Minffordd Path

Distance - 3 miles (6 miles return)
Duration - 5 hours return (approx)
Grade - Hard Mountain Walk
Grid Ref. - SH 732116

At about 3 miles, this is probably the shortest footpath up Cader Idris; although it involves the greatest ascent (2,850ft, 869m).

No one is certain where the name Cader Idris (Idris’ chair) originates. Some maintain that Idris was a national hero, killed in battle against the Saxons round about 630 A.D. Some insist that he was a giant, and yet others link Idris with the legend of Arthur.

When you are walking in the mountains, it is essential that you wear boots or strong shoes with a good tread pattern, and that you take with you adequate protective clothing, a spare sweater, map, compass, whistle, torch, spare food and a first aid kit.

Make sure you know the weather forecast before you leave (Tel: 09068 500449 60p/min Fax: 09060 100408 £1/min Internet site: www.met-office.gov.uk) and remember, coming down can be more difficult than going up. If you are tired, or think the weather might change for the worse, turn back in good time. Do not carry on regardless. In the event of an emergency, call 999/112 and ask for the North Wales Police.

Section One
The Path starts from the Dôl Idris car park just after the junction of the A487 and the B4405 Dolgellau to Tywyn road. Go through the kissing gate at the far end of the car park and follow the track until you can turn right through a gate into a fine example of a 'relic' (8,000 years old) oak wood, now a National Nature Reserve. Follow the footpath steeply up through the woods crossing a small stream until you reach a dry stone wall and gate (please close) marking the end of the wood.

Section Two
The path winds steeply up to Cwm Cau passing some ruins on the left with the river and slopes of Mynydd Moel to the right.

As the cliffs of Craig Cau come into view the path becomes difficult to follow. Bear left around the marshy hollow immediately in front of you, making sure that on your return you follow the same route and not the right-hand fork, as this will lead to steep dangerous ground.

Past the hollow you will notice some large 'erratic' boulders, deposited by the last Ice Age.

Section Three
When you reach a large cairn take the left hand fork following the path steeply untill you reach a small level area with good views of Llyn Cau down to the right.

Cwm Cau is a classic example of a 'corrie' or 'cirque' the result of both volcanic and later glacier activities, resulting in spectacular scenery and ideal habitat for alpine plants, here at the southern most limit. A short climb will lead you to fine views of Talyllyn lake in the distance with the Tarren hills in the distance. Well-marked by cairns, the path winds steeply upwards, passing a band of white quartz in the rocks to your right.

A short detour to the left will give you superb views of Tal-y-llyn Pass and the lake part of the 30 mile long Bala fault. 400 million years ago the south side of the pass moved 2 miles north-east.

As you continue up the path it levels out as Cwm Amarch comes into view on your left. The long rounded ridge ahead is Mynydd Pencoed.

The path up to Craig Cau is well marked and steep. Care must be taken here especially in winter.

Section Four
There are two routes down to Bwlch Cau from Craig Cau. One follows the edge of the cliff and the other veers away to the left. Beware of snow cornices in winter.

The final section of the path is steep, slippery and suffering badly from erosion. Please keep to the footpath to prevent the erosion from spreading. A short zigzag finally brings you to the summit cairn and shelter, maintained by the Park Authority. On your return journey, 50m from the summit, make sure you take the path that veers to the left. The right hand fork takes you down the Pony Path.

If it's foggy, take care not to deviate to the right while ascending Craig Cau on your way down from Pen y Gader. It's easy to drift west towards Mynydd Pencoed. Look out for the path that leads straight up to the summit.

Remember
Walking in the mountains can be very dangerous, so before you set off please visit the mountain safety section of this site and have a safe walk. As this land is privately owned, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

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