| Cadair Idris GW/NW-009 893m ASL SH71 |
| Parked at Ty Nant (GR 698153) where there is a loo and picnic tables and a stream - more of that later. Ty Nant has an overflow area so no problem even during summer weekends. Turn right out of car park and then left along signed track beside a stream. Pass (or go in - if it's open) a building on left which appears to be a cafe, camping barn etc and you are on a clear route known as the Pony Path. You may wish to ponder a memorial to a runner who holds the record for the round trip in 1 3/4 hours! (No idea where he started though) No problems on this route -the path is obvious all the way. There are a few small rocky outcrops, and some of the route has had the excellent attentions of the conservation people. The route does steepen a bit at 691132, but only for a short distance. After crossing a ladder style, the path veers to a bearing approx 120 degrees, and does get rather stony, but not very steep. Eventually the summit is reached by a very easy ("hands in pocket", mostly) short scramble up a gully. The trig point is surrounded by an area of boulders, but a few metres away is a stony grass area where I set up the old quad - no problem finding somewhere to push in plastic tent pegs for the guys. There are several substantial wind-breaks, and a roofed refuge but I've no idea how waterproof it is. No doubt others who've been less fortunate with the weather will advise. Don't be tempted to do a circular and return via the Fox's path. Several years ago I went down this in the mist with my son (Who enjoyed it - but he also enjoyed Crib Goch and Crib y Ddysgl a few weeks ago) and my wife (who didn't). The visible path is very steep down a loose scree ridge to Llyn y Gadair. I saw it today, and went down the way I went up. Need I say more? Oh, the stream! Absolutely wonderful for sitting on the bank and quenching the feet. It also made a great mug of tea - none of the additives that make tea taste like old-fashioned cough mixture (Does anyone remember Famel Syrup?) 73s, Dave, M0DFA |
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| 19th December 2004 |