Cader Idris
Cader Idris
5
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5.0
527 reviews
Excellent
463
Very good
58
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4
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2
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0
sarahlouisecampbell0
Liverpool, UK3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We had a fabulous walk taking the hard / strenuous path with 10 year old 14 year old, a small dog and grandparents (fit/active). It’s a steep walk for almost the entire time, but it’s much shorter than the longer circular route. Also this route takes you through lovely waterfalls and rivers with beautiful purple heathers. The lake at the top is beautiful and worth a swim if you’re brave, it’s cold! (we paddled,lots swimming). We did the false summit which is almost as high as the summit and well worth the extra climb for the view over the lake and over the other side the view over the valley. Coming down is hard on your knees so keep that in mind. It’s slippery under foot and decent walking shoes or sturdy trainers needed. It was a warm day but it’s chilly at the top. The cafe had a good selection and was a very welcome site when we got back to the car park. The whole thing took us about 4 hours, but that included stopping for an hours long picnic and paddling. Enjoy!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn Woodward
Shrewsbury, UK10 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Parked up at nearby car park (£6 all day) and crossed the road to start our hike, on the Pony Path. It was overcast and we could see the peak was surrounded in mist, which was unexpected as the forecast was for hot and sunny! I am 57 and walk an average of 10,000 steps a day, in hilly Shropshire so reasonabley fit. This hike was still challenging for me and difficult underfoot at times, due to scree and rocks to scramble at the end! Really enjoyed the whole experience though and we did get some stunning views coming down and saw the lake, through the mist! I went with my 31 year old son who is very fit and found it easy! Sensible walking shoes and light layers of clothing are a must, as it does get chilly at the top. Take plenty of water and snacks and I used walking poles which definitely helped my knees on the way down and kept me from slipping over. I've wanted to do this walk for a ling time and it didn't disappoint. Allow 5 hours to include lunch at the summit and for stopping to take photos (and to catch your breath)
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison H
14 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The walk, the views, 5 stars. I'm only writing this review to prewarn others to ensure you have plenty of water. The chap running the cafe pointed to a sign informing walkers that the cafe won't supply tap water to anyone. And there are no bins so make sure you take a bag for rubbish.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveDewick
Gloucester, UK68 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Myself and 11 year old son did the Pony Path up Cader Idris, and it was really good but a lot tougher than I expected, even though we're both pretty fit. The weather wasn't great and it was very low visibility from around 1200ft upwards (despite a decent forecast) which was really disappointing as we were looking forward to the amazing views, and it was also extremely windy at the top. We started at the Ty Nant car park (£6) which was ideal, and used the AllTrails app for navigation, which was perfect. A map and compass is also advisable, just in case the tech fails. The terrain is really mixed and quite steep and difficult at times, especially the last climb to the top which involves a lot of scrambling. We've climbed Pen Y Fan in the past, which is a similar height but this is a lot harder. Hope for the best but make sure you are prepared for the worst - you could very easily get lost, especially in bad weather and we saw quite a lot of people in trainers, shorts and t-shirts which was a terrible idea as it was very windy, cold and wet at the summit (in July!). It took us 4.5 hours there and back and was just over 6.3 miles. Also take plenty of water, as you'll need it. I'd love to do it again one day, to hopefully see the views, but may take a different route next time.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CardiffIws
Cardiff, UK22 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Two of us climbed Cader Idris by the Minffordd Path in January this year. We were wary of winter conditions, but it was forecast to be a clear day, so it looked safe.
It took us 5 hours, including lunch, photo stops etc. It is steep at times, and hard work, but you definitely get the payoff of some spectacular scenery. Getting to the top involved scrambling through snow, but it was winter, so should be easier. If you don't fancy going all the way up, you get some spectacular views of Llyn Cau (the lake on the way up) by going halfway.
I would definitely recommend it, but get some good shoes, plenty of layers, and a can-do attitude!
It took us 5 hours, including lunch, photo stops etc. It is steep at times, and hard work, but you definitely get the payoff of some spectacular scenery. Getting to the top involved scrambling through snow, but it was winter, so should be easier. If you don't fancy going all the way up, you get some spectacular views of Llyn Cau (the lake on the way up) by going halfway.
I would definitely recommend it, but get some good shoes, plenty of layers, and a can-do attitude!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4343Paul
52 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
After my fourth climb over a forty year period you honestly can’t beat it bar one other which is in Scotland!
