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Cader Idris via the Fox’s Path / Llwybr Madyn

By Dave Roberts   

on February 15, 2023    4/5 (4)

Posted as a walk in – Cader Idris and Nearby Hills, Europe, Snowdonia National Park, Wales, Walks with Lakes in Snowdonia

Cader Idris via the Fox’s Path / Llwybr Madyn

Route Essentials

Route Summary

Scenic route to the summit of Cader Idris that needs care on the steep section of scree.

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

4.71 km

Ascent

699 m

Time

5 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Tŷ Nant Car Park (SH 697 153)

Difficulty

Hard Walk

Hazards

Steep scree at the higher reaches of the Fox’s Path make this slightly challenging.

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Cader Idris via the Fox’s Path / Llwybr Madyn Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Cader Idris via the Fox’s Path / Llwybr Madyn

Cader Idris’s Fox’s Path / Llwybr Madyn path is a less popular route up Cader Idris from the north, usually as the scree ascent has a bit of a reputation. However, it’s not quite as bad as some wish to make it out, but still difficult to recommend other than the excellent views from Llyn Gadair. Setting off from the Ty’n Nant car park, it takes you first on to Llyn Gwernan, and the bonus of a pub which you can enjoy at the end, and is gentle enough until you reach Llyn y Gadair. There you’ll be met with the full majesty of Cader Idris, and slight puzzlement as to how you’re meant to reach the summit!

There’s a scree path to the left of Llyn y Gadair that’s steep and loose, but is passable with a lot of care. If you keep right, you’ll find yourself in a scree gully with steep sides that’s harder work than it needs to be!

Why is it called the Fox’s Path or Llwybr Madyn?

The Fox’s Path, or Lwybyr Madyn in Welsh is believed by some to be named after the Quaker  – George Fox who visited Dolgellau in 1689, but the Welsh name contradicts this as madyn is an archaic welsh word for Fox, which most welsh speakers would identify as llwynog or Cadno. We quite like the alliteration of  Llwybr Llwynog.

The Ascent of Cader Idris in 1820 mentions no source for the name and initially calls the path Llwybr Madyn and later the article as the “Fox’s Path” – with the emphasis given by the author suggestive of a translation from the Welsh – so we’re going with the Fox’s Path being named after the animal rather than any individual.

Cadair Idris Fox’s Path Walking Route Description

1 The route starts off from the Ty Nant Car Park and a good path leads along the valley bottom waymarked for Llyn Gwernan

2 This path continues through the woodland before you take a right along a boardwalk to the minor road.

3 Pass though the gate to join the road and continue left along the minor road as far as the Gwernan Lake Hotel where the Fox’s Path starts proper on your right.

4 The grassy path is easy enough to follow as it ascends gently up the hillside.

5 You’ll soon reach Llyn Gafr, which makes a natural stopping point. Just be aware that Llyn y Gadair is barely 10 minutes away and makes an even better spot to enjoy a halfway snack.

6 The path now steepens as it ascends to Llyn y Gadair, where you’ll be met with the full majesty of Cader Idris, and slight puzzlement as to how you’re meant to reach the summit! It’s far too easy to stay and admire the view. Just be aware that you’ve another 300m or so to climb, with most of that straight up.

7 Continue to the left of Llyn y Gadair along a good path, to find the start of the scree path that’s steep and loose, but is barely passable with a lot of care. If you keep right, you’ll find yourself in a scree gully with steep sides that’s harder work than it needs to be! For those with Glyderau experience, this makes the scree path from Llyn y Cwn to Glyder Fawr look good. So try and keep left to find an easier line up.

8 You’ll eventually top out – if you’re lucky – and with relief you can turn right and head towards the summit – Penygadair. It can be indistinct in mist, so take care.

9 From the summit, which has a rooved shelter, we recommend descending by another route! The Pony Path / Llwybr Pilin Pwn returns to Ty Nant and makes a satisfying circuit.

For more walks up Cader Idris, visit our All the Walking Routes up Cader Idris article.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Scenic route to the summit of Cader Idris that needs care on the steep section of scree.

This walk includes the Washi of Cadair Idris – Penygadair

This walk includes the Hewitt of Cadair Idris – Penygadair

This walk includes the Nuttall of Cadair Idris – Penygadair

Route Start Location: Tŷ Nant Car Park (SH 697 153)

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
4.71 km 699 m 5 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Hard Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

Toilet at start, pub.

Hazards

Steep scree at the higher reaches of the Fox’s Path make this slightly challenging.

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking : LL40 1TL

Parking available at Tŷ Nant Car Park (SH 697 153)

Public Transport:

None to the start of the walk, though a bus service the 28 Dolgellau – Tywyn can be used to get to Pont Abergwynant and add around 4km to the trip.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

More Posts by Dave Roberts

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