Wild Camping : Cadair Idris
Generic guidelines for this hike. This represents total distance, OS map needed, difficulty level, parking postcode, relative elevation gained (not absolute as there are few ups and downs), and total time needed. YMMV.
Wild Camping at Cadair Idris. Sony A7S ii + 21mm Loxia. Two vertical frames stitched to make a panorama. Click to view larger.
Cadair Idris offers amzing views towards barmouth and climbs/hikes of various levels. This simple guide is for Minffordd Path starts near the Visitor Centre and café. This is the shortest but the steepest route. You will encounter and will have to tackle The Stairs of Cirith Ungol cut into the Mountains of Shadow or the so rightly called steps to Mordor.
Once yuu leave the parkland circuit with lovely woodland you will start the gorge climb. The stairs will take you to Nant Cadair Bridge. Stay left to reach the Nant Cadair Bridge. Keep the stream to your right. You will soon see the impressive Cwm Cau and the Llyn Cau (lake). You will soon reach the cairn where the path divides. To continue towards the summit, take the left hand fork. Again, keep the lake now to your right. Well-marked by cairns, the path is steep and loose. You will eventually reach the summit. I normally take the same path to come down towards the lake for camping.
PARKING
Dôl Idris parkland lies at the foothills of Cadair Idris and is the gateway to the reserve. Beware, it is not not allowed to park overnight here. I prefer to pay for the camping place next to the parking and leave my car there.
DIFFICULT BITS
Rough sketch of the path. Again, great care is needed if visibility is poor.
Once you reach the he waters of Llyn Cau, finding the path can be difficult. It is often clody or misty here. it adds to the atmosphere but can be challenging to navigate. You will need a good map and a compass. And of course the skills to navigate.
Sony A7S ii + 21mm Loxia. Click to view larger.
A video about my wild camping at the foot of the cadair idris after slow recovery from plantar fascia injury. I’ve been stuck at home for the most of part of the past two years. First, it was the pandemic. And then my plantar fascia injury resurfaced. I ended up with five steroid injections and slow recovery. From averaging about 12k steps a day even during working day I struggled to manage a 1000 steps.
It was difficult to walk with hiking gear as my fitness level has been poor due to injury and pandemic that robbed us of being able to do other activities such as swimming.
However, it was the night with the most brilliant and clear sky I've ever witnessed in the UK. And I'm grateful for the wonderful experience despite the dreaded midges for a company thoroughout.
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Check also the walking guide at the link
Thanks!
Music : Lincensed - Nick Livesey Music and Bensound.com