Mountain walk - Cadair Idris, Southern Snowdonia
Cadair Idris mountain in Southern Snowdonia derives its name, meaning 'Chair of Idris', from the giant warrior poet of Welsh legend.
The mountain looms menacing and primeval over the surrounding landscape. Cadair Idris consists of a massive 11km long ridge and although only the 19th highest mountain in Wales, is the second most popular mountain in the country after Mount Snowdon.
The summit, Penygadair (Top of the Chair) at 2,927 feet (892m), offers a superb panorama of mountain scenery. The mountain is notorious for its low cloud but on a clear day it is possible to see the mountains of the Snowdon massif and the Rhinog mountain range as well as the Lleyn Peninsula and the hills of Shropshire, the Long Mynd, the Wrekin and occasionally Ireland.
To the north of the summit lies the very steep and craggy north face, where the cliffs drop around 200 metres. The other peaks of the ridge are Mynydd Moel (855m), Penygadair (893m) and Mynydd Pencoed (798m).
The mountain consists of a long ridge, its northern face is craggy and precipitous, in contrast to the south face which slopes more gently into the broad expanse of the Dyfi estuary. There are a number of paths which lead to the summit of Cadair Idris, the 3 main ones being:
Cader Idris from Dolgellau - the Pony path
This Snowdonia walk approaches Cadair Idris from the north and uses the former pony route. This walk is suitable for all ages and offers magnificent views. Moderate / hard - 9 miles.
Cader Idris from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant
Less arduous but longer way up Idris's Chair A less frequented approach to the summit of Cadair Idris that avoids some of the crowds. Moderate / hard - 10 miles.
Cader Idris from Minffordd - Idris Gates and Minffordd path
This Snowdonia walk approaches Cadair Idris from the south and includes a circuit of Cwm Cau. The start is Minffordd and the route continues through superb mountain scenery crossing the summit of Craig Cwm Amarch en-route to Cadair Idris. The return completes the circuit, again enjoying fine mountain views. Moderate / hard - 6 miles.
North of Cadair Idris lies the town of Dolgellau, a convenient base, which offers a wide range of accomodation, cafes, restaurants and shops.
Rhyd y Gorlan - 21015 |
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Machynlleth, Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons, Wales
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Sleeps up to 7 (3 bedrooms: 2 doubles, 1 double & single)
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Rates £345 - £750 |
Spacious 5 star holiday cottage with games room in Mid Wales. Rhyd y Gorlan holiday cottage is surrounded by countryside tranquility and invites you to put your feet up in style. Recharge, enjoy a game of pool, experience scenic walks from the doorstep, mountain biking and a range of local attractions. Traditional village pub within walking distance. |
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Llety'r Gader - 23397 |
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Tywyn, North Wales Snowdonia, Wales
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Sleeps up to 7 (4 bedrooms: 3 doubles, 1 single ) |
Rates £215 - £580 |
A Luxury Self Catering Holiday Farmhouse in Snowdonia, North Wales. Llety'r Gader is a traditional Grade II listed farmhouse, sat at the foot of Cader Idris mountain, southern Snowdonia and offers traditional comforts such as original beams, inglenook fireplace and antique furniture throughout. The perfect setting for a traditional countryside holiday in Wales. |
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Cae Merllen - 24459 |
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Dolgellau, North Wales Snowdonia, Wales
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Sleeps up to 5 (3 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin, 1 single) |
Rates £300 - £635 |
| This pet-friendly Dolgellau holiday cottage offers excellent walking, water sports and mountain biking (Coed-y-Brenin) and is only 12 miles from the sandy beaches at Barmouth and Fairbourne. Cae Merllen holiday cottage in Snowdonia National Park is based on a working sheep farm 2 miles from Dolgellau and enjoys beautiful countryside views. It also has a lawned area with picnic bench, outdoor toys, BBQ & chimenea. | ||
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Llety Hiriaeth - 24537 |
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| Machynlleth, Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons, Wales
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Sleeps up to 7 (4 bedrooms: 1 king, 2 doubles, 1 single) LOW OCCUPANCY DISCOUNT - -2 guests: discounted by 10% (07 May 2012 to 26 May 2012)SEASONAL DISCOUNT - GBP 50 discount for dates booked between 28 Apr 2012 and 26 May 2012
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Rates £265 - £605 |
| Llety Hiriaeth offers luxury self catering in Mid Wales and is set on a working organic farm near Machynlleth. Tastefully furnished in keeping with the traditional Welsh farmhouse and located in a peaceful, secluded setting - a place for total relaxation. Conveniently near to the sea at Aberdyfi, the glorious mountains of Snowdonia and many local activities. The perfect farmhouse holiday. | ||
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Ty Mawddwy - 27051 |
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DinasMawddwy, North Wales Snowdonia, Wales
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Sleeps up to 6 (3 bedrooms: 2 doubles, 1 twin) SEASONAL DISCOUNT - GBP 75 discount for dates booked between 28 Apr 2012 and 19 May 2012 |
Rates £489 - £921 |
