why?

This is a journey to the sacred Cadair Idris the spiritual centre of mid Wales. The mountain is shrouded in legend and the opportunity to sleep on its summit, unmissable. On the mid-summer solstice we will be there for the shortest night and watch the dawn break over the turn of the year. One myth suggests that anyone who stays the night will return a poet or a madman. Through shared transformative experience, we can make the former far more likely.

All participants are requested to bring a poem to read at the summit. We will provide a bottle of champagne for those that would like a glass.

when?

We will travel from London Euston early afternoon on the 19th June. Arriving in Barmouth we will stay in a comfortable guest house that evening. On the morning of the 20th we will set off onto the mountain. It is a good walk, but we will keep the pace gentle. That night we will bed down in the open air, before waking on the Sunday morning to the most glorious bedroom view in the country. We will walk off the mountain and back to Barmouth before returning by train to London Euston for early evening.

what?

The walk from Barmouth to the top of Cadair Idris is moderately strenuous and is achievable for people with reasonable fitness and good mobility.

To sleep out, a sleeping bag and mat is needed and possibly a bivy bag. We can provide this equipment though people might prefer to bring their own. There is a small bothy at the top which can be a refuge should the weather be poor but space is limited. Should the forecast suggest rain, we may choose to take lightweight tents to the top. A kit list will be provided after booking.

Food will not be provided with the exception of breakfast in Barmouth, and a meal at the top of the mountain. Advice regarding appropriate food for the trail will be given on request. Dependent on group decisions, we should have time to get lunch on Sunday in one of Barmouth’s many cafes.

The cost of this experience is £240 per person. This includes train fairs and bed and breakfast. Each person will have their own room on Friday night. Should you wish to book as a couple and share a room, then costs will be reduced to £200 each.