Leave the crowds at Snowdon or Pen-Y-Fan behind and consider scaling Southern Snowdonia’s Cadair Idris mountain instead. With multiple ways to tackle it (and some of the national park’s best scenery), the Cadair Idris walk is one you simply can’t get bored of. Local Mike Krawec gives us the low-down.
I’m lucky enough to live near this amazing 893m (2,930ft) high mountain in Wales and so I’ve completed the Cadair Idris walk multiple times. Whichever route you choose to do, I can guarantee you’ll have an epic walk that provides majestic views over the local Gwynedd landscape, including the estuary at Barmouth and even out towards Ireland.
There are three main walking routes to the summit of Cadair Idris, each offering something a little different.
But first, anyone wishing to tackle the walk to the summit of Cadair Idris should note that whatever route you choose, it will be a strenuous walk.
There’s lots of different terrain and challenging climbs, therefore you should have a good fitness level and experience of mountain walking before setting out. It might take you much longer to complete the walk than the estimated times provided below.
Cadair Idris Walking Routes:
Pony Path
Starting at the Tŷ Nant car park, Pony Path is one of the most popular ways to summit Cadair Idris.
This route is roughly 9.3km / 5.7 miles and will take around four to five hours to complete.
Minffordd Path
This route is a similar distance and length to the Pony Path, at around 10km / 6 miles (four to five hours), but it’s much steeper for those who want to challenge themselves.
Llanfihangel y Pennant Path
This is the longest Cadair Idris walk of the three, but some say it’s the easiest, coming in at 16km / 10 miles.
Walkers should allow around seven hours to fully complete the route.
An Account of My Last Walk up Cadair Idris
The last time I walked up Cadair Idris was in the depths of winter, on a cold, crisp and brilliantly clear day – at least to start with.
I selected Minffordd as my route of choice for this particular ascent, mainly because I’d not previously walked it before and fancied a challenge considering it’s the steepest ascent.
The start of the route from the Dôl Idris car park is easy to navigate and well signposted, but the climb up the stone steps begins almost immediately, which really made my legs feel the burn!
From the very first moments, I invariably got a sense of the magical part of the world I’m in.
Steeped in history and folklore, and coupled with the magnificent scenery; trickling streams, green and luscious fields and hand-built stone walls, it’s difficult to argue that there’s anywhere else more beautiful in Wales.
After navigating the initial sets of steep steps, passing small waterfalls and streams, I soon arrived at Llyn Cau (Closed Lake) sitting in the bottom of a dramatic crater, formed by melting glaciers.
To me, this is the most special part of the entire walk. I think it’s the unexpectedness of arriving at this natural lake beneath 400m high jagged mountain walls, halfway up the walk.
This tranquil ink-blue lake is a perfect opportunity to spend a few moments relaxing, contemplating, and enjoying the peacefulness of this wonderful area. And that’s just what I did. For those a bit braver, you can dip your feet in the lake, or even go for a swim!
I was glad I’d taken some time to relax here – if I thought the initial climb was hard work, what lay ahead was extremely difficult. The fairly gentle and decent path was now turning into a shingle and shale surface at a steep gradient.
At this point it’s important to say that anyone with a decent level of fitness (including children) would have no problem navigating the Minffordd Path from the base of the mountain to Llyn Cau. But beyond the lake, the serious stuff starts – I’d say you need to have some experience of mountaineering and navigation.
I pressed ahead, although at this point the weather was beginning to turn as heavy fog and clouds rolled in, and I questioned whether I too should turn back.
Nevertheless, I persevered, glad I had packed some extra layers – namely long sleeve skin-tight training tops, lightweight to carry but offering excellent protection against the elements. Coupled with a waterproof or ski jacket, you shouldn’t need much else (you’re unlikely to see sub-zero temperatures during most times of the year, though the wind can be piercing).
The final part of the ascent included an element of scrambling, where I used my feet and hands to climb up the loose rock and shingle to prevent the inevitable slipping.
Finally at the top, after 2 hours and 45 minutes, I took some time to refuel and shelter in the old stone building, of course making the obligatory visit to the monument, of which adorns many of the country’s highest peaks.
I was bitterly disappointed not to see the fabulous views from the summit (otherwise known as Penygadair), including the Barmouth estuary, but sadly the weather hampered my vision beyond a few metres.
But I can assure you having done other routes – on a clear day, the views are nothing short of outstanding.
To descend the path back, it’s simply the reverse of the ascent, gentle to begin with, but soon becoming very steep in places.
The signposts could be a little clearer though as at one point, I did miss the path and ended up walking in the wrong direction!
Typically, the weather conditions improved as I descended Cadair Idris making visibility much clearer, and navigation much easier as a result.
I managed to descend in just over 2 hours, making the total hike time on the Minffordd Path just under five hours.
It’s safe to say that I found the whole walk challenging and I was definitely in need of a few days rest. I’m lucky that I only have a short drive back home where I could take a shower, put my feet up and eat some good food!
If you’re a keen walker or hiker, the chance to summit Cadair Idris shouldn’t be overlooked – it’s one of the best mountains in Wales. I personally prefer it to Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) as it has a more magical feel and Llyn Cau lake is an unexpected hidden natural wonder.
If you’re staying locally I’m sure there will be plenty of friendly people willing to provide you with useful information to help you plan your Cadair Idris walk.
Getting to Cadair Idris
The mountain is situated in the southern part of Eryri (Snowdonia), and is best accessed by car. However here are the best ways to get to Cadair Idris:
By Car
There are three car parks to choose from; Dôl Idris (Minfordd), Llanfihangel y Pennant and Tŷ Nant.
The Dôl Idris and Tŷ Nant car parks are run by Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and there’s a charge to use them. Make sure to bring the correct change as the ticket machines do not give any.
By Train
Alternatively, there are train stations at the neighbouring towns of Machynlleth, Dolgellau and Tywyn, however the start of the Cadair Idris walks are still some way away so you will need to organise onward transport from the train stations.
Tips for Walking Cadair Idris
- Two of the three car parks require payment and you’ll need to bring the correct change. Arrive early as they’re small and get full quickly.
- Minffordd route starts near the visitor centre, which also has a café and toilets.
- It is advisable to undertake your Cadair Idris walk between May and September due to favourable conditions.
- Conditions on the mountain change dramatically and without warning. You should be prepared for all situations, including bringing a rain jacket and extra layers.
- Don’t be afraid to turn around if visibility is hindered.
- The lovely surrounding towns of Machynlleth, Dolgellau or Tywyn put you in close proximity to Cadair Idris if you’re looking for somewhere to stay.
Accessibility of Cadair Idris
Unfortunately Cadair Idris mountain is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the steps and steep ascent. However there is wheelchair access to the Cadair Idris Visitor Centre & Tea Room.
Author: Mike Krawec
A freelance travel writer specialising in the best destinations Wales has to offer. When time allows, you’ll find him conquering the mighty Welsh hills, either on foot or bike, or hitting one of the other epic beauty spots. Other passions include travelling to other parts of the UK to experience some non-Welsh scenery (a favourite being Dorset).