CLIMB YOUR FIRST MOUNTAIN: CADAIR IDRIS

If you’re talking British mountains, Cadair takes some beating. The prized summit of Penygadair is connected by a twisted chain of peaks, nine of which poke their rocky crowns above the 2000ft barrier, and is a prized summit for anyone whether it’s their first or hundredth mountain walk. The Minffordd Path tours oak woods and streams before confronting you with an almost indecent display of naked rock. Sheer cliffs and splintered, knotty crags plunge 1000ft towards the steely blue waters of the glacial lake Llyn Cau. It’s quite a sight. From Penygadair’s summit it feels like you can see the whole of Snowdonia, with views that stretch out to Cardigan Bay. This is a classic of a walk that shows off everything that’s great about the British mountains. Shrouded in legend and myth, with all the pomp and swagger of Snowdon, but none of the tourist hordes.

WALK IT

How hard? Strenuous mountain walking, rocky and steep at times. Care and navigation skills in low visibility, best to do an out and back via the Minffordd Path if you’re unsure.

Start point Pay & display Dol Idris car park (SH732116)

Distance 10km/6 miles

Ascent 947m

Time 5 hours

Best map OS Explorer OL23

Get the route - click here

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