Comment(10 votes)
Gain (+/- 10%): 1635m (5365ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 3270m (10728ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 1634m (5363ft)
Max. Elevation: 850m (2788ft)
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The walk starts in Dolgellau. There are no trains, but several bus routes stop here. Head south out of town and pick up the bridleway towards Nant y Ceunant.
Across the road, the bridleway becomes a footpath and heads southwest. Keep going until you hit another minor road.
If you are taking two days, it's decision time: either follow the road for 1km to the campsite at Ty Nant, or continue south on the footpath towards Llyn Gafr and Llyn y Gadair.
Is there a better wild camp in Britain? This corrie, overlooked by the Cyfrwry arete and Penygadair, the summit of Cader Idris, is as dramatic a place to camp as you can find.
The summit of Cader Idris, at 893m, can be reached via the footpath to the east of Llyn y Gadair. A longer but more challenging route is up the Cyfrwy arete. Be warned - this is a very challenging scramble/climb, so you need the right equipment and experience.
Follow the summit ridge south along Craig Cau for the classic Cader horseshoe. Keep heading east along the Minffordd path.
The path drops down to Nant Cadair, which drains Llyn Cau. If you want a linear walk, keep heading south to Corris. It's not the most exciting route, though, and there are fewer buses. A better option, which gives you more time on the mountain, is to head north up to Mynydd Moel.
At 863m, this is the second highest summit on Cader Idris. Enjoy the views back into the horseshoe and across Llyn Cau before following the ridge west back to Penygadair.
Just before the Penygadair summit, drop down the path leading back down to Llyn Gadair.
It's back the same way to Dolgellau, enjoying the memories of a great trip on a fine mountain.
Relax and recuperate in Dolgellau. There's a selection of quiet, friendly pubs in the town - check out the Cross Keys Inn on Mill Street.
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