Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Tŷ Nant car park on the Dolgellau side of Cadair Idris and goes out and back by the Pony Path, the old, well-graded way up. After a short stretch of road and track, it climbs steadily on path to the summit, Penygadair (893 m), which has a stone shelter hut and views to the Mawddach estuary and Cardigan Bay. This is the chair of Idris the giant: sleep on the summit, the legend says, and you wake a poet or a madman.
It is 9.2 km with 732 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: the path is graded for ponies, with no scrambling, and the climbing is steady rather than steep.
It is still a real mountain. Cloud can come down quickly on the upper slopes, so carry a map and compass, check the mountain forecast and be ready to turn back. In winter the top holds snow and ice and needs an ice axe, crampons and experience.
The Tŷ Nant car park charges a fee. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The chair of Idris the giant: sleep on the summit and wake a poet or a madman, the legend says
- The Pony Path is the old, well-graded way up from the Dolgellau side
- The summit is Penygadair, with a stone shelter hut
- Views to the Mawddach estuary and Cardigan Bay
Summits on the way
- Cadair Idris - Penygadair 893 m
Getting there
Start: Ty Nant · Pay and display. 52.71937, -3.92940
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Eryri: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
