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Penygadair (Cader Idris)

English/Welsh
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
893 m (2929 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
SH71131307
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
n/a
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Pen y Gader = Top of the chair, Cader Idris = Idris's Chair
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  124   Dolgellau & Porthmadog
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Cadair Idris (2500ft+) is the most southern mountain in the Snowdonia National Park (Wales). This is a complex structure of craggy ridges which approximate to a letter H on its side: Two roughly E-W ridges being joined in the centre by Craig Cau which forms the head wall of Cwm Cau.

The northern E-W ridge has Penygadair, the highest point of the mountain, near its centre; and most of the ridge E of Penygadair is precipitous and craggy. Cwm Cau, with its Llyn, is also encircled by crags. From Penygadair the ridge runs 1.7 km ENE to Mynydd Moel (863m) then continues a further 2 km SE turning NE to Gau Graig (683m). In the opposite direction the main ridge runs 1.km WSW turning NW to Cyfrwy (811m), with precipitous cliffs to the N. The ridge then continues W then SW a further 5km to Craig-y-llyn (622m). The southern E-W ridge is only 3 km in length and centres on Craig Cwm Amarch (791m), which is linked to Penygadair by a N-S ridge over a col at 710m contour above the E-facing precipice of Craig Cau.

Cadair Idris can be ascended from Dolgellau to the N, either directly by the steep and scrambly ‘Foxes Path’ which finds a weakness through the N-facing crags, or a popular more easily graded path via Cyfrwy and the SW ridge. The most scenic ascent however is from the Idris Estate gates to the S, via Llyn Y Cau and Craig Cwm Amarch.

Hazards you may encounter on Penygadair include
 Steep slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
A special thank you to David S Brown for his work on this and all of the England/Wales information.
Picture Gallery for Penygadair

looking NW toward Pwllheli and Bardsay Island

© T.j. Lennon
Image by T.j. Lennon

The Cader Idris range seen from the NE after an overnight April snowfall.

© David S Brown
Image by David S Brown
 

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
Snowdonia
by MWIS (PDF format) 		Snowdonia
by Met Office 		Cader Idris
by Metcheck
Penygadair Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

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The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Penygadair.

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  Routes that include Penygadair
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1100 m 13.14 km 4.5 hrs Penygadair  Moderate scenic and scramble-free ascent route revealing the best of the topography of this craggy mountain. The detour to 811m top (Cyfrwy) reveals a fine prospect of the N face crags and gives a more interesting ridge approach to the summit. Not Yet Rated 
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Penygadair

  Baggers Gallery for Penygadair

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