Cader Idris via Minffordd Path

Start through a gate at the far left corner of the car park, and follow a broad gravel path to a second gate. Turn left and pass by the Cadair Tea Room (a lovely place to stop for refreshments on your way back). A footpath sign leads you right through another gate—follow the arrows for Cader Idris. You’ll begin to ascend quite quickly through the woods, passing the Nant Cadair Falls. At the fringe of the woods, one more gate opens onto a rocky path with a fork, where you should head left and continue your ascent.

Stay left at the next junction as well, as you rise above the serene waters of Llyn Cau. Upon reaching an unmissable cairn, head right and walk along the ridge path, keeping the lake on your right. Sections of this trail are rough and quite exposed, but it’s easy enough to follow. Clamber over a rocky section and reach a stile—hop over that, and you’ve reached the peak of Craig Cau. A quick left along the fence followed by an almost immediate right after a few metres brings you to a narrow path that grows clearer as it follows the edge of the cliffs.

A final push through a steep rocky section brings you to the Cader Idris summit. In good weather, you can gaze towards the western sea. From here, head down towards a stone shelter, then follow a grass path to the right. Depending on the conditions, you might see the next summit of Mynydd Moel directly in front of you. A cairn on the left marks Fox’s Path. Continue straight past this to a junction, then turn left and head up to the peak of Mynydd Moel, clambering over a stile to reach the shelter. You’ll be treated to more outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and faraway coastline.

To descend, pivot back to the fence and turn left, keeping the fence on your right-hand side as you walk down over the grass. Much of this path is muddy and loose, so take plenty of care while you make your way downwards. Stone steps lead to a stile overlooking a lake—hop over the stile and continue along the path until you reach the banks of the Nant Cadair river. Cross the bridge and turn left to re-join the pathway into the woods. From here, it’s a simple matter of walking back the way you came—maybe stopping for a spot of tea and cake before you reach the car park.