Physical health: Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of exercising, and an effective way of managing weight. Regular brisk walking will improve performance of the heart, lungs and circulation, as well as lower blood pressure. Find out more about the health benefits of walking on the Ramblers website.

Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers Find out more about walking for health. 

Mental health and well being: Walking may be more powerful than we realise. It helps us cope at work by helping de-stress amongst nature, it 'heals' our brains, helps us concentrate, makes us more creative and can help treat depression. Read about six surprising scientific facts about walking. 

Physical health: Climbing uses lots of muscle groups, both in the upper and lower body. Your back, abdominal and leg muscles all get exercised as well as your fingers, shoulders and arms.

Regular climbing can improve stamina and endurance as well as muscle strength. In addition, all the reaching and stretching for holds improves flexibility and agility. Getting out and about in the outdoors, walking to reach the crag you wish to climb on, is also good aerobic exercise. 

Mental health and well being: Climbing offers a wealth of health benefits that are not just physical.  It improves your self esteem, mental agility and self awareness. It’s a great stress-buster and a full body workout, so it’s good for general well being. 

Climbing requires a lot of problem solving, mental concentration and focus, so it helps sharpen your brain. A lot of people like it as it allows you to escape everyday worries and just focus on the climb.  It also can give a great sense of achievement.  Read BMC member Jake McMannus’s story of how climbing is helping him to climb out of depression.

Climbing can be a very sociable activity. Sport England’s Active People Survey results show that most people say they participate for the social aspect.  You develop strong friendships with your climbing partners due to the level of trust involved and through sharing challenges and experiences. 

The need to respect and preserve the natural environment is never more apparent than to those who visit, explore and enjoy the landscape in which they undertake their activities.

Increased public access to the countryside directly supports the Government’s ambition, set out in the Natural Choice: the Natural Environment White Paper, to reconnect people with the natural environment. The NEWP states that “a healthy, properly functioning natural environment is the foundation of sustained economic growth, prospering communities and personal wellbeing” and that “everyone should have fair access to a good quality natural environment”. 

The UK Government’s National Ecosystem Assessment also asserts that the social benefits of people being able to access and enjoy the countryside should be valued at £484 million per annum. The harmful effects from disconnection with nature – sometimes called ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ - are increasingly recognised by the scientific community. 

Public recreation and access to our countryside and green spaces are fundamental to people’s understanding and enjoyment of the natural environment. Unless people are able to access the natural environment they are unlikely to want to take action to enhance / conserve it – supporting recreational activities such as hill walking and mountain climbing are key to connecting the public with the natural environment.  

The highest peak, and one of Wales’s highest mountains, is Penygadair and the views from the summit overlook most of Wales, from the Llŷn peninsula in the north-west to the Brecon Beacons in the south-east.

The rocky peaks of Cadair Idris were formed by volcanic processes and later sculpted over many Ice Ages by glaciers as they thawed and shattered the rocks. 

The remarkable geology supports a wealth of wildlife and special plants, and a large part of the mountain has been designated as a National Nature Reserve

Dôl Idris parkland lies at the foothills of Cader Idris and is the gateway to the reserve.

This parkland was once part of the Idris family estate and it has a peaceful lake and exotic specimen trees.

Look out for birds such as the dipper and grey wagtail, which breed on the lakeshore, and the fish ladder near the footbridge that helps salmon to reach the streams.

There are picnic benches around the path.

A network of paths lead up and around Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve, meeting on the summit at Penygadair.

Footpaths are mainly well defined and easy to follow but visibility can change quickly and it is advisable to carry a map and compass at all times.

There is a shelter at the top of Cadair Idris for use during inclement weather.

Even in summer the temperature at the top can be several degrees lower than in the car park. Low cloud often covers the summit, so it can be damp as well as cold.