Is Cadair Idris harder than Snowdon?
Cader Idris has a number of choices, with the Minffordd Path being the better but harder route than the Pony Path. Snowdon has too many choices, but the shortest is the PYG track. The Miners’ Track is a good option for tired legs as it starts off steady, but more than makes up for it later!
How long does it take to walk Cadair Idris?
between five to six hours
It’s not an easy walk by any means, whichever route you take. They are all designated ‘hard/strenuous’ routes, and you should allow between five to six hours to get there and back.
How many miles is it to the top of Cadair Idris?
3 miles
Measuring just over 3 miles each way, the route takes around 5 to 6 hours to scale and return to the start. The path is well sign-posted with spectacular views of Snowdonia National Park along the way.
Is Cadair Idris the second highest mountain in Wales?
Keep this to yourself, but Cader Idris, Wales’ second highest peak, is a far more rewarding climb than its better known neighbour Snowdon. The entire mountain is called Cader – or Cadair Idris but its summit is known as Penygadair (top of the chair).
Was Cader Idris a volcano?
Introduction. The mountain-range of Cader Idris is formed by a great escarpment of Ordovician volcanic rocks which looks northwards across the Mawddach estuary towards the extensive area of Lower Cambrian rocks comprised in the Harlech Dome.
Can you cycle up Cader Idris?
This mountain bike route of 15.5 miles takes you to the summit of Cadair Idris, an 893m mountain near Dolgellau on the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park. While there is some hike-a-biking the mountain is mostly ridable, if you have the legs for it.
How deep is the lake on Cadair Idris?
50 m
Within the Cadair Idris range, Llyn Cau is a mountain lake representative of this type, located in an upland cirque. The lake’s conical basin, which reaches a water depth of almost 50 m, results from glacial scour of Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
Can you walk around Llyn Cau?
Llyn Cau is a 2.9 mile loop trail located near Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
Has anyone died on Cader Idris?
A walker died on a mountain in Gwynedd probably after slipping and falling, an inquest has heard. Wayne Mitchell, 40, from Blaenau Ffestiniog had been missing for a month before his body was found at a remote spot on the 3,000ft (914m) Cadair Idris.
Is Cadair Idris open?
Both the visitor centre and tea room are open seasonally. Cadair Idris Visitor Centre and Cadair Tea Room are 250 metres from the car park and the Minffordd path to the summit passes by them. The visitor centre houses an exhibition showcasing the wildlife, geology and legends of Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve.
Can you swim in Llyn Cau?
Llyn Cau isn’t the most accessible swimming spot, but after a long steep walk, you will be dying to dip into the water. This lake is extremely remote so care must be taken at all time, and only experienced swimmers should tackle this particular lake.
How to get to the summit of Cadair Idris?
Paths to the summit of Cadair Idris. 1 Foxes Path. The most direct route to the summit is Foxes Path. Starting around two miles west of Dolgellau from the southern shore of Llyn Gwernan, 2 Pony Path. 3 Llanfihangel y Pennant Path.
Which is the shortest path up Cader Idris?
At about 3 miles, this is probably the shortest footpath up Cader Idris; although it involves the greatest ascent (2,850ft, 869m). No one is certain where the name Cader Idris (Idris’ chair) originates. Some maintain that Idris was a national hero, killed in battle against the Saxons round about 630 A.D.
When is the best time to walk up Cader Idris?
Weekends and bank holidays usually get very busy on the mountain. If you’d prefer a quieter walk, head up on weekdays in spring or autumn. During cold weather the paths can be covered with snow and ice, so please don’t attempt it unless you are experienced and properly equipped.
How did the mountain Cader Idris get its name?
Legend has it that Cader is named after a giant called Idris. ‘Cadair Idris’ in English means ‘Chair of Idris’, while ‘Cader’ could also refer to an ancient fortress. It’s locally known as Cader Idris rather than Cadair, but either may be used.