Hiking Cadair Idris - First Solo Mountain Climb

2021 notes: This was my first attempt at a video (so pardon the shaky camera, wind noise and severe lack of safety/preparation!) but as my first solo mountain climb, and the first summit of my 2020 'Mountain a Month' challenge, I wanted to document the experience as best I could at the time.
Glad to say my camera skills and hiking skills/experience have improved greatly since this was filmed.

I hope you enjoy and it inspires you to go out and explore. Please subscribe, and follow my adventures on Instagram at @graces__adventures ♥

My hiking kit list:

[DCSHacks]

Huge respect - Our family rescued a scientist who got separated from her group (took a wrong turn) up snowdon. We walked her back to our car park, drover to where she parked her car and all was well. It happens.

[emily]

Solo hiking is something I'm really getting into this year, I havent done any mountains or wild camps yet but watching your videos has given me a right confidence boost. Your journey through it all is really helping me prepare!

[edcase]

I know I'm 3 years too late with this comment but getting lost on the top of Cadair in poor weather is surprisingly easy to do. I have relatives who live in the area (Machynlleth) so I've done Cadair 20+ times over the years - the last time I was up there in May there was really poor visibility and I started off down the wrong path, luckily I'm familiar with the place so realised my error after a minute or two but I'm sure dozens have made the same mistake.

[Balders]

Well done. Good to see a warts and all video where you learn from your experiences.

[karaksan]

Good news is you made it! Compass is a good tool as you at least know the general direction you need to go on your way back if something happens. Trust me you were more prepared than some I’ve come across.

[TomAndJoeVlogsTJOutdoors]

Going to watch all your videos from here and work my way up, can already tell how massively you have came on from this video to the snowdon and crib goch video! Great video, Enjoyed it. 👍🏻🏔

[astratow]

There is an old Polish saying: end of the tongue for a guide... As long as you find people and you talk to them you are fine. People often help, which you have proven well.
As per maps they are priceless. Even print out from the net. Great views. Your hair got lovely curly fashion after a while, which made you super attractive (in my eyes at least). I would try limit depending on electric gadgets. Splendid effort! You learnt tones!

[pauljones]

Exactly the same happened to me and hence why I started my YouTube channel to show people around in a straightforward manner. There can be a lot of machismo in climbing and I feel that can put a lot of us off so that’s why I’m honest in my films and really appreciate something real and positive like this. All the very best in your quest! Paul

[pjoseph]

My 7 year old daughter climbed it with us on Sunday.

Really enjoyed it!

My calf's are still feeling a little tender though.

[RabJ]

Brilliant Grace for doing what many would never have the courage to do, venturing out on their own, as a relative novice. You had a mini epic but you got back safe and sound and no doubt learnt so much from your and navigation. You've probably done it by now but get yourself on a navigation course or two and develop sound navigation skills. It really will open up a whole new world 🙂 Your vlog will no doubt have helped many others in realising that it's not a walk in the park.

[stigfloberghagenphotography]

Hi. That was a great video. Moody conditions 👌 Cheers from Norway 👍🙂

[philm]

Just found your channel and this video. Climbed Cadair with friends same weekend every year for about 10 years - a long time ago now. Camped in the farmer's field (can't remember the name), then steeply up beside the stream, anti-clockwise round the lake, then steeply up the right-hand corner scramble. Turned right to the top, then straight on and gently down to the same stream again...It looks like you at least went UP the same way, if not down! Map and compass - essential skill, and so liberating! Hope you have lots more adventures...try the Lakes, if you haven't already!

[richardlyness]

You did it, it's always worth taking a map of some form for the area your in, or take a photo of the info boards as there is normally one with a map.

[stevegbond]

Solo in Jan...good for you, that's bril. A Mountain a month is a good shout! I'm doing three this weekend, I may do 1 a month thereafter

[stevecoombs]

Well done !! I've done Cader Idris 4 times once 3 years ago I set off in June at 02am to catch a stunning Sunrise. There is a stunning circular route around Cader Idris.Like you I tend to walk on my tod but never start a hike without a map and compass.Look forward to seeing your future climbs 😀

[jamesbrooks]

I and my friend(Peter) did the walk.Ours was bad weather but loved it.You are very brave doing it on your own.Good luck on all your walks.also like Barry manalow.lol

[RW-nrbh]

I enjoyed watching this, and have subsequently watched your videos as you've gained experience on the mountains. Experience with a map and compass really is worth getting, and an OS Explorer map is worth every penny; as well as on the hill sometimes it's nice to open one out of an evening and plan your next adventures. Cader Idris is well worth a return visit in good conditions, I climbed it on a fine but surprisingly cold October day with snow on the top.

[Phil_fandbethere]

Wow - well done 👏 . Yr very brave tackling Cadair in those conditions on your own for first walk - especially without a map!. Just subscribed to your channel, so will enjoy seeing your progress. Stay safe, Phil.👍

[buffywhatever]

Well done. Good video for beginners on Cader.
Cader can be a tricky one. Lakes on either side can mess with your navigation and if the cloud is down then the lack of clears paths near the top can disorientating.
However, you made it and fellow, hikers, bikers and runners (that’s me) will help, as in your case. Sometimes I feel people don’t want to ask for directions, but it’s vital and someone with good knowledge will get you down safely.
I ran Cader a few weeks ago and me and my dog were dive bombed by a peregrine at the top of the Stone Chute, first time that’s ever happened!!!!

[micklane]

Go for it, when I started climbing many years ago I couldn't believe the stunning views every where