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, join us for a new and exclusive adventure as we head to Cadair Idris — a majestic mountain in the southern part of the Snowdonia range in Wales.

Often overshadowed by Mount Snowdon, Cadair Idris is a hidden gem that offers a far more rewarding and spectacular hiking experience. With breathtaking coastal views and dramatic mountain scenery, it's arguably more stunning than Snowdon and without the crowds. While over 1 million people visit Snowdon annually, with summit queues lasting up to an hour as well as a train to the summit, Cadair Idris remains more peaceful and unspoiled and the only way to the summit is to hike...

We’ll also discover the stunning Welsh coastline with a scenic hike along the hills to Barmouth, offering sweeping sea views and fresh coastal air. After the hike, we’ll spend time exploring this picturesque seaside town, with its fine sandy beach, quaint harbour, and inviting cafés — the perfect contrast to the wild mountain landscapes.

We’ve secured accommodation in a beautiful rural hostel, set in a remote, idyllic location. Nestled among ancient woodland and right by the banks of the River Gwynant, it’s the perfect base for this unique mountain escape.

To make things even better, two of our hikes set off directly from the hostel itself — with only the final day’s walk requiring a short 17 minute drive.

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 sandy beach 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

WEEKEND 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 distant 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 itself attracts the masses due to being the largest mountain in Wales which leaves Cadair Idris far quieter and it's a fairly undiscovered gem.

On Sunday, we’ll ease off the altitude but keep the wow factor with a coastal and mountain hike to the picturesque 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 estuary, coastline, and Snowdonia’s peaks, it’s a breathtaking contrast to the raw, alpine drama of Cadair Idris. After arriving into 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 serene 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 — 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

Head over to our hostel accommodation booked in Snowdonia. You can arrive any time from 7pm.

Saturday

Hike: Cadair Idris
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Ascent: 910m
Grading: Challenging, some proper mountain hiking
Hiking time: 5 to 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

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

Hike: Lakes and Ridge Walks
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 130m
Grading: Beginner/Intermediate
Hiking time: 2 to 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.

We will finish midday/early afternoon, typically 12:30 to 1:30pm, so you have plenty of time for the drive back to London

COST & PAYMENT

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT - £262 for the first 20 people to sign up, then £304. Click “Attend” to pay the £30 deposit by PayPal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 1st February, we’ll email payment details 1 week before.

Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ

TRANSPORT, ACCOMMODATION AND START TIME

The trip starts at the venue and you will need transport to the hike on the final day. If you would like to drive or request a lift share: Lift share discussion

The accommodation address is at the top of this page. Arrival is from 7pm onwards only - there is no access before 7pm which is when the trip begins.

FOOD

Breakfast is healthy and nutritious - typically cereal, porridge with fresh fruit, berries, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit salad, free range eggs, yogurt, toast and coffees, teas etc.

For lunch we provide 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.

After the hike we enjoy Cream Teas - an English delicacy consisting of scones, clotted cream and jam, a tasty treat!

Meals are meat based with vegetarian options. To find out if the food being provided meets your intolerance/allergies/preferences/likes/dislikes etc, please email us. You are welcome to bring your own favourite items to meet specific requirements and there is a fridge and kitchen you can use.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 3 nights in hostel accommodation (6-bedded single gender rooms)
• Breakfast on all three hiking days
• Packed lunches on all three hiking days
• Saturday and Sunday night dinner (Sunday is a basic and simple pizza dinner)
• Cream teas
• Tea, coffee and herbal tea throughout the trip
• Guided hikes with a trained hike leader and qualified Outdoors First Aider
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

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

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

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