Cadair Idris Day Walk

Cadair Idris is situated in the area between Barmouth on the coast and the town of Dolgellau and dominates the view from the Mawddach estuary. It is probably the most spectacular mountain in Wales outside of the main mountain massifs in the north. Due to its less accessible geographic location it is often much quieter the more popular north. The Cadair Idris massif is a fantastic example of a glacial landscape sculptured by the last Ice Age. It is actually a ridge, 6.5 miles long, at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park. The summit itself is called Pen y Gadair and is 2930 ft high.

The summit of Cadair Idris (Pen y Gadair), Cyfrwy (the Saddle) and Tyrau Mawr form a shape that was said to be his chair, hence the name of the mountain, which means Chair of Idris.

The route starts at the car park at Minffordd (grid ref. SH732115) and follows a well maintained path for most of the ascent.

We approach Cadair Idris from the south through woodland passing waterfalls upto Llyn Cau. The route then continues through superb mountain scenery crossing the summit of Craig Cwm Amarch en-route to Cadair Idris.

Once at the summit we'll stop for lunch admiring the panoramic views all around us.

On a good day the views stretch far and wide: west to the Barmouth estuary, east to the Cambrian Mountains, south to the Brecon Beacons, and north to the Rhinogs and the main Snowdonia massifs so hopefully the suns shining.

After lunch at the summit we'll start our descent by heading easily towards Mynydd Moel, then more steeply towards Nant Cadair before rejoining the early section of the route to return to the start point. 

We'll finish the day with a rewarding drink in the nearby pub.

* Please note this walk involves some scrambling in places *