Climbing Cadair Idris - and plenty more
We're just back from a week of holidays. Lounging around by the pool, no not likely. We've been exploring Southern Snowdonia, the Cadair Idris area in particular.
Thankfully this coincided with some rather splendid weather, so it's been t-shirts and shorts everyday.
Highlights included ticking a big, classic route on Cadair Idris called 'Cyfwy arete' - diff. About 150m of climbing followed by maybe 250m of exposed scrambling high on the mountain really was magnificent.
The route is easy to follow (useful as the current guidebook is woefully bad) and has a distinct mountaineering feel to it. Roughly translated this means 'loose and exposed'! Just my cup of tea then. It took just over an hour to reach the base of the route, so I thought it would be quiet, especially as it was late in the day, but oh no, there were plenty of others around, and I passed a climbing party on the route. They were enjoying a more leisurely ascent rather than my little race!
Once topped out a brisk and easy downhill walk brought me back to the car park in 2 hours 30 mins for the round trip, pretty happy with that.
The following eve Kate joined me for a run up the same mountain. Starting on the Pony track we diverted across rough scree and boulder fields to reach the Fox's path so we could take the steeper route up to the summit. This felt brutal, but it meant we dealt with the ascent rapidly.
Kate ticked off the trig point at the summit whilst I took a rest outside the shelter buildings. We really did need to stop to admire the epic views on offer as the sun began its journey towards the sea.
Once off the rocky summit, the run down was a breeze and pretty quick. The round trip taking only 2 hours.
A few seaside walks and easy climbing was enjoyed too, but what I'll be remembering this part of Wales for is the mighty Cadair Idris and it's massive northern faces.
We live and breath to be in the mountains and feel privileged to call The Lake District home. If you're wanting to explore The Lakeland mountains and would like some guidance, please do get in touch, we know these mountains very well and would love to share our knowledge with you. Our Activities Page shows what's on offer
Thanks for reading
Mark & Kate
