Cadair Idris - Penygadair

Cadair Idris — Penygadair

Penygadair is the highest summit of the Cadair Idris massif in southern Eryri (Snowdonia), near Dolgellau. DoBIH records 892.7 metres (2,929 feet), conventionally shown as 893 metres, and 606 metres of prominence. It is a Marilyn, Simm, Hewitt and Nuttall. The measured highest point is rock near the trig point; the summit area also has a cairn and a small shelter. DoBIH · Eryri summit approach

Walking routes

The National Park Authority grades its three promoted summit routes Hard/Strenuous. All need fitness, navigation skills and suitable mountain equipment. The following figures describe complete there-and-back itineraries.

• Minffordd Path: Dôl Idris car park, SH732116, to Penygadair and back by the same path: 9 km, 6 hours. The main summit path branches off before the Llyn Cau shore and continues along the ridge via Bwlch Cau. Identify the correct return path at the summit. Eryri route · Route instructions
• Pony Path: Tŷ Nant, SH697153, via Rhiw Gwredydd and Bwlch Cyfrwy to Penygadair, returning the same way: 10 km, 5 hours. Steep rock and a short scramble are part of the route. Eryri route
• Llanfihangel y Pennant: village car park opposite the church, SH672089, to Penygadair and back: 16 km, 7 hours. It approaches through the Dysynni valley and joins the Pony Path at Rhiw Gwredydd. Remember to take the original valley branch on return. This route does not start in Dolgellau. Eryri route

The Fox's Path is a demanding northern ascent on very steep, loose scree. A published circuit starts at Tŷ Nant, approaches through Llyn Gwernan and the two higher lakes, then returns from Penygadair by the Pony Path. It should not be presented as a gentler or leisurely alternative. Fox's Path description

A Minffordd-to-Tŷ Nant traverse uses the Minffordd ascent and Pony Path descent but finishes on the other side of the mountain. Arrange return transport before starting. The previous claim that a short road walk closes a 14 km circuit has not been verified.

Landscape and nearby summits

The massif contains Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Near Penygadair, basalt lavas are interbedded with tuffs and mudstones; describing the mountain as mainly andesite and basalt is too simple. Glacial erosion shaped the corries and lakes, including Cwm Cau and Llyn Cau. British Geological Survey · NRW nature reserve

Clear weather brings views across southern Eryri and towards the coast. The Pony Path has views over the Mawddach Estuary; the Minffordd approach overlooks Llyn Cau and Tal-y-llyn. Visibility depends on conditions rather than a particular season. Visit Wales

Nearby summits include Mynydd Moel, 864.4 metres, and Cyfrwy, 811.6 metres. These are separate summits; adding one changes the itinerary. DoBIH

Access and facilities

Choose parking for the route: Dôl Idris for Minffordd, Tŷ Nant for the Pony Path, or the village car park for Llanfihangel y Pennant. Dôl Idris is just off the A487 on the B4405. Eryri uses SH732116 for its trailhead; NRW gives SH732115 for the car park. Both locate the same access area. Dôl Idris and Tŷ Nant charge for parking; check current arrangements. NRW access · Visit Wales access guide

The T2 bus serves Minffordd Hotel / Hotel for Cader Idris near Dôl Idris. Other places also use the name Minffordd, so select the correct stop and check the date-specific outward and last return services. TrawsCymru T2 · Eryri car-free guide

Dôl Idris has toilets, accessible parkland paths and picnic facilities. Eryri lists a visitor centre and seasonal tea room; check opening before relying on refreshments. There are no summit café or toilet facilities. Dôl Idris visitor facilities · Toilet opening information

Folklore and safety

“Cadair Idris” means “Idris's Chair”. The giant Idris and the tale of a night on the mountain turning someone into a poet or driving them mad belong to local folklore. Cader Idris is also a widely used spelling. Visit Wales

Expect rough, sometimes wet ground, steep rock, loose scree and serious cliff edges. Cloud can hide both the path and drops. Avoid gullies as shortcuts; the Stone Shoot beside Bwlch Cau is hazardous. Take a mountain forecast, map and compass, warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch, and allow for the complete descent. Snow and ice require winter skills and suitable equipment. Keep dogs controlled around livestock, stay on established paths and protect the reserve's vegetation. Minffordd hazards · NRW safety guidance