Cadair IdrisAbout Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris is a mountain in southern Snowdonia, Wales, with a highest point at about 893 metres above sea level. It is a prominent local landmark and a popular hiking destination in the region.
The mountain offers several established ascent routes of differing difficulty and length, including the Minffordd path, the Pony Path and Fox’s Path. Walks typically take a few hours for a return trip and include steep sections, ridge walking and viewpoints over the surrounding valleys.
The name and local traditions link the mountain to Welsh folklore about the giant Idris; the landscape itself was shaped by glacial action in the last ice age. The area has long been used for grazing and hillwalking rather than for permanent settlement.
Cadair Idris rises near the market town of Dolgellau in southwestern Snowdonia, set above glaciated corries and upland valleys in northwestern Wales.
- Height: Summit elevation is 893 metres above sea level, making it one of the higher peaks in southern Snowdonia.
- Best viewpoint: Llyn Cau sits beneath the highest ridge and provides the classic lakeside viewpoint used in many route descriptions and photographs.
What to See#
- Llyn Cau: A corrie lake on the mountain’s eastern flank sitting below the main ridgeline and viewed from popular routes; it is a classic mountain hollow created by glaciation.
- Main routes: Principal ascent routes include the Minffordd path from the south, the Pony Path from the north, and Fox’s Path; routes vary in steepness and take several hours for a round trip depending on fitness and conditions.
Nearby Attractions to Cadair Idris
Best Time to Visit Cadair Idris
Summer and early autumn are the most pleasant for climbing; winter demands mountaineering skills and equipment.
Weather & Climate near Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2194 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 5° | -4° | 240 mm | overcast | 95% | 10.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 4° | -4° | 174 mm | overcast | 94% | 9.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 201 mm | overcast | 91% | 8.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 8° | 0° | 136 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Poor | 4° - 12° | 4° | 122 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Poor | 7° - 14° | 11° | 130 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 16° | 12° | 133 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 16° | 12° | 157 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Poor | 7° - 13° | 7° | 180 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 10° | 3° | 224 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 248 mm | overcast | 94% | 9.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 5° | -3° | 249 mm | overcast | 95% | 9.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
How to Get to Cadair Idris
The common starting points are the Minffordd (north) and the Pony Path from Dolgellau (east). Dolgellau is served by regional buses from nearby towns; the mountain is a short drive from the A487 coastal road.
Tips for Visiting Cadair Idris
- Start early to avoid afternoon showers on the Mawddach and Dolgellau sidepaths.
- The popular Minffordd or Dolgellau routes are steep but direct; the circular route via the Llyn Cau is longer but more scenic.
- Respect local legends - Cadair Idris has a long folklore tradition; locals sometimes suggest a short rest on the summit for spiritual reasons.