Top 10 Landscape Photography Locations in Eryri (Snowdonia)
Published on 2 Sep 2016 by Gwion Llwyd“Eryri’s landscape is perfect for photographers of all levels, with breathtaking mountains, lakes, and beaches offering diverse opportunities to hone your skills.”
Whether you are a professional photographer or a mere beginner, the Eryri landscape lends itself for those looking to take some great shots! As well as being totally breathtaking, the mountains, lakes and beaches all offer something different to help hone your skills. Here’s our low down on the Top 10 Landscape Photography Locations In Eryri…
CREGENNEN LAKES
Latitude, Longitude: 52.710897, -3.987650
Two beautiful lakes between the Mawddach Estuary and the slopes of Cader Idris. Chose a calm day, free of any wind so as to give you the opportunity of capturing the reflections of the surrounding mountains in the water. You can get up to the lakes via a very steep road from Arthog or take the longer but more gradual route from Dolgellau town centre. If your legs are up to it, when combined with the Mawddach Trail, this route makes a lovely circular cycle ride from Barmouth.
CWM ORDDIN
Latitude, Longitude: 52.995060, -3.969454
If the weather isn’t so great, Cwm Orddin might be the place to go. Once home to a community of hardened slate miners, this abandoned valley is now slowly being reclaimed by nature. There’s a haunting beauty here and a cloak of cloud and mist can often add to to the atmosphere. A chance to play with black and white images. From Tanygrisiau, which is just south of Blaenau Ffestiniog, drive up out of the village on Cwm Orthin Road. There’s a small parking area at the far end.
GOODNESS GRACIOUS CORNER
Latitude, Longitude: 52.844201, -4.119315
It’s what HRH Queen Elizabeth II said when she drove past this corner. Located on the A496 travelling north towards Harlech just after Llanfair. The rolling dunes of Harlech beach sweeping up towards Harlech Castle and the mouth of the Glaslyn estuary. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and her sisters forming the backdrop. Turn as if you were heading towards Llandanwg beach before parking almost immediately on the wide grass verge on the left. Walk back onto the main road and head towards Harlech. After 200yds you’ll see a footpath on your left leading down to the beach.
SLIDY ROCK
Latitude, Longitude: 52.857461, -4.110447
Not it’s official name, but it’s what we called it as kids and ask any locals, they will know where you mean! After capturing Goodness Gracious Corner jump back in the car and head 1 mile north towards Harlech. Fork right towards the upper part of town. Eventually the road bends to the right and you’ll see a footpath to your left. This spot gives you the classic view of Harlech Castle which has appeared on hundreds of postcards, but it’s worth capturing your own take on it.
AFON LLUGWY
Latitude, Longitude: 53.102733, -3.846459
The Llugwy River flows east from Capel Curig down towards Betws Y Coed along the same route as the A5. Popular locations include the impressive Swallow Falls and the magical Fairy Glenn but the entire stretch of the river is beautiful. There’s also a wheelchair friendly walkway along the river bank from Betws Y Coed. A time to play around with a tripod and slow shutter speeds to get that silky movement of the water.
OGWEN VALLEY
Latitude, Longitude: 53.124010, -4.019536
If you travel a little further up the A5 you’ll enter the Ogwen Valley. Flanked by the Glyderau mountains on