Cader/Cadair Idris is a spectacular mountain reserve with a
variety of landscapes and terrain. Rugged summits, glacial lakes
and a mossy wooded gorge cover over 450 hectares of breathtaking
landscape. Local folklore describes Idris as a giant who lived
on this magnificent mountain. The large boulders on the lower
slopes are said to be the debris of stone throwing battles
between Idris and other giants. Idris is more likely to have
been an important leader in this area, a giant in personality
and authority rather than in stature. The reserve lies within
Snowdonia National Park and is part of the Cadair Idris Special
Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of
Conservation (SAC). The site encompasses the mountain and lower
slopes, with a variety of habitats of European importance. These
include dry heath, wet heath, blanket bog, woodland and the
species-rich marshy grasslands of Tir Stent common, as well as a
number of low nutrient or clear-water lakes. The cliffs support
tall herbs growing on the le