Cadair Idris | Walking Routes at Southern Snowdonia | Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris | Walking Routes at Southern Snowdonia | Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris
Details
There are three recommended routes to conquer Cader Idris. It’s not an easy walk by any means, whichever route you take. They are all designated ‘hard/strenuous’ routes, and you should allow between five to six hours to get there and back. You’ll need to take plenty of food and drink as there isn’t a café (or toilet) on the summit.
All routes include steep and often slippery sections, with loose stone and shale surfaces. There are gates and stiles on all routes, take care on the wet and boggy areas. Wear good walking shoes, take suitable clothing with you and carry water and food with you.
Even in summer the temperature at the top can be several degrees lower than in the car park. Low cloud often covers the summit, so it can be damp as well as cold. You can find advice relating to mountain safety on the Snowdonia National Park website advice before heading out on the mountain.
Cader Idris is a very popular day out for school parties, sponsored walks, or group challenges, especially as it is one of the Welsh Three Peaks.
LLANFINHANGELL Y PENNANT PATH (10 miles, 16 kilometres).
This is the easiest of three paths to the summit but also the longest. The walk takes approximately seven hours to the summit and back.The route starts from the valley of Llanfihangel-y-pennant. Free parking by the church.
Grid Reference: SH 672 089
Ascent - 2844 ft (867 m)
MINFFORDD PATH (6 miles, 10 kilometres).
The Minffordd Path is one of three paths to the summit and is the hardest route. The walk starts from the Visitor Centre and takes approximately three hours to the summit and there is a shelter at the top of Cadair Idris for use during inclement weather.
THE PONY PATH (Ascent - 2,384ft (727m), 6 miles, 10 kilometres).
This Pony Path starts from Ty Nant and is the main footpath up Cader Idris from the Dolgellau side of the mountain. It is a reasonably safe route, which also offers the most rewarding views.
You can find advice relating to mountain safety on the Snowdonia National Park website advice before heading out on the mountain.
Cadair Idris Visitor Centre and Cadair Tea Room are 250 metres from the car park and the Minffordd path to the summit passes by them. The visitor centre houses an exhibition showcasing the wildlife, geology and legends of Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve. The exhibition includes: interactive games short film about the making of the mountain film about work that Natural Resources Wales does for nature conservation here animated films telling the legends of Idris the Giant live infrared footage of rare lesser horseshoe bats in the roofspace The centre is owned by Natural Resources Wales, and managed in partnership with the staff of Ty Te Cadair Tea Room. Both the visitor centre and tea room are open seasonally.
Open all the time
Prices
Free entry
Southern Snowdonia | Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris | Visitor Centre & Tea Room
Cadair Idris | National Nature Reserve
Cregennan Lakes
Cadair Idris | Local Legend
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Southern Snowdonia,
LL39 1AX
Location and nearby places
Directions
Plan route using Google mapsMap reference: SH 696154 Lat: 52.72122 Long: -3.93070
Public Transport:
Bus services 30,32,34 [Dolgellau-Tywyn-Machynlleth] run on the A487, stopping at the junction with the B4405 close to the entrance of the car park. The T2 Trawscymru service stops at Minfordd and Dolgellau
The nearest main line railway stations are Machynlleth, Tywyn and Barmouth.
www.Traveline.Cymru is a useful journey planner for public transport in the region.
By Car: Cadair Idris Visitor Centre Car park is signposted off the A487. The Minffordd path to the summit of Cadair Idris also starts from this location.
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 10 miles from Tywyn station
Facilities
Coach parties accepted
Disabled toilets
On-site light refreshments
Public toilets
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
Cadair Idris Visitor Centre and Cadair Tea Room are 250 metres from the car park and the Minffordd path to the summit passes by them. The visitor centre houses an exhibition showcasing the wildlife, geology and legends of Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve. The exhibition includes: interactive games short film about the making of the mountain film about work that Natural Resources Wales does for nature conservation here animated films telling the legends of Idris the Giant live infrared footage of rare lesser horseshoe bats in the roofspace The centre is owned by Natural Resources Wales, and managed in partnership with the staff of Ty Te Cadair Tea Room. Both the visitor centre and tea room are open seasonally.
