Did the trekking of Cadair Idris,Mynydd Moel, Craig Lwyd and Talyllyn Circular. Anti clockwise would be more easy as loose rock all around that rush downhill would be more hard & easy sprained the ankle/broke legs(i saw 2 people hurt the legs and helicopter when i came back camp site). The view of lake and Cadair Idris Summit so stunning. So far managable and more easiler than tryfan & crib goch.

A longish walk best to start early, starts from a trust car park £6 all day so not too bad, toilets in the car park. Walk along a driveway type road well signposted, then off to the right into the woods, steps all the way up through the woods which includes a waterfall. As you come out of the woods follow the clear path. The path splits up one going to the left the other to the right, follow the left path, which takes you up and around to the lake. From the lake you can clearly see the path leading up to the Cadair Idris. The path all the way around the top is fairly easy to follow in good visibility and in my view should only be done in these conditions. Also be aware of wind conditions, it can get very windy at the top if too strong can become dangerous. Only one bit that needs a bit of care around 3/4 of the way around you come across a rocky section, just keep to the middle and stay away from the edges. After that the path starts to descend downhill over a grassy plateau, look to the left you have great views including the sea, to the right is the Cadair Idris lake. Two choices on the grassy plateau keep high across it until you come to a fence & stile or drop down to the lower older path which is clearly marked and comes to the same fence lower down and another stile to climb over. If you go for the higher stile go over it turn right and follow the fence down. Soon becomes rock steps on a clear to follow path. Rock steps all the way down now which can take it out on your legs so trekking poles can help. You then come to where the path split on the way up. Go left back to the woods. Really lovely walk but don’t underestimate the physical nature of this walk the stone step descent can have its toll on your leg’s & knees. My advice is only do this trek on a good clear day, if strong winds or low cloud avoid, enjoy and stay safe

We have a combined age of around 130 and wanted to tick Cadair Idris off the bucket list . We are reasonably fit for our ages . We prepared well and had enough water and food an OS Map compass and mobile phone and waterproofs in our packs . Sturdy boots are a must . Sticks were useful . This is a fantastic adventure but we found the steep initial ascent over boulder steps for around 2k on the Minffordd path to be challenging in 26 degree heat . We were sensible and rested frequently but around 2/3 rds up started to feel the effects of heat . A rest behind an outcrop - as shade there was scarce once past the lower wooded area - a banana and some Kendall mint cake with water did the trick and we got to Llyn Cau after a couple of hours taking it slowly . The Llyn is a glorious place in itself . Had we been younger and the temperature cooler we would have attempted the summit . But our sensible heads dictated we try that another day . We were delighted to have done part of the trail - do not underestimate the initial climb if you go this way - it’s tough even for younger folk . The rewards if you make it are spectacular !! We had a glorious day and Llyn Cau was truly stunning in the sunlight . We met others who completed the full circuit and without a doubt agreed this is a bucket list adventure ! Top tip don’t wait til you’re over 70 to do it unless you’re super fit ! Or take the longer more gradual trails but definitely do it safely . We met a chap struggling down the steps with a twisted ankle - wear good boots ! We saw less than twenty people all day so far less busy than Snowdon . Very scenic and enjoyable nonetheless. We have climbed Pen y Fan steep Storey arms route ( not the “Motorway” ) easily at 65 yrs compared to this . Treat Cadair Idris with respect it’s a magnificent mountain and check the weather . You won’t be disappointed. Dol Idris car park is almost 4 miles past Corris - towards Dolgellau . £6 all day - the start of the Minffordd route we took - fair amount of parking but go early to secure at peak times . The cafe was closed when we visited July 24 .

Stunning walk! Hard on the legs as it’s lots of steps and uneven stones pretty much all the way up. You need a decent level of fitness. We found the descent harder as our legs were tired. Took about 6.5 hours with plenty of photos and snack breaks. Go prepared for weather as can get cold on the top. There is a mini summit before the actual summit that’s actually much further away so don’t be fooled by that!