Mawddach Estuary Trail – Lake Gwernan loop from Tonfanau

Bike touring routes & trails

Mawddach Estuary Trail – Lake Gwernan loop from Tonfanau

Hard

4.5

(4)

riders

Mawddach Estuary Trail – Lake Gwernan loop from Tonfanau

03:57

55.6km

740m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

5.53 km

View of the A493 Coastal Road, Eryri National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Stunningly beautiful coast road. Great views of the Snowdonian mountains in the distance. Not particularly hilly either for a coastal road.

Tip by

15.7 km

Barmouth Bridge (Mawddach Railway Viaduct)

Highlight • Monument

Grade 2 listed single track wooden railway viaduct with wood cycle path next to the train line. Fantastic views across the Afon Mawddach Estuary.

Tip by

18.8 km

Mawddach Estuary Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Flat and easy largely traffic-free gravel trail winding towards the sea with beautiful views. We did it there and back with lunch in Barmouth. Lots of people cycling with kids and dogs – definitely family friendly.

Tip by

25.9 km

The George III Pub and Mawddach Estuary View

Highlight • Bridge

Lovely spot to stop for a pint right on the edge of the Mawddach with a beautiful view of the estuary and the old toll bridge.

Tip by

26.0 km

Penmaenpool Toll Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Penmaenpool bridge is a grade 2 listed wooden toll bridge. It was built in 1879 to replace a ferry crossing. It's open between 08.30 & 18.30 Monday to Saturday. Sunday, …

Tip by

33.1 km

Lake Gwernan

Highlight • Viewpoint

Sitting under the great hulk of Cadair Idris, Lake Gwernan is an eye-catching feature on Route 82 out of Dolgellau. The lake is 12 acres (5 ha) with gorgeous woodlands …

Tip by

41.2 km

View of Barmouth and the Mawddach Estuary

Highlight • Trail

The path may be tough going but the views from here over to Barmouth and the Mawddach estuary are simply beautiful whichever way you are going.

Tip by

46.9 km

View of Cregennan Lakes and Cadair Idris

Highlight • Viewpoint

The key point to know about this NCR is that as you complete the climb the road falls apart and it goes from gravel to rocks near the top. Several …

Tip by

55.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

21.5 km

19.0 km

10.9 km

3.60 km

691 m

Surfaces

21.8 km

16.1 km

11.9 km

5.47 km

464 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (400 m)

Lowest point (undefined)

Weather

Saturday 10 October

15°C

10°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

July 16, 2025,Cregennan lakes loop

After Pete's mechanical on our return leg from Porthmadog on Monday, I spent yesterday repairing his wheel. As he had another day off today we decided to make up for missing part of Monday's ride by going for another ride today! We chose to do this loop taking in Cregennan Lakes which has been on my wishlist for ages.
We …