02 JULY 2022
This is one of the toughest "half marathon" routes in the UK, and possibly the most awe-inspiring. The route takes you through ancient woodland, past stunning glacial lakes, historic trails, and challenging mountainous terrain, including the summit of one of Snowdonia's most iconic mountains, Cadair Idris.
NB: This is a mountain route with some challenging ascents and descents.
- Distance: 13.1 miles
- Height gain: 1100m
- Terrain: 65% trail, 25% mountainous, and 10% tarmac
NB: This is a mountain route with some challenging ascents and descents.
THE ROUTE
The route will be route marked, but we recommend some basic navigation skills, and downloading the GPX file below.
The route will be route marked, but we recommend some basic navigation skills, and downloading the GPX file below.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Starting from the Tyn-Y-Cornel Hotel the route follows a country track along the north side of the stunning glacial ribbon lake, Tal Y Llyn, before entering the Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve.
You will run through the tranquil woodland of Dol Idris and then up steeply through the wooded gorge. As you ascend out of the trees you will clasp glimpses of the stunning glacial lake Llyn Cau to your left. You will continue your ascent towards Mynydd Moel before traversing west and ascending to the summit of Cadair Idris, 893m.
The section between the 4km and 6km mark involves steep ascent. The most challenging underfoot terrain is just after the summit of Cadair Idris.
Once off the rocky terrain of the summit your descent will follow the established Pony Path before turning south west down towards Tyn Y Fach and Mary Jones' Chapel. You will then follow a beautiful section of the Mary Jones walk before traversing North East through tranquil woodland tracks and back to Tal Y Llyn and the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel for some well earned rest.
Starting from the Tyn-Y-Cornel Hotel the route follows a country track along the north side of the stunning glacial ribbon lake, Tal Y Llyn, before entering the Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve.
You will run through the tranquil woodland of Dol Idris and then up steeply through the wooded gorge. As you ascend out of the trees you will clasp glimpses of the stunning glacial lake Llyn Cau to your left. You will continue your ascent towards Mynydd Moel before traversing west and ascending to the summit of Cadair Idris, 893m.
The section between the 4km and 6km mark involves steep ascent. The most challenging underfoot terrain is just after the summit of Cadair Idris.
Once off the rocky terrain of the summit your descent will follow the established Pony Path before turning south west down towards Tyn Y Fach and Mary Jones' Chapel. You will then follow a beautiful section of the Mary Jones walk before traversing North East through tranquil woodland tracks and back to Tal Y Llyn and the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel for some well earned rest.
GPX 2022
By traversing Mynydd Moel we've shaved a few 100 metres off the previous route to get it bang on 13.1 miles.
By traversing Mynydd Moel we've shaved a few 100 metres off the previous route to get it bang on 13.1 miles.
| 2022_Route.gpx |
Cadair X is an UTMB qualifier in the 20K category
MANDATORY KIT
Your usual hill running kit must include:
Your usual hill running kit must include:
- Waterproof jacket
- Insulation layer (eg micro-fleece, down gilet)
- Personal medication if required (eg. asthma pump)
- Water bottle/bladder & race-cup
- Suitable bag for carrying kit
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- A wristwatch
- Suitable footwear
- Map/GPS + Compass
- Hat/buff
In the event of severe mountain weather we'll use our Plan B route. It will still be a memorable route of the same distance, but won't go higher than 400m. Participants will be notified in advance.
COURSE RECORDS
- Richard Shephard 2:10:40
- Melanie Funnell 2:42:09
