Cambria Sports Culture CIC Cymraeg

All walksEryri: Cadair Idris and the Mawddach

Eryri: Cadair Idris and the Mawddach

The Mawddach Way from Dolgellau

The high-level alternative to the estuary trail, on the hills above the northern shore with the water below and Cadair Idris opposite.

Distance
6.2 mi / 10 km
Time
3 hr 40
Ascent
450 m
Difficulty
Demanding
Shape
Circular

Where it is

The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.

The route

The Mawddach Way climbs from the town onto the hillside and contours west above the estuary before dropping back. Steady climbing.

Worth knowing

  • A three-day circular route round the estuary; this is the first section.
  • Much harder than the flat Mawddach Trail on the opposite shore but far better views.
  • Plenty of stiles and working farmland.

What you’ll see

The Mawddach estuary from above, Cadair Idris opposite, and the hills of Meirionnydd.

Background

Dolgellau was the centre of the Welsh gold rush and the woollen trade, and its stone buildings reflect both.