Yes it’s a long climb, yes it is steep and yes the circular walk clockwise is phenomenal!
Views are tremendous, truly amazing phenomenal in good weather.
We took just over 4 1/2 hours to complete the walk, with a cool beer at the top at 6 pm on Monday 28 March. Weather fantastic and we arrived back at the car park by 8.10pm which is about 35 minutes after sunset. That late afternoon light is the best.
Only problem is the place is so popular the path in a clockwise direction post the highest peak get poorer and poorer, washed out and tricky to do. Very steep and you need to be fit!
The NP guys are on the case, having already helicopter in tonnes of slate to recreate the path. Hopefully there be hundreds of volunteers redoing the path this year.
If you have time, fit and enjoy the great outdoors this climb is for you.
Yes it’s a long climb, yes it is steep and yes the circular walk clockwise is phenomenal!
Views are tremendous, truly amazing phenomenal in good weather.
We took just over 4 1/2 hours to complete the walk, with a cool beer at the top at 6 pm on Monday 28 March. Weather fantastic and we arrived back at the car park by 8.10pm which is about 35 minutes after sunset. That late afternoon light is the best.
Only problem is the place is so popular the path in a clockwise direction post the highest peak get poorer and poorer, washed out and tricky to do. Very steep and you need to be fit!
The NP guys are on the case, having already helicopter in tonnes of slate to recreate the path. Hopefully there be hundreds of volunteers redoing the path this year.
If you have time, fit and enjoy the great outdoors this climb is for you.
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WilmaSK10
Macclesfield, UK82 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
If you come to Snowdonia, don't feel you have to go with the crowds and climb Snowdon. You will end up queueing to get to the summit. Cader Idris is a lovely mountain to climb. Some routes can take you less than 3 hours to reach the summit, while other more challenging routes can take longer. There are lakes below the summit on both the northern and southern flanks, where you can stop for a rest and picnic or even have a swim! Just below the final scramble to the summit there is a stone shelter which can be useful in bad weather. The views from the mountain are spectacular, all the way to the sea.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura W
Tywyn, UK22 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
I’ve always wanted to climb the welsh mountains, especially as I only live round the corner from them.
Myself and my partner decided to go from the minffordd starting point. Plenty of car parking, and a contactless card parking ticket machine costing £3.
Public loo’s clean and tidy and a helpful map to guide the way. (Recommend taking a photo so you can look back on it).
This starting point meant we had to climb A LOT of natural stone steps. Can be quite steep at times especially on the way down.
The incline is completely worth it when you get to the top, however there are 2x ways.
1) go straight to the lake
2) carry on climbing and overlook the lake
Both are amazing, definitely worth the trip!
Exhausted by the end :)
Ps you can bring your dogs, only on a lead, please be sure that the dog is fit and able as it’s a lot for a human, let alone your 4x legged friends
Myself and my partner decided to go from the minffordd starting point. Plenty of car parking, and a contactless card parking ticket machine costing £3.
Public loo’s clean and tidy and a helpful map to guide the way. (Recommend taking a photo so you can look back on it).
This starting point meant we had to climb A LOT of natural stone steps. Can be quite steep at times especially on the way down.
The incline is completely worth it when you get to the top, however there are 2x ways.
1) go straight to the lake
2) carry on climbing and overlook the lake
Both are amazing, definitely worth the trip!
Exhausted by the end :)
Ps you can bring your dogs, only on a lead, please be sure that the dog is fit and able as it’s a lot for a human, let alone your 4x legged friends
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Psy2013
Wales, UK622 contributions
Oct 2020
Took the Minffordd path up Cadair Idris as far as the lake (about half way up). The path was steep and slippery in parts (notably at the start) and it was very boggy around the lake, but the climb should be quite doable for most novice walkers if you're careful. There were few walkers in mid-October (it was raining off and on which might have put some off) and arrival at the spectacular lake made the climb more than worthwhile, even if the photos taken on an overcast day didn't do it justice. Sensible shoes and hiking sticks are advisable (I had neither!) There was nobody else at the lake when I got there, and I could have stayed there a lot longer as the view and tranquillity were quite breath-taking.
Written November 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith W
Weston super Mare, UK10 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We walked up and around, main aim to see the American navy doing there training on the Mach loop, boy we were not disappointed on the day, plenty of high speed jet passes and at break neck speed.
