The view from the summit of Cader Idris is one of the most magnificent in Wales. Turning to the south, the landscape consists of a series of rolling hills, stretching as far as the eye can reach, in smoothly swelling outlines; and it is impossible not to be struck with the circumstance that, though some rise higher than others, they maintain a sort of average height, accompanied by a general gentle inclination towards the sea. Through this broad undulation innumerable valleys have been excavated. The hills have not been formed merely in consequence of disturbance of the strata; but, through the outcropping and smoothed edges of disturbed strata, many great and small valleys have been cut by old marine denudations, atmospheric disintegrations, and the action of running water. The general uniform character of the outlines of this country is due to the sameness of the rocks, which, in the main, consist of slates, occasionally varied by hard or interstratified bands of sandstone, the whole belonging to that part of the Silurian series known as the Caradoc or Bala beds, and the rocks immediately overlying.

Turning northwards, a change in the character of the landscape becomes at once apparent. The mountains are broken and rugged. The summits of the Arans, the great swelling mass of Rhobell-fawr, the cliffs of Rhinog-fawr and Rhinog-fach, that guard the pass of Bwlch-drws-ar-Dudwy, the bold outlines of the Arenigs, the Moelwyns, and Cynicht, all meet the eye almost at a glance; and, far in the distance, the peak of Snowdon sharply pierces the air, rising to a height of 3,571 feet above the sea.