The chilly silence of cloudy Cadair

Cadair Idris, Dolgellau The only sound was the roar of falling water, as the Nant Cadair sluiced over the rocks. Deep moss and clumps of fern cling to the stone walls in the oak wood, wrapping the walker in a soft acoustic cocoon

The weather looked untrustworthy at best, and it was clear from the outset that our ascent of Cadair Idris was unlikely to be complete. From the avenue of trees that forms the approach to the Minffordd path, the summit itself is hidden by the steep sides of the glaciated valley, but cloud loomed ominously over the crags of Moelfryn.

Deep in the valley, the air was still and bitterly cold. The only sound was the almost random roar of falling water, as the Nant Cadair - swollen by meltwater - sluiced over the rocks into the deep, clear pools that look so tempting in warmer weather. Deep moss and clumps of fern cling to the stone walls and boulders in the oak wood, moderating the sound and wrapping the walker in a soft acoustic cocoon.

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