail + Cregennan Route Guide
Download, print and fold our hand held guide to the Mawddach Trail + Creggenan Lakes Circular route.

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Please visit the EVENTS page for a full list of what’s on around the Mawddach estuary throughout the year.

1. The Mawddach Trail
   15 km (9.5 miles)
   A flat and friendly there-and-back route following the old railway line along the Mawddach estuary.
   Rated: Straightforward
2. Mawddach Trail + Cregennen
   23.8 km (14.8 miles) 501m climb.
   A circuit taking in the the Mawddach trail and the beautiful Cregennen lakes.
   Rated: Challenging
3. Dolgellau-Bala Loop
   78.9 km (49 miles) 4500m climb
   A big road ride taking in the remote moors at the back of Coed y Brenin. More…
4. Mawddach Big-8
   160 km (99.4 miles) 4500m climb
   An epic 2-day ride. Following National Cycle Network Route-8 in a figure of 8, with the Mawddach estuary at its centre, you will ride for around 8 hours and cover around 80 km each day. Its octastic! Rated: Difficult
5. Coed y Brenin
   World class trail-centre mountain biking with 7 different trails to chose from. Trail heads and visitors centre 12 km from Dolgellau. More…
6. Cli-Machx
   Short but sweet trail centre mountain biking. Trail Head 19 km from Dolgellau. More…
7. Mach 1, 2 & 3
   Real trails with a trail centre feel. Trail Head 25 km from Dolgellau. More…
8. Antur Stiniog
   For those who like their mountain biking gravity-fuelled, the the Antur Stiniog downhill courses run through the slate quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog, about a 30 min drive from Dolgellau . More…