Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Running trails & routes

Llanfihangel-Y-Pennant

Llyn Cau on the Minffordd Path – View of Llyn y Gader loop from Cader Idris National Nature Reserve

Routes

Running trails & routes

Llanfihangel-Y-Pennant

Llyn Cau on the Minffordd Path – View of Llyn y Gader loop from Cader Idris National Nature Reserve

Hard

runners

Llyn Cau on the Minffordd Path – View of Llyn y Gader loop from Cader Idris National Nature Reserve

02:22

11.2km

920m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Cader Idris National Nature Reserve

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

454 m

Llyn Cau on the Minffordd Path

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

From the start of the Minnford path you do need to be prepared for relentless steps and uphill climbing, take a break at the lake before the climbing continues. Do keep going though as the reward is in the views from the top of the ridge.

Tip by

2.61 km

Minffordd Path to Cadair Idris via Llyn Cau

Highlight • Trail

The Minffordd Path starts at the Dol-y-cae car park and climbs steeply up through woodland to emerge on the mountainside below Llyn Cau. From here, it follows the rocky ridgeline to the west of the llyn, over Craig Cau and steeply up to the summit of Cadair Idris. It's a great run either as an out and back or combined with a different descent or ascent to create a loop.
The trail is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) each way and has about 2,585 feet (788 m) of ascent.

Tip by

3.41 km

View of the Lake Through the Gulch

Highlight • Viewpoint

4.84 km

View of Llyn y Gadair from Cyfrwy Ridge

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

From the ridge between the summits of Cyfrwy and Cadair Idris there is an impressive view of the lake Llyn y Gader deep down under the cliffs. Watch your step, though, and stay away from the edge - some of the rocks and stones may be loose.

Tip by

5.78 km

View of Llyn y Gader

Highlight • Lake

6.31 km

Penygadair summit, Cadair Idris

Highlight • Summit

Complex and striking, Cadair Idris is the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) of southern Eryri (Snowdonia): a honeypot mountain renowned for its imperious cliffs, enticing ridges and pretty tarns. It is a peak shrouded in myth. Its name, meaning ‘Chair of Idris’, derives from the Welsh legend of a giant who created a mountainous seat for stargazing.

Tip by