Here is our 3rd North Wales hidden beauty to get your hiking boots into..

Cadair Idris

Cadair Idris is a mountain in the beautiful Gwynedd, it resides in the southern end of The Snowdonia National Park, very close to the town of Dolgellau.

‘Cadair’ meaning stronghold, fort or fortress in Welsh, we could’t think of a better word to describe this beast of a mountain. Numerous legends have circulated around Cadair Idris, the oldest is that a few lakes around the area are ‘bottomless’, they just go deeper and deeper. An old story also tells us that anyone who sleeps on it’s slopes alone will supposedly awaken a madman or a poet. Not much of a choice is there…

• THE EASY ROUTE

The ‘Pony’ Path begins in the north of Dolgellau or the Mawddach estuary, this route is the easiest but the longest. It’s length from the base of the mountain is 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) with a 600 metre climb. 

• THE HARD ROUTE

The ‘Fox’ Path is more challenging, however, it is much more direct to the summit as the trial leads towards the Northern face. The ascent is 3.8 kilometres including a climb up a 1,020 ft cliff-scree face. However, this part of the journey has been severely eroded making for the descent very hazardous but perfect for adrenaline junkies!

• THE EVEN HARDER ROUTE

The ‘Minffordd’ Path, starts on the southern side of the mountain not too far from the mountain near the glacial Tal-y-Llyn Lake. It’s common to use this ascent climb past Llyn Cau and along the rim of Craig Cau to Penygadair. The journey is 4.4 kilometres and involves 2 climbs over 300 metres. 

The Place To Stay in Dolgellau/Cadair Idris…

The Royal Ship (Queens Square, LL40 1AR)

This quaint and comfortable hotel is located in Gwynedd, in the market town of Dolgellau. The accommodation features a restaurant, free parking and free Wi-Fi in public areas. In the morning, the hotel provides a buffet breakfast, with both full English and Continental options. The food is also prepared using locally sourced produce where possible.

This place is surrounded by mountains and rivers, lakes and beaches and the stunning landscape offers numerous outdoor activities such as fishing and canoeing.

Whilst You’re There…

1. Play some golf! – A 30 minute drive from The Cross Foxes, Dolgellau is the Aberdovey golf course which boasts an international championship, 18 hole course.
2. Water-sports – Another 30 minute drive to Bala Town is a great place for water-sports. The area has won world-wide acclaim as a centre for water sports; especially canoeing and rafting. You can challenge the white water on the river Tryweryn or enjoy sailing or windsurfing on Llyn Tegid.
   

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Where To Find It…

We hope you’ll check out this beautiful spot in North Wales, if you have any recommendations that should feature or any pictures you’d like to share with us send either an email to info@visitnorthwales.co.uk or tweet us @visitnorthwales.