Hi, we’re planning on doing cadair idris next weekend, staying at Shell island. I’ve not ridden there before and all the routes are out and back and apparently start at Abergynolwyn. But want to keep driving to a minimum so are there any loops where you can start further north?

Unlikely I would have thought, and certainly not on a bridleway. The north faces of the mountain are mostly pretty sheer. From the south you can pedal most of the way to the top.

You could maybe get a bit cheeky and ride down the Pony Path in a northerly direction, but pretty sure it would be a push/cash up.

Interested if any locals know different….?

Also watching with interest. There’s only a 1300 metre section of the pony path that’s not Bridleway…
If only it was, Cadair would surely be one if the top UK rides. As it is the southerly approach is a great ride up but below the Pony junction it’s as dull as hell as a descent. Would have made an amazing circular route from Dolgellau round the BOAT and Bridleway to the east, up the southerly Bridleway and then tan it down the north side…

If only..

We did the southern route a few weeks back. which was quite a good climb. If the pony path is largely surfaced up to the point they meet this may be more interesting