Where does the Pony Path start for Cader Idris?
Table of Contents
Ty^ Nant farm
The path starts at the entrance to Ty^ Nant farm. As you walk from the car park, you will see Ty^ Nant farmhouse on your left, and beyond it the Cader Idris Ridge with, from left to right, Mynydd Moel, Pen y Gader – the summit (2,927ft, 893m) and Cyfrwy (The Saddle), with the conspicuous notch which is Idris’ Table.
Which is the easiest route up Cader Idris?
The Fox’s path is the most direct route, and so is the shortest route up Cader Idris if you ascend from Llyn Gwernan. The distance is around the same as the Pony Path if you start from Ty’n Nant car park and owing to the more difficult path will probably take longer.

Is Cader Idris harder than Snowdon?
Cader Idris has a number of choices, with the Minffordd Path being the better but harder route than the Pony Path. Snowdon has too many choices, but the shortest is the PYG track. The Miners’ Track is a good option for tired legs as it starts off steady, but more than makes up for it later!
How long does it take to walk up Cader Idris?
between five to six hours
It’s not an easy walk by any means, whichever route you take. They are all designated ‘hard/strenuous’ routes, and you should allow between five to six hours to get there and back. You’ll need to take plenty of food and drink as there isn’t a café (or toilet) on the summit.
How long is the Pony Path?
5.70 mile
Explore this 5.70 mile, out and back trail near Dolgellau, Gwynedd. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 47 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, walking, and other nature trips, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Where do you park for the Pony Path?
Pony Path, Tŷ Nant, Cader Idris
- Distance: 6 miles – 10Km (there & back)
- Ascent: 2,384 feet – 727 metres.
- Time: About 5 hours (there & back)
- Grade: Hard Strenuous Walk.
- Start/Finish: Tŷ Nant Car Park (SH 697 153)
- Parking: SNPA Car park at Pont Dyffrydan.
- Post Code: LL40 1TL.
How long does Minffordd Path take?
Further Details
Distance | Ascent | Time |
---|---|---|
4.9 km | 862 m | 5 hours |
Where does Minffordd Path start?
Cadair Idris Car Park
The Minffordd Path walk starts at Cadair Idris Car Park, off the A487, south Snowdonia. The closest sat nav postcode is LL36 9AJ but once you turn off the A487, you’ll see the signs for the car park at the base of the Minfforrd Path.
Where is Ty Nant car park?
Ty Nant Car Park Information
Location | Dolgellau |
---|---|
Address | Lombard Street, Dolgellau, Merioneth, United Kingdom, LL40 1 |
Notes | On minor road between Dolgellau and Cregennan. |
Telephone | 01766 770274 |
Website | Ty Nant Car Park Website |
Where does the Pony Path start?
Tŷ Nant farm
The path starts at the entrance to Tŷ Nant farm. As you walk from the car park, you will see Tŷ Nant farmhouse on your left, and beyond it the Cader Idris Ridge with, from left to right, Mynydd Moel, Pen y Gader – the summit (2,927ft, 893m) and Cyfrwy (The Saddle), with the conspicuous notch which is Idris’ Table. 2.
Which is the best path up Cadair Idris?
The Minffordd Path
The Minffordd Path is regarded as one of the best route up Cader Idris. With an initial approach up a steep gorge, views across it’s own mountain tarn, Llyn Cau and a ridge walk over Craig Cwm Amarch to complete the walk to the summit – everything you need for a day out in the mountains.
Can you cycle up Cader Idris?
It is a big mountain with a good variety of trails including double track, grassy trails, sinlgetrack and a final 1.5 miles of boulder strewn trail at the top. While there is some hike-a-biking the mountain is mostly ridable, if you have the legs for it.
What is the best way to get to Cader Idris?
The Pony Path from Ty Nant is the main footpath up Cader Idris from the Dolgellau side of the mountain. It is a reasonably safe route, which also offers the most rewarding views.
How to get to Cader Idris from Ty Nant?
The Pony Path from Ty Nant is the main footpath up Cader Idris from the Dolgellau side of the mountain. It is a reasonably safe route, which also offers the most rewarding views. Drag me! This map is intended as a rough guide only.
How much does it cost to run a Pony Path?
1 – The Pony Path route starts at the Ty Nant car park, which has toilets and picnic area. Run by the National Park it is £5 for a full day, or £2.50 for up to 4 hours if feeling confident of a swift up and down!
How long does it take to climb Cader Idris?
At about 3 miles, this is probably the shortest footpath up Cader Idris; although it involves the greatest ascent (2,850ft, 869m). No one is certain where the name Cader Idris (Idris’ chair) originates. Some maintain that Idris was a national hero, killed in battle against the Saxons round about 630 A.D.