Introduction
Cadair Idris is a fantastic mountain. The mountain is itself the highest landmark in the vicinity where most other mountain summits in the area are low to medium in height.

Cadair Idris seen from its east ridge

Cadair Idris has its summit at 893m and it is the second highest summit in Wales outside the main Snowdon range (Aran Fawddwy being higher at 905m). To the north of the summit plateau lies a very steep and craggy 4km long north face where the crags often fall 200m in a sheer drop.

The summit of Mynydd Moel and its precipitous drop

Close up views of Mynydd Moel

The north escarpment of Cadair Idris as seen from the Saddle

Few walking routes breach this face and where they do, they become a steep scree slope. These cliffs are a much photographed site and always impress. To the south steep slopes of scree, heather and crag provide another formidable barrier.

The summit of Cadair Idris

Cadair Idris seen from Pandy Gader to the east

A spur called the Craig Lwyd encloses the Llyn Cau which is surrounded on all sides by huge, steep cliffs and is another well-photographed site. Out to the east lies a broad spur that is lined all round with steep cliffs.

The east ridge of Cadair Idris

Fantastic silhouettes in the views south from Cadair Idris

The summit plateau itself is about 1.5km long, running in an east-west direction. It's quite similar to Ben Nevis in that it is lined with steep cliffs on the north and convex steep slopes to the south. Thus, in a white-out, expect tricky navigation as no fence runs along its ridge!

Looking west along the plateau from Mynydd Moel to the summit

The view out to Mynydd Ceiswyn

South of Cadair Idris lies the valley of Cwm Rhwydfor. The summits of Craig Goch and Mynydd Fron-fraith lie south of this valley. They lie at 586m and 514m respectively and provide moderate walks overlooking vast forestry developments. Craig Coch in particular has a steep north escarpment overlooking the Tal-y-llyn Lake.

North of Cadair Idris lies Dolgellau. This is a moderately sized town conveniently based for lots of low-level walks including the precipice walk and a pleasant walks along the estuary of Afon Mawddach to Barmouth.

Low level scenery with Cadair
Idris towering above