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The Llanfihangel y Pennant Path up Cader Idris

By Dave Roberts   

on December 18, 2017    5/5 (1)

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

The Llanfihangel y Pennant Path up Cader Idris

Route Essentials

Route Summary

A long route up Cader Idris from the quieter side.

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

Distance

8.47 km

Ascent

841 m

Time

allow 7-8 hours

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

Start Location

Llanfihangell y Pennant

Difficulty

Hard Walk

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office 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. 

The Llanfihangel y Pennant Path up Cader Idris Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

The Llanfihangel y Pennant Path up Cader Idris

The Llanfihangel y Penant Path up Cader Idris is a longer, quieter approach to Cader Idris that sets off from the quiet hamlet of Llanfihangel y Pennant and joins the Pony Path up to the summit. It’s visible on Google Streetview – so you can check the route out in its entirety there as well. It may lack the imposing views of the Minffordd and Fox’s paths, but just about trumps the Pony Path on remoteness and lack of people. It’s also the longest route up Cader Idris, with a return trip being an impressive 17km.

The Llanfihangel y Pennant Path up Cader Idris Route Description

1 Start at the National Park Car Park near the church at Llanfihangel y Pennant and follow the country lane right for 1.25km. This takes you past some houses, including the house of Mari Jones who walked 26 barefoot miles, rather than kilometres in 1800, to Y Bala to buy a Welsh bible.

2 The tarmac ends though you barely notice as a well made track leads off ahead and veers left. After around 750m, the official bridleway continues right. This is the one on the Google streetview. An easier way is to continue along the good track. It isn’t a right of way and the first half doesn’t cross access land, but the route we’ve always used and is easier going. Surely this is a prime candidate for a permissive path?

3 Keep on the track for just shy of 2km, which the ‘official’ route joins after 1km, which brings you steadily up to Gwastadfryn.

4 Cross the river here and take the grassy track that snakes it’s way uphill which is less defined but should be clear enough. Ensure you take a right to contour around the slopes of Tyrrau Mawr.

5 The track continues its way steadily up to Rhiw Gwredydd at an easy incline, with the views just as mild until you top out at the bwlch. From here you’ll be treated to views across the Mawddach Estuary, hopefully accompanied by a cuppa and a sandwich.

6 You’ll join the Pony Path here which is a motorway in comparison to the track you’ve followed so far! It is easily followed to the summit as it climbs surely and steadily to the summit, being easy enough to follow for the duration.

7 You’re finally at the summit, which has a shelter just below if conditions aren’t great. If you’re lucky, you won’t need to venture in as you take in the extensive views.

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

Great to catch the sunset

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

A long route up Cader Idris from the quieter side.

This walk includes the Washi of Cadair Idris – Penygadair

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

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

Route Start Location: Llanfihangell y Pennant

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
8.47 km 841 m allow 7-8 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

Hazards

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 : LL36 9TU

Limited Parking at start

Public Transport:

none

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office 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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