| This luxury holiday cottage, Snowdonia offers the perfect setting for a traditional countryside holiday in North Wales. Ty Mawddwy is an enchanting Grade II listed beamed whitewashed cottage where you can enjoy glorious views from the patio. The cottage is surrounded by the stunning, peaceful mountain scenery of Snowdonia and includes fishing rights on the River Dyfi. | ||
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Ty Cerrig - 27315 |
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| Barmouth, North Wales Coast, Wales
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Sleeps up to 6 (3 bedrooms: 2 doubles, 1 bunk) |
Rates £300 - £760 |
| On the fringes of Snowdonia National Park this comfortable 19th century stone cottage is wonderfully positioned to make the most of Barmouth Bay's renowned beaches and sunsets. A one mile walk leads to a sweep of broad sands, the village pubs are just 200 yards and fishing, riding, golf, superb walking and scenic coastal railway trips can all be enjoyed locally. Barmouth's harbour restaurants and shops... | ||
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Penygroes - 27831 |
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| Dolgellau, North Wales Snowdonia, Wales
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Sleeps up to 5 (3 bedrooms: 2 doubles, 1 bunk) |
Rates £295 - £590 |
| Typical Snowdonia holiday cottage, recently refurbished to a high standard throughout and based in a small village 2 miles east of the historic town of Dolgellau in the Snowdonia National Park. Penygroes holiday cottage, Dolgellau enjoys beautiful views of the countryside, has amazing walks from the doorstep, including Cader Idris, and is close to Coed y Brenin’s world renowned mountain biking centre. | ||
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Yr Hen Dy Coets - 40911 |
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| Machynlleth, Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons, Wales
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Sleeps up to 4 (2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 single) |
Rates £455 - £490 |
| A cosy holiday cottage, located in the Dyfi Valley between the market towns of Machynlleth and Dolgellau, on the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park. This old coach house proudly holds a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. It is an ideal base for exploring the magnificent mountains and hidden lakes of Mid Wales. | ||
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Bwthyn Gribin - 47017 |
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| Machynlleth, Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons, Wales
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Sleeps up to 4 (2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 bunk) |
Rates £220 - £400 |
Traditional Welsh farmhouse cottage in beautiful Mid Wales. This cosy, pet friendly cottage is surrounded by superb views and offers a great, central base to explore Mid Wales, southern Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay. Picturesque walks, dog friendly beaches, narrow gauge railways and Machynlleth market town are all nearby. Village pub within walking distance and numerous highly recommended restaurants within a few miles. |
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Dol Adda - 52038 |
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| Dolgellau, North Wales Snowdonia, Wales
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Sleeps up to 14 (8 bedrooms: 3 kings / twin, 4 doubles, 1 with 'shorty bunks' (for children)) LOW OCCUPANCY DISCOUNT - 1-9 guests: discounted by 20% |
Rates £1130 - £2330 |
Near the noted market town of Dolgellau, this 16th Century house in Snowdonia includes a sauna facility and a large media room for cinema-style viewing. Excellent venue for group celebrations, family holidays, and individuals wishing to relax in beautiful, comfortable surroundings. Each room has been individually designed with quality furnishings and fittings, cleverly integrating antique with contemporary; traditional with ‘high tech’. |
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Ty Pellaf - 54027 |
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| Aberdyfi, North Wales Snowdonia, Wales
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Sleeps up to 6 (3 bedrooms: 2 king, 1 twin) |
Rates £325 - £650 |
| Brilliantly located between Machynlleth, the ancient capital of Wales and Aberdyfi, a beautiful seaside village with a long sandy beach where the River Dyfi meets the blue waters of Cardigan Bay. This spacious, modern house provides luxury self catering in Snowdonia and is within walking distance to the village pub / restaurant, shop & health and leisure complex. Enjoy the rural surroundings and the myriad of activities and attractions on your doorstep. | ||
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Ty Talcen - 54035 |
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| Aberdyfi, North Wales Snowdonia, Wales
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Sleeps up to 6 (3 bedrooms: 2 doubles, 1 twin) |
Rates £325 - £650 |
| Beautifully presented, modern house in the historical, pretty little village of Pennal in southern Snowdonia. Brilliantly located between the coastal resort of Aberdyfi and Machynlleth, the ancient capital of Wales, this self catering accommodation in Snowdonia provides every comfort and facility for a relaxing, luxury holiday. Enjoy the spacious rooms, the rural surroundings and the bedroom balcony for morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. | ||
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