Cadair Idris, Machynlleth

Although from South wales my only trips to North Wales had made me groan as a kid! Not so since I’ve been an adult. We have friends who have a house in the area on the mountain in fact. It is stunning, beautiful and achievable to climb. Look out for the remains of the world war plane - enough to get little boy’s legs walking. The scenery and lakes - bathe in it if you are brave enough. It’s very cold even on sunny days! - are amazing. And, as has been said, the path down is fortunately much easier. I think if you only climb one mountain in the UK - make it this one. If you start early enouhg you can have a swim on one of the great beaches before bed.

My favourite mountain within Wales! Years before I came back to Wales to live I used to play the folk tune of the same name on guitar and harp, so always wanted to see the 'real thing’. Then a friend started taking a cottage near Dolgellau every year and we always visit him there, so each year we see this beautiful mountain which dominates the landscape for miles around. We aren’t climbers like the other reviewers (just walkers), but I can recommend a holiday around here if only to admire the mountain panorama!

Cadair Idris - super mountain in the Snowdonia Nationalpark. I have climbed it twice and will do so again in August this year. Height: 893 m. The top is called Penygadair, Welsh for on the chair, on top of the chair! Idris is the Welsh name for Arthur. They could make more of Arthur in this area for visitors, I think.
Who spends the night on top of this mountain either comes down as a poet or as a madman.

Though in height it doesn’t quite match the more rugged peaks of the Llanberis Pass (Snowdon, Tryfan, etc.) Cadair Idris is still a big hill to climb, and beautiful at that. From the car park at the bottom ascend the long stairway of steep stone steps, avoid the bog and arrive first at the shores of the lake set in the horseshoe of the mountain. Then heave up the rocks to what you think is the top, but isn’t quite. When you do get to the triangulation point you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the hillsides and along the Cambrian coastline. And you don’t have to walk back the way you came, as a less steep path will take you back down to your vehicle which will get you home to a hot bath and a huge, well-deserved dinner.