Cader Idris via Mynydd Moel Path

Cader Idris via Mynydd Moel Path 4/5 (1)

Cader Idris via Mynydd Moel Path Route Map and GPX Download

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Summits and Places on this Route

Cadair Idris – Penygadair (893 metres)
Mynydd Moel (863 metres)

Places Nearby:

Cadair Idris - 2.5km
Llyn y Gadair Wild Camp - 3.2km
Rhiw Gwredydd Cader Idris Wild Camp - 4.6km
Penrhos Bothy - 12.2km
Llyn Hywel Wild Camp - 16.7km

Cader Idris via Mynydd Moel Path Details

The Mynydd Moel Path up Cader Idris is an alternative to the more popular route up the Minffordd path with which it shares the first section. While it isn’t a classic ridge walk like the Minffordd Path, the approach via Mynydd Moel has the advantage of avoiding the crowds and with alternative views over Llyn Cau and the summit.

Cader Idris Mynydd Moel Path Route Description

1 Start the walk from the Car Park at Minffordd along a well waymarked path. Note that the mountain’s name is variously spelled Cader/Cadair Idris on signage within 10m of each other! It’s past the tea room and you’re starting on the gorge section of the walk.

2 The Gorge Walk is short, but steep and If nothing else, you’ll get the legs going! It’s a well built path, with steps and plenty of spots to take a breather.

3 Just as soon as you’re out of the gorge, the route relents and you’ll soon reach the junction with the Mynydd Moel track which is marked by a small bridge over the Nant Cadair.

4 The path isn’t as well built as the Minffordd Path, but is still clear to follow. It starts off steadily enough, before heading steeply uphill along a dry stone wall that can be steep in places. Further up, the path does become less clear to follow, and you may need care the higher you get as we found the path to be indistinct in places.

5 After a final pull, you eventually arrive at the summit of Mynydd Moel – with views opening up in all directions. The summit shelter is close to the tops of the cliffs, so has an airy feel – with a platform that the brave or foolhardy can venture onto for a bit more thrill!

6 The final section is an easy plod across the summit plateau to Cader Idris that can be a different proposition in misty conditions. The summit is marked by a trig point and a spacious, roofed shelter. You wouldn’t want to spend a planned night in the shelter, but in an emergency situation or generally typical dreich welsh conditions it’s a welcome sight!

In descent, you’ll need to take care to find the top of the path – it’s not clear from Mynydd Moel. With one section of path being loose and requiring care to descend. Those looking for a circular walk should descend via the Minffordd Path, but we recommend that the walker ascends the Minffordd Path and descends the Mynydd Moel Path for the best day out in South Snowdonia.

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

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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.