Cadair Idris via Minffordd path up and Pony Track down
This is an up and over route between two car parks in the Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve a range of mountains in the south of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Walk along the south side of Cadair Idris on the ascent, and descend down its north side.
Caution, this route is Very difficult
This route requires a long and/or intense effort, either because of the difference in altitude or the distance involved, or both. In certain situations, there is also the possibility of technical and aerial sections.
A
Llanfihangel-y-Pennant walk
posted on 24/03/23 by Out & Wild Adventures. Last update : 28/03/23
Description
Start : Dol Idris car park (LL36 9AJ) Grid ref. SH 731 115
(S) From Dol Idris car park, go through the kissing gate at the far end of the car park next to the information board. Bear right (West-North-West) with the river on your right-hand side crossing a stone bridge.
(1) After 230m or so, continue past the visitor centre (South-West).
(2) Go over the bridge following the forest path. When you leave the forest section and join the open mountain land you will eventually meet a ford. Follow the left path keeping the river on your right-hand side.
(3) Follow the stone path and bear left at the next fork in the path (the path right here goes to Llyn Cau - which is an amazing wild camp spot if the ground isn't too marshy) this is where the steep climb starts up to the ridge.
The path to the summit is marked with cairns if the cloud is low, and there is a fake summit because you start to descend before the final ascent to the Cadair Idris summit and trig point. There is a shelter at the summit if the weather has turned bad and you need refuge.
(4) To descend from Cadair Idris summit there is a short rocky scramble heading down (South-West-West) towards an old fireplace ruin and slightly further a collection of rocks called 'Pillow Lava'. This path is a lot looser underfoot but well-maintained and clear.
(5) When you reach a cross-section of fences and gates, (after 2.3 Km or so) bear right (North) and continue down a fairly steep section. There are some steep zig zags before the path levels out again.
(6) Cross a small bridge and through a gate and the land starts to get a lot more grassy. There is a stream where you can replenish water as well.
(7) As you get close to the car park you will pass through Ty-nant and past the farmhouse, with a short 100m along the road to the car park. You can finish here or return using the same way.(E)
End : Ty Nant car park (LL40 1TN) Grid ref. SH 697 153
Waypoints
- S : km 0 - alt. 107 m - Dol Idris Car Park
- 1 : km 0.28 - alt. 118 m - Cadair Idris Visitor Centre
- 2 : km 0.37 - alt. 119 m - Bridge - Forest path
- 3 : km 1.01 - alt. 303 m - Y-junction
- 4 : km 4.54 - alt. 865 m - Cadair Idris Summit
- 5 : km 6.78 - alt. 561 m - Cross-section of fences and gates
- 6 : km 7.76 - alt. 352 m - Small bridge
- 7 : km 8.78 - alt. 171 m - Ty-nant - Farmhouse
- E : km 9.05 - alt. 160 m - Ty Nant car park
Useful Information
Start & Parking : Dol Idris car park (LL36 9AJ) Grid ref. SH 731 115 - Fee applies. This is a short drive from Dogellau.
End & Parking : This is an up and over walk which finishes in Ty Nant car park (LL40 1TN) Grid ref. SH 697 153
On the opposite side of Cadair Idris - you can leave one car from your walking party there and one at Dol Idris, or you can get transport from Ty Nant back to your car.
Note : The path to the summit is marked with cairns if the cloud is low, and there is a fake summit because you start to descend before the final ascent to the Cadair Idris summit and trig point. There is a shelter at the summit if the weather has turned bad and you need refuge. There is a stream where you can replenish water as well.
Facilities : Toilets at the Cadair Idris Visitor Centre
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Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
