Cadair Idris (Idris’ Chair) is the bow shaped rugged mountain which lies at the heart of the National Nature Reserve towards the south of Snowdonia National Park. Managed by the Countryside Council for Wales, this immense rock takes the breath away – beautiful and intimidating. Certainly, stomping up one of Wales’ highest mountains on a foggy wet winter’s day may not be everyone’s idea of fun.
Idris, who lends his name to this stunning peak, is likely to have been an important leader in this area. Local folklore imaginatively describes him as a giant who lived and battled other giants on the mountain. The large boulders on the lower slopes are said to be the debris of the stones he hurled at his enemies.
As we set off, the low cloud and mist makes the chances of glimpsing the peak something of a distant wish. With the chance of rainfall an ongoing possibility, we set off with our well kitted backpacks, maps and waterproofs. Positive thinking is a pre-requisite for any walker in this part of the world!
Following the Pony track path, we set off at a steady pace along a well maintained route, but my fellow walker [who knows the mountain ‘like the back of his hand’] soon leads me off the track and onto sheep paths towards the scree and cliffs. Nevertheless, the ten metre visibility quashes the impressive sight we had longed for.
loose scree
The scree and boulders near the lake appear easy to walk on, but the layers of wet vegetation which cover them demand a safety first approach. Progress is steady – it has to be.
After a brief tea stop and a refill of sweets, we set off up the scree and straight for the gully.
It’s not long before we are in thick mist. In rare moments, the lake below threatens to appear, until another cloud comes in and bleaches our view. Soon we pick up the odd shout of ‘below!’ as a loose rock bounces down. The calves burn, and frustration mounts a little – the challenge is set. Concentration is key when you know you’re taking one step forward and two back.
After some careful manoeuvring, we are out of the wind and progressing up the gully. The scree seems never-ending but we feel the top is near and, after one final push, the northerly wind hits us like a freight train. We have made the top – though the mad rush to grab the wind proofs from the rucksack means that it’s a few seconds before we settle and congratulate ourselves.
A quick photo opportunity at the summit is followed by a dash across to the hut for a much deserved tea break and some lunch – what a relief!
A view from the top of Fox's path
Leaving the shelter of the hut, the clouds suddenly part to reveal the lake below and the spectacle of the valley beyond. This is what it’s all about – the challenge, and the reward. The view consumes the senses and the bitter wind suddenly seems to melt to nothing. Satisfied, the downward route along fox’s path is a joy.
As I turn back for a final look, the clouds have once again returned and wrapped the mountain in a blanket of white. Idris is an unpredictable fellow. However, the changing nature of the mountain is also Idris’s plea. The unforeseen dangers, and the beauty of this ancient rock, are his promise.
