Southern Snowdonia: February 21st- 23rd

Southern Snowdonia: February 21st- 23rd

Regular price £85.00 Sale

South Eryri/Snowdonia's Finest Mountain & The Highest Waterfall in Wales

The Chair of Idris

Cadair Idris is one of the famous Welsh 3 Peaks, alongside Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon and Pen y Fan. Yet with far fewer people making for the 893m summit of this, the finest mountain in southern Eryri/Snowdonia.
  
Found just outside Dolgellau, Gwynedd, set in a National Nature Reserve, protected for its geology and habitats. Rare alpine flowers still grow on its slopes, a legacy of the last Ice Age. 
  
Our 10km route starts at the foot of the mountain in the Dol Idris Car Park and we take The Minffordd Path up, which is a scenic beauty! We meet the Cambrian Way and finally the steep descend after taking in the views from the summit of Mynydd Moel.
  
The trail offers a variety of terrain including a gorge, forest, rugged ridges, and a climb to the summit overlooking Llyn Cau (lake). Beautiful landscape all the way, with huge views, taking in the whole sweep of Cardigan bay on a good day. This trip really is a beautiful escape from the crowds; a more peaceful visit for the real hiking connoisseur. 
 
Cadair is surrounded by legend. Its name means Chair of Idris, the giant. Llyn Cau, the lake in the centre of the horseshoe, is said to be bottomless. While spending a whole night on Cadair's summit is told to leave you coming home either mad or with the eloquence of a poet...
  
Walk Distance: 10km
 
Hike Ascent: 1,000m
 
Start Point: 
  • Dol Idris Car Park, Tywyn, LL36 9A
  • £6 for the day
  • Put the whole address into Google maps, not just the postcode
Duration: 5+hours.
 
Leader: Chris meet our leaders
 
Walk Rating: Strenuous (explained here
 
 

We only regret opportunities we don't take

 

Booking terms and conditions

  
 

Pistyll Rhaeadr Falls

On our second day of this trip, we take in a 10km circular walk, visiting both the top and bottom of magnificent Pistyll Rhaeadr Falls, the tallest waterfall in Wales, along with a stunning area of the beautiful Berwyn Mountains.
 

Meaning Spring of the Waterfall, Pistyll Rhaeadr at 240ft is an impressive three stage waterfall, one of the tallest in the UK with a total drop of almost 80m. As such, it is considered to be one of The Seven Wonders of Wales.

Walk Distance: 10km

Hike Ascent: 543m

Start Point:
  • Pistyll Rhaeadr Car Park, SY10 0BZ
  • £6 for the day
  • Use the whole address in Google maps, not just the postcode
 
Duration: 5+hours.
 
Leader: Chris meet our leaders
 
Walk Rating: Strenuous (explained here

  

 

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations

 

Booking terms and conditions

    

   

 

IMPORTANT INFO:

  • A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
  • Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity. 
  • Booking Terms & Conditions (Including cancellation policy): are found here. PLEASE READ BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING.
  • Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
  • While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
  • Parking Charges: may apply. Good idea to bring cash/change.
  • Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
  • Dogs: are welcome on the walks, but are entirely the owner's responsibility, must have a lead and be under close control at all times. Please check your accommodation's policy.
  • Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
  • Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
  • Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
  • Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
  • Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing.

 

Health & Safety Application Form:

If you have not already (or if circumstances have changed), please complete the participant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.

 

Selecting Accommodation

Accommodation is available to book in shared houses with other members of the group and can be booked by selecting from the drop down menu near the top of this page.

You can book walks without any accommodation; book walks with your own single occupancy room; book walks with a room that you share with a partner friend or another member of the group. Booking a shared room relies on another person also making exactly the same booking in order that you have a roommate. Please let us know if you do have a particular person you would like to share with.

As the houses are reserved for the duration of our stay, it is unlikely we can accommodate anyone wanting to pay for a shorter period (might be worth checking with us by email/message). However, if you would prefer, please feel free to book your own accommodation and join us for the walks you would like to by selecting each one and adding them to your cart from the the drop-down menu.

The accommodation is self-catered, so no breakfast or other meals are included. However we hope everyone will join the group for dinner on at least one evening.

   

 

Mountain Kit List:

Review the Kit List below to help you decide what you need for your adventure. The walk will go ahead even in strong wind/rain and only cancelled if conditions become what we consider too dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to be properly equipped! Tried and tested clothing only - don't want to find out something rubs once you've started the challenge and it's too late to change! 

  • Rucksack - min 25 litres with cover.
  • Walking boots; broken in; NO trainers
  • Double layer walking socks.
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers.
  • Base layer top – breathable.
  • Warm fleece and spare fleece.
  • Walking trousers - NO jeans!
  • Multiple thin tops allowing temperature changes.
  • Post-challenge clothes.
  • 3 litres of fluid per peak.
  • Basic First Aid kit & Sun cream.
  • Warm gloves, hat/balaclava.
  • Head torch with spare batteries.
  • Whistle for sounding the alarm.
  • Toiletries, towel.
  • Mobile phone & waterproof case
  • FULL LIST HERE

  

Fitness:

We have lots of other walks coming up that are great for training. They also provide an opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming challenge and meet other members of the team. So please browse our website www.getoutdoorsuk.org and come join us soon! We're adding new dates all the time. Taking part in build up events is also a great excuse to push your fundraising page if you are supporting a charity and update supporters about your challenge journey via social media, etc.

If you aren't able to join us for a walk, then great places to train with decent inclines include: The Lake District with 214 Wainwrights; The Dark Peak District with Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout; the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains with Pen y Fan and Sugar Loaf Mountains. There's also the Malvern Hills, Chiltern Hills and Cotswolds, which have lots of hilly walks. There may be other hilly area near you.

The level of training needed depends totally on where you're starting from. Completion is dependent on a mixture of fitness, stamina and determination.

As a rough guide we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as possible prior to the event. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Improve your stamina by including a long weekly walk, building up to 15 miles or more. Improve your cardio by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can.

Jogging uphill is a really good way to replicate the cardiovascular strain needed for ascents.

Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength.  

Finally and most importantly, make sure you take it easy during the last week running up to the event. It takes more than 7 days for muscles to recover, rebuild and benefit from any exercise you do. All top athletes do it - 'Tapering off' is your opportunity to exercise lightly and make sure you do not arrive with a build up of lactic acid in your legs that WILL slow you down during the challenge.

 

We only regret opportunities we don't take

 

Eryri/Snowdonia

Behold the sweeping valleys
Where the heathered slopes do lie, 
With rugged peaks that reach
Unto the ever-changing sky, 
Where Snowdon stands before me now
As clouds begin to break, 
Llanberis still the morning light
Now rests upon the lake.

 - by ANDREW BLAKEMORE

 

Future Walk Info:

Submit your email address below to receive information on future walks.

Join us for a hike in beautiful places like the Brecon Beacons, Cotswolds, Malverns, Chilterns, Peak District, Oxford...

Perfect way to start your training for a challenge like the 3 Peaks or simply to get out into the countryside, while being sociable.

Please "Like" the Get Outdoors Facebook Group for even more updates!


  

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