Cadair Idris by the Fox's Path
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The northern crags of Cadair Idris are breached in only two places. The Fox's Path offers a steeper and more direct alternative to the Pony Path that is suitable for more experienced walkers. It can be combined with a descent of the Pony Path (see Walk 874), which is more straightforward and easier to follow in adverse conditions.
The walk starts just above Llyn Gwernan, which has changed little since Alfred de Breanski, a Victorian landscape artist, painted the view across the lake to the foot of Cadair Idris. Go through a gate opposite the Gwernan Lake Hotel to join the Fox's Path as it ascends through farmland to reach open ground. A dry stonewall offers a convenient handrail feature during the early part of the walk.
Two lakes are passed along the way: Llyn Gafr and Llyn y Gadair. The remains of a hut-circle settlement lie northeast of Llyn Gafr. In contrast to the northern crags that dominate the approach to Cadair Idris, neither lake comes into view until it is close at hand. The pleasure of discovery is greatest on warm, sunny days.
Cadair Idris means chair of Idris. One Welsh legend describes Idris as a giant who gazed at the stars from a seat carved out of the rocks behind Llyn y Gadair. The narrow ridge of Cyfrwy marks the western arm, whilst the Fox's Path ascends the eastern arm to gain the summit plateau. It is a short walk to the triangulation pillar on top of Pen y Gadair. There is a stone hut just below the summit.
Wales - North Wales - Gwynedd - Snowdonia
Features
Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mountains