Llyn Cau has an ambience all of its own. This is a beautiful high mountain pool watched over by the frowning cliffs of Craig Cwm Amarch and Penygadair, Cadair Idris' main summit.

Like Snowdon's Glaslyn, legend tells of a terrifying serpent, the Afanc, in the depths of the water. It's easy to imagine serpents, dragons and giants in a landscape such as this, which is probably why Cadair Idris is so rich in myths and legends.

Tom

April 29, 2019

Hiking

This is the lake surrounded by the Cadair Idris range. Its spectacular colour is only really appreciated from way above on the ridge, however this is a good stop for a quick break or even a swim if you are brave enough.

Kàyto Adventure

June 15, 2021

Hiking

Legend of Cadair Idris
Local folklore describes Idris as a giant who lived on this magnificent mountain; Cadair Idris is Welsh for “Idris's chair”.

The large boulders on the lower slopes are supposed to be the debris from stone throwing battles between Idris and the other giants.

It is said that if you are lucky enough to survive a night on the summit, the ordeal will either drive you mad or turn you into a poet.

Routes here

Best routes to Llyn Cau

4.9

(370)

3,013

hikers

1. Cadair Idris loop on the Minffordd path — Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

10.5km

05:09

850m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.6

(18)

121

hikers

2. Minffordd Path to Llyn Cau

6.67km

02:47

430m

Hike the Minffordd Path to Llyn Cau, a 4.1-mile route with 1399 feet of elevation gain, offering stunning glacial lake views in Cadair Idris

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(32)

574

hikers

3. Nant Cader Footbridge – View of Llyn y Gader loop from Cader Idris National Nature Reserve

10.2km

05:15

850m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 470 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 8 March

11°C

3°C

33 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Location: Llanfihangel-Y-Pennant, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View of Llyn Cau from Craig Cwm Amarch

Summit shelter on Cader Idris

Nant Gwernol Waterfalls

Penygadair Summit, Cadair Idris

Llyn y Gader

Rhaeadr Ddu (Black Falls) Waterfalls

Tony the Tiger Trail

Nant Cader Footbridge

View of Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Cadair Idris Range

View of Llyn Cau from Mynydd Moel

Llyn Cau

1. Cadair Idris loop on the Minffordd path — Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

2. Minffordd Path to Llyn Cau

3. Nant Cader Footbridge – View of Llyn y Gader loop from Cader Idris National Nature Reserve

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️