Cader Idris via Mynydd Moel Path
Route Summary:
An alternative ascent up Cader Idris from Minffordd, most often used as a descent in conjunction with the Minffordd Path.
| Distance | Ascent | Time |
| 4.9 km | 829 m | 3 hours |
Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Start and Finish: Minffordd
Facilities:
Toilet, Ty Te Cader cafe and the Minffordd Hotel at the walk’s start.
Hazards:
Some of the upper section is unclear and can be difficult to follow, especially in mist.
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.
Public Transport:
Trawscambria T2 from Machynlleth or Dolgellau (actually starting from Bangor) but only a handful daily.
Traveline for UK Public TransportParking and Post Code for Sat Nav (where applicable): LL36 9AJ
£5 daily.
Weather Forecast:
Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Recommended Maps:
Guidebooks:
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
Routes Nearby
- Dol Idris Accessible Walk - 0.0km
- The Minffordd Path Walk up Cader Idris - 0.1km
- The Meirionnydd Round - 3.2km
- Slate Valleys Path – Aberllefenni - 4.2km
- Slate Valleys Path – Cwm Ratgoed - 4.2km
- Slate Valleys Path – Corris - 4.3km
- Cadair Idris Fox’s Path Walking Route - 5.0km
- Walk up Cader Idris via the Pony Path - 5.0km
Accommodation Nearby:
- Snowdonia Cabin - 20.4km
- Ty Beic Holiday Cottages - 36.6km
- Sugar & Loaf - 38.8km
- Summit to Savour - 39.4km
- Nook Snowdonia - 39.5km
Campsites Nearby:
- Llyn Gwynant Campsite - 41.6km
- Your Snowdonia Business Here for free? - 44.7km
- Dol Gam Campsite and B&B - 45.9km
- Gwern Gôf Uchaf Campsite - 48.9km
- Gwern Gôf Isaf Campsite - 48.9km
Pubs and Cafes Nearby:
- Tŷ Te Cadair Tea Room - 0.1km
- Pen y Gwryd Hotel - 44.7km
- Your Snowdonia Business Here for free? - 44.7km
- Mallorys YHA, Pen y Pass - 44.9km
- The Royal Oak Hotel - 45.2km
Other Businesses Nearby:
- Tŷ Te Cadair Tea Room - 0.1km
- Snowdonia Cabin - 20.4km
- Summit to Savour - 39.4km
- Breese Adventures - 42.8km
- Snowdonia Bunkhouse - 44.2km
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.
