MARK Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris — “the Chair of Idris” — is one of Wales’ great mountains: a massive, brooding massif above the Mawddach Estuary named after the giant of Welsh legend. Its summit, Penygader (893 m), is one of the best viewpoints in the country.
Legend says whoever sleeps by the shore of Llyn Cau, the great corrie lake beneath the summit, wakes either a poet or a madman. Quieter and wilder than Snowdon, Cadair Idris is climbed by two classic routes: the gentler Pony Path and the more dramatic Minffordd Path.
The Routes
Pony Path (from Ty Nant)
The classic, most popular ascent — ~10 km, 4–6 hours, Moderate–challenging. Steady and scenic, ideal for strong beginners and intermediate walkers.
Explore →DramaticMinffordd Path
The most dramatic ascent — ~10 km, 4–6 hours, Challenging. Steep stone steps, the Llyn Cau corrie, and a rugged ridge to the summit.
Explore →At a Glance
- Summit: Penygader — 893 m
- Location: southern Eryri (Snowdonia), above Dolgellau and the Mawddach Estuary
- Routes: Pony Path (Ty Nant) and Minffordd Path
- Highlight: Llyn Cau — one of the finest corrie lakes in Wales
- Legend: sleep by Llyn Cau and wake a poet — or a madman
- Views: Snowdon, the Mawddach Estuary, the Llyn Peninsula
Planning Notes
- Navigation: the paths are clear in good visibility, but the summit plateau is confusing in cloud — carry a map, compass and GPX.
- Weather: an exposed mountain that clouds over fast — check MWIS and the Met Office.
- Winter: Cadair Idris becomes full mountaineering terrain — not a summer walking route in winter conditions.
- Parking: Minffordd car park (north) or Ty Nant car park (south).
- Getting there: limited buses to Dolgellau and Machynlleth; nearest rail at Machynlleth.