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

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Route Summary:

An alternative ascent up Cader Idris from Minffordd, most often used as a descent in conjunction with the Minffordd Path.

This walk includes the 2 Washis of Cadair Idris – Penygadair, Mynydd Moel

This walk includes the 2 Hewitts of Cadair Idris – Penygadair, Mynydd Moel

This walk includes the 2 Nuttalls of Cadair Idris – Penygadair, Mynydd Moel

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
4.92 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 Transport
Parking and Post Code for Sat Nav (where applicable): LL36 9AJ

£5 daily.

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Cader Idris via Mynydd Moel Path Route Map and GPX Download

Download the GPX File

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

Summits and Places on this Route

Places Nearby:

 



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.

Cader Idris Minffordd Path

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.

Cader Idris Minffordd Path

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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