Plenty of shots taken but on my slr camera and not uploaded yet.
Well worth a look if your into planes or aviation.
Plenty of shots taken but on my slr camera and not uploaded yet.
Well worth a look if your into planes or aviation.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James T
219 contributions
Obviously you can camp overnight if you want to, but has anyone ever slept in the stone shelter?
MisterJinks
Woore, UK153 contributions
Hi, what's the current parking charge at Dol Idris car park at the bottom of the Minfordd Path? Is it possible to park for free nearby? Thanks
Roger R
Halifax, UK28 contributions
I believe the cost is £6 per day or £3 for 4 hours. Well worth every penny and the money goes to supporting Snodonia National Park
Andrew L
1 contribution
Hi,
As a matter of interest how old was the kids? have a 6 year old boy who wants to come, doing the pony path. Think this is manageable?
Thanks in advance.
Andrew
Roger R
Halifax, UK28 contributions
Our daughter was 7 at the time. It is a rough walk if you do the full circuit up to the peak, but very well worth it. Make sure you are prepared and have decent shoes.
awayfromhome1970
Carmarthen, UK632 contributions
What’s the easiest route and how long and a not too slow pace. I have done snowdon but will be taking my mum who is fit at 69. But I want us to enjoy the experience and not struggle at all. Is the easy route scenic? Will we see the lake at the top from the east route?
Can you see any aircraft from walking the pony track?
Marine21
Barmouth, UK86 contributions
We saw a Hercules flying along the estuary from the Pony Path.
Gymbunny63
London, UK1 contribution
Hi would the pony path be suitable to take a very active retriever with us?
Kate W
Leeds, UK230 contributions
Yes! Our husky and staffie found it fine. As with any dog - I wouldn’t go up in very hot weather.
Lisa C
2 contributions
We have a 3 & 5 year old. Is this too hard for a family trip out?
Rebecca K
Weston super Mare, UK34 contributions
Up to the lake it isn’t too bad, and most likely doable. But personally I wouldn’t take toddlers/younger children up to the top. As parents it’s as safe as you want to make it, but some parts are steep, and once you get past the lake it really is only up. No diversions. And very rocky in places. There is at the bottom a lovely little cafe, and plenty to see that’s reachable with young ones x
linasvaicekonis
Peterborough, UK
Hello. Is it really hard to walk the mointain via Pony Path during rainy day? Maybe some equipment could help? Already booked and planned a holiday in next month, would be a shame if rain ruined it.. Thanks for help!
Rebecca K
Weston super Mare, UK34 contributions
Hiya! No not particularly, you would want to take it slower and yes a walking stick as an aid might help. If you are a regular mountain walker I’m sure you’ll have no problem. It is very open once you get out of the forest and around the corner. Once passing the lake, and onto the ridge you can be very exposed. Hope that helps x
I am not great with heights (sheer drops to be specific only feet away from where I stand), however I am determined to climb/walk up some of Wales loveliest hills- will Cadair Idris be beyond me? not sure I'd make it up easiest path of
Snowdon- I've seen YouTube footage!!
_Craig_889
Arnold, UK126 contributions
It’s fine, I was bad with heights and did it New Year’s Eve in thick snow and ice , amazing views
Hi I want to go cadair idris over nite to do some photos can anyone tell me where I can leave car over nite please thank you
Hadwin
Malpas, UK20 contributions
It’d quite safe anywhere
Cader Idris (Dolgellau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cader Idris
- Hotels near Cader Idris:
- (1.92 mi) Dolffanog Fawr
- (1.53 mi) Tyddyn Mawr Farmhouse
- (1.91 mi) Dolffanog Fach
- (2.07 mi) The Old Rectory on the Lake
- (3.06 mi) Plas Gwyn B&B & Cottage
- Restaurants near Cader Idris:
- (3.14 mi) Y Meirionnydd Restaurant
- (3.18 mi) Tafarn Y Gader Tapas, Bistro & Bar
- (3.15 mi) Torrent Walk Hotel
- (3.17 mi) T H Roberts Coffee Shop
- (3.95 mi) Mawddach Neapolitan Pizzeria and Takeaway
- Attractions near Cader Idris:
- (4.00 mi) Corris Mine Explorers
- (3.54 mi) The Mawddach Trail
- (5.35 mi) Precipice Walk
- (5.81 mi) Barmouth Bridge
- (6.57 mi) Dolgoch Falls