Cadair Idris start ?

https://flattyres-mtb.co.uk/route-guides/north-wales-mtb-routes/cadair-idris/

that looksl like how we did it, one of my best days out on a bike. the day after we explored some CliMachX extensions, but dont recall whre we picked up the details

^ didnt work very well.  Yep Abergynolwyn to start

We did it from Abergynolwyn, no idea what the other side is like though.

https://strava.app.link/FJr4NeUmHDb

Abergynolwyn, unless you're a roadie beast too.

It's a cracking out-and-back.  Make sure you have a proper look at the os maps and take all the offroad bits you can.  (And make sure you don't miss coming back off the fire road on the way back down for a cool bit of descent).

The only legal route goes up from that side so yes, Abergynolwn is going to be best. It’s pretty steep sided from the Dolgellau side, all footpaths afaik, some of it looks quite fun but not legal and the mountain was pretty busy when I’ve been up there recently. Probably a bit quieter now the summers gone though. 

Thanks everyone  and Big thanks to Phil5556 as ive totally just stole that gpx 🙂  I hide no shame in it .  Fingers crossed  the weatehr holds .

I recommend staying at the campsite that my route starts from too, lovely little place and Dylan the owner is a genuinely great guy 🙂

That was quick. Looks like a great day for it 😎

Phil  ive been wanting to do it for 8 years but never got round to it. So good weather and free pass from the wife as long as I made dinner (which I did ) and the last ride on the big bounce bike before Its mothballed for slop season. It just made sense, I wont go in to detail about the big tan coloured bull that chased me up the first part of the fire road climb, big scarey £%£$"£^!

You had such great weather I'm jealous, I've done Cadiar a couple of times; once it rained so hard I ran away and the second time it was mist and cloud all the way, so no views!