All walks › Eryri: Cadair Idris and the Mawddach
Eryri: Cadair Idris and the MawddachTal-y-llyn Lake
Circuit of the lake in the fault valley below Cadair Idris, on lanes and paths with the mountain wall rising directly above.
- Distance
- 3.7 mi / 6 km
- Time
- 2 hr
- Ascent
- 80 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
Quiet lanes and field paths circle the lake from the church. Mostly level with the mountain in view throughout.
Worth knowing
- The valley follows the Bala fault, which is why it runs dead straight for miles.
- St Mary’s church at the eastern end has a fine painted ceiling.
- The lake is fished and the banks are private in places; keep to the paths.
What you’ll see
The lake, the fault valley running straight, and the southern crags of Cadair Idris.
Background
The Bala fault runs from the coast to the English border and this valley sits directly along it.