All walks › Eryri: Cadair Idris and the Mawddach
Eryri: Cadair Idris and the MawddachPrecipice Walk
A level path cut round the flank of Foel Cynwch, giving one of the great views in Wales for almost no climbing. The name oversells the danger and undersells the view.
- Distance
- 3.1 mi / 5 km
- Time
- 1 hr 30
- Ascent
- 120 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- 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
A waymarked circuit contours round the hill above the Mawddach, passing Llyn Cynwch on the return. Level throughout after the short initial climb, but narrow with drops on one side.
Worth knowing
- Permissive path on the Nannau estate rather than a right of way. Keep to the route and shut the gates.
- Not one for anyone uneasy about exposure: the path is narrow with a steep drop, though never technical.
- Go in the evening. The light down the Mawddach from here at sunset is the whole point.
What you’ll see
The Mawddach estuary running out to Barmouth, Cadair Idris opposite, and Llyn Cynwch on the way back.
Background
The path was laid out by the Nannau estate in the nineteenth century as a scenic walk, and has been open to the public by permission ever since.