Trail Running Planet · Eryri (Snowdonia) · Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris, Mynydd Moel and Craig Lwyd Circular
You get the full horseshoe around one of Snowdonia's most dramatic cwms rather than a straight there-and-back to the summit, so the mountain's best feature - the cliff-ringed bowl at its heart - is in view for most of the route.
Distance
15.6 km
Ascent
1,044 m
Descent
1,046 m
Max elevation
887 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
4h 10m – 5h 35m
Grade
Very Hard
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
LL36 9AJ
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 15.6km horseshoe around Cadair Idris from the Tal-y-Llyn side, taking in Craig Lwyd, Mynydd Moel and the summit of Penygadair itself, with 582m of climbing above the cliffs of Cwm Cau.
Hazards & notes
The ridge above Cwm Cau has genuine drops close to the path, and cloud rolls in quickly off Cardigan Bay with little warning. The horseshoe has no easy bail-out once you're committed past Craig Lwyd.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/wales/eryri-snowdonia/cadair-idris/cadair-idris-mynydd-moel-craig-lwyd-circular
trailrunningplanet.com