The Mighty Cadair Idris, Wales (Snowdonia Mountain Range) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

ONE-OFF – Easter Bank Holiday Special - we've managed to secure this hostel for the best Bank Holiday of the year - the only one with 4 days holiday...

This Easter Bank Holiday, we head to Cadair Idris, arguably the most dramatic mountain in southern Snowdonia, rising above the Mawddach Estuary with a long elevated ridge, a glacial lake near the summit, and wide-ranging views across the mountains and out to Cardigan Bay. Quieter and wilder than Snowdon, and accessible only on foot, Cadair Idris offers a more immersive mountain experience. We’ll also discover the stunning Welsh coastline with a scenic hike along the hills to Barmouth and across the vast and breathtaking Mawddach sand estuary - often considered the UK's most stunning estuary. On the final day we enjoy a gentler walk through woodland, valley tops, and along a lake. We stay in a remote rural hostel beside the River Gwynant that we've hired exclusively for our group, with two hikes starting directly from the hostel and only the final day requiring a short drive.

📏 Key Info
• 🌙 Nights: 3 (Fri-Mon)
• 💷 Cost: £266 early bird / £308 standard
• 🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate/Tough (3 hikes: 2-3 hrs, 5-6.5 hrs, 6.5-8 hrs)
• 🍽️ Meals Included: All breakfasts, all packed lunches, Sat & Sun dinner, cream tea

🌟 Trip Highlights
• Summit the majestic Cadair Idris (893m) on a stunning mountain hike
• Enjoy a stay at a remote and idyllic Rural Hostel on the banks of the River Gwynant, surrounded by woodland
• Hike the coastal estuary around Barmouth
• Explore the charming seaside town and golden sand beaches of Barmouth
• Discover mountain ridges, lakes, and valleys on a gentler final day hike
• Escape the crowds and experience the peaceful side of Snowdonia
• Enjoy a sociable group adventure in stunning natural surroundings

🥾 Trip Description
Cadair Idris is a spectacular mountain consisting of a 3km long elevated ridge and a glacial lake near the summit. It offers breathtaking views on a clear day – Mount Snowdon can be seen as well as views of Cardigan Bay and the sea.

Cadair Idris is 893m high and after we reach the summit we will have a lofty hike around the narrow rim of its cwm, offering breathtaking views in all directions. Snowdon attracts the masses due to being the largest mountain in Wales, while Cadair Idris is often considered the more rewarding mountain walk and a lot quieter.

On Sunday, we’ll ease off the altitude but keep the wow factor with a coastal and mountain hike to the seaside town of Barmouth. This route is a hidden treasure - a rugged and scenic climb into the hills where the sea meets the mountains. With sweeping views of the Mawddach estuary, coastline, and Snowdonia’s peaks, it’s a breathtaking contrast to the raw, alpine drama of Cadair Idris. After arriving in Barmouth, we’ll have free time to unwind and explore - with a walk along the beach, a coffee by the harbour, or a wander through its historic streets.

Monday offers a gentle finale - a peaceful hike through ancient woodland, glacial valleys, and alongside mountain lakes. This relaxed walk is ideal for stretching your legs one final time before the journey home. Though easier in pace, the scenery is still classic Snowdonia, with wild ridges, hidden trails, and tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. We aim to finish around midday, giving you plenty of time to make the drive home, rested and recharged from this mountain adventure.

📅 Itinerary

Friday – Arrival
Arrive at our exclusively hired hostel accommodation booked in Snowdonia. Settle into your room, and meet your fellow hikers over a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is informal - no rush, just good company and excitement for the days ahead.

Saturday – Cadair Idris
• Distance: 13km (8 miles)
• Grading: Challenging, some proper mountain hiking
• Ascent: 910m
• Hiking time: 5 - 6.5 hours

We’ll set out directly from the hostel on foot and join the Pony Track, a classic route up Cadair Idris - so no driving today. The path begins gently before opening into wide mountain views, steadily gaining height with every step. As we climb, the trail skirts the edge of the dramatic glacial cwm, revealing ever-expanding vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. There are sections that are very steep and some with loose scree/rocky zones.

Reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded on a clear day with sweeping 360-degree views across Snowdonia, the Mawddach Estuary, Cardigan Bay, the Llyn Peninsula, and even the distant mountains of Ireland. After this challenging but unforgettable day on the mountain, we’ll return to the hostel for a well earned, hearty dinner.

Sunday – Barmouth Estuary
• Distance: 22km (14 miles)
• Grading: Intermediate/Tough - it's a long hike with hills too
• Ascent: 410m
• Hiking time: 6.5 - 8 hours

Discover the best of coast and countryside on this stunning circular hike to Barmouth.

We’ll set off from the hostel and follow a beautiful trail that brings us to the twin lakes of Llynnau Cregennen, perched high above the Mawddach Estuary. These glacial lakes sit in a spectacular setting, with Cadair Idris towering behind and sweeping views down to the sea. From here our route descends towards the coast, where we cross the famous Barmouth Bridge, a mile-long wooden railway viaduct with a footpath that spans the mouth of the estuary.

On the far side, there’s time to wander through Barmouth, a classic seaside town with a sandy beach and harbour. After exploring, we turn inland to join the Mawddach Trail – a former railway line now transformed into a scenic walking path. This gentle track hugs the estuary back towards Dolgellau, with views of tidal waters, salt marshes and mountain backdrops.

Our circular journey ends as we return on foot to YHA Kings, having completed a wonderfully varied day that combines mountains, lakes, estuary, seaside, and woodland in one memorable loop.

This evening, we have a simple and basic pizza dinner at the hostel.

Monday – Lakes and Ridge Walks
• Distance: 6km (4 miles)
• Grading: Beginner/Intermediate
• Ascent: 130m
• Hiking time: 2 - 3 hours

A gentle day today to relax and see a less known area.

Wander through ancient woods, along scenic ridgelines and through breathtaking valleys. Our hike finishes following the shore of a stunning mountain lake.

Typical finish time: midday/early afternoon, typically 12:30 to 1:30pm, so you have plenty of time for the drive back to London. This marks the end of the organised trip.

🚗 Transport, Accommodation & Start Time
• The trip begins at YHA Kings Youth Hostel
• Arrival is from 7pm – no access before this time
• You will need transport to and from the trip and to the hike on the final day. For car sharing - Lift share discussion
• Train is possible — Barmouth is ~20 mins by taxi to the hostel and Days 1–2 are from the hostel, but Day 3 requires a car (otherwise you’ll miss the short hike)
• Accommodation: 3 nights in single gender hostel rooms (6 bedded rooms)

🍽️ Food - All meals are included:
• Breakfast (Sat, Sun & Mon): typically cereal, porridge with fresh fruit, berries, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit salad, free range eggs, yogurt, toast and coffees, teas etc.
• Packed lunches (Sat, Sun & Mon): fruit, crisps, cereal bars and a range of options to make your own sandwiches typically tomatoes, cucumber, houmous, peanut butter, honey, jam, ham, cheese and salami.
• Dinner (Sat)
• Dinner (Sun): Basic and simple pizzas
• Afternoon cream tea: Scones, clotted cream and jam, a tasty treat!

Meals are meat-based with vegetarian alternatives.

💷 Cost & Booking
• £266 total for the first 25 sign-ups (Early Booking Discount), then £308 total. Click “Attend” to pay the £30 deposit by PayPal
• Remainder due within 7 days by bank transfer - we'll email details
• Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see FAQ)

✅ Price Includes
• 3 nights hostel accommodation
• Breakfast on Saturday, Sunday & Monday
• Packed lunches on Saturday, Sunday & Monday
• Dinner Saturday and Sunday night
• Cream teas
• Experienced trip host for the duration of the weekend
• 3 guided hikes with a trained hike leader
• Full financial protection under the 2018 Package Travel Regulations

❌ Price Excludes
• Transport to, during and from the trip
• The £2 Barmouth bridge toll fee

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⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader. As with all outdoor activities, hiking carries some inherent risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothes – including warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers. See: Clothing tips.

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