How tall is cader idris

Cwm Cau, with its lake, is a classic example of a 'corrie' or 'cirque'. This immense crag-enclosed bowl was scraped out by a glacier grinding its way down from an enormous ice-cap. Cwm Cau is well known for its geology, which is enormously varied, partly as a consequence of ancient volcanic activity. This variation has had a profound effect on the plant and animal life of the crags, and many arctic alpine plants have their southern limit here.

A short climb now will take you to the west of the cliff, and the fine views on the other side. The tip of Llyn Mwyngil, Talyllyn is just visible in the valley, and the road to Corris and Machynlleth can be seen opposite.

In the distance on your right are the Tarren Hills. Well-marked by cairns, the path winds steeply upwards, passing a band of white quartz in the rocks to your right. A short detour of the path will give you good view of the Talyllyn Pass and the lake. This valley is part of the 30 mile long Bala Fault. Here the south side of the pass has moved 2 miles north-east - the cliffs of Craig y Llam that you can see up the valley to your left once faced the cliffs of Craig Cau on top of which you are now standing.

The path levels out a little as Cwm Amarch comes into view on your left with the Tarren Hills providing a magnificent backdrop. The long rounded ridge ahead is Mynydd Pencoed. The well-cairned route up to the top of Craig Cau is steep and loose. Very great care should be taken on this section, particularly in wintry conditions, as snow and cornices are sometimes formed over the edge of the cliffs on your right.

There are two ways down to Bwlch Cau from the top of Craig Cau. At the lower level around Cregennan, the National Trust owns two small hill farms where the rough grazing can be managed in the traditional way.

A sign of summer here is the arrival of that dainty visitor, the wheatear, often difficult to spot until it displays its white rump in flight. Plan route using Google maps. Map reference: SH Lat: Public Transport: Bus services 30,32,34 [Dolgellau-Tywyn-Machynlleth] run on the A, stopping at the junction with the B close to the entrance of the car park.

Cymru is a useful journey planner for public transport in the region. The Minffordd path to the summit of Cadair Idris also starts from this location. Where to go We love Plan your Visit. Cadair Idris work Mountain or Hill Cadair Idris, which means 'Chair of Idris' from the giant warrior poet of Welsh legend, is a spectacular mountain reserve in Southern Snowdonia of over hectares of breathtaking landscape, rugged summits, glacial lakes and a mossy wooded gorge.

Scrambling up to the summit of Cader and the view from Penygadair trig point. Be prepared. Mist along the Pony Path, Cader Idris. Related stories. Walking in Wales: region by region Discover some of the best places to stretch your legs in Wales. Topics: Wellness activities. Wales Coast Path. Enjoy a three day family adventure Looking for inspiration?

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Where is Cader Idris? How long will it take to walk up Cader Idris? Most of the shorter routes should take around 3 hours, obviously depending on your fitness. How Far is it to the top of Cader Idris? The main routes are around 4 to 5 kilometres in length, with the longer paths from Llanfihangel y Pennant and Dolgellau being around 8km. How hard is it to climb Cader Idris? The walks are reasonably straightforward, with no scrambling, and no harder than any other comparable hill.

The Minffordd Path is our favourite. Which is the easiest walking route up Cader Idris? Is via the Pony Path from the Ty Nant car park. It is found between the town of Dolgellau and Barmouth on the coast, with views up from the Mawddach Estuary dominated by this impressive South Snowdonia mountain. Interestingly the summit is known as Penygadair , which means top of the chair.

On a clear day you can enjoy views up towards the north of Snowdonia, as well as out to the coast with the Mawddach Estuary taking your eye out to Barmouth and beyond. What pubs are good for Cader Idris? We recommend the Llyn Gwernan Hotel and the Minffordd Hotel as they are both convenient to the path starts.