Cadair Idris is the second most popular mountain in Wales. The views are spectacular and, as the location is slightly more remote, you don’t get the Snowdon crowds.
Start and End Location: Minffordd pay and display car park (£5 for the day)
Start Postcode: LL36 9AJ
Facilities: There are toilets in the car park and a small café a few minutes into the walk
Distance: 9.6km
Time: Approx. 5 hours
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Medium Mountain Walk
The well marked path begins to the right of the toilet block in the car park. After crossing the river and passing the café, go through the wooden gate on the right and climb up through the woods.
The path emerges from the woods and follows the edge of a river. Do not cross the river. Instead, continue with the river on the right and follow the path as it bears left.
After a short climb, Llyn Cau comes into view.
Keep left when the path forks (the right hand fork leads to the edge of the lake if you want a closer look). The well marked path climbs steeply and Llyn Cau can soon be seen down to the right.
From here, the path to Craig Cwm Amarch summit is very clear. There is small section of loose scree just before the summit is reached.
The descent from Craig Cwm Amarch is harder to find, especially if there are low lying clouds. Keep right, but a safe distance from the edge of the cliff, heading north/north-east. The path soon becomes more visible as it climbs to the final summit.
There’s a stone hut just below Cadair Idirs summit, which is often a huge relief when the weather is awful!
From the hut, head north-east/east to reach a large, flat, grassy path. The path becomes more visible as you continue to Mynydd Moel.
Eventually, the path turns right and follows a fence-line steeply downhill.
Cross the stile and follow the paved stone path to the river. Go across the river and join the initial path through the woods to retrace your steps to the car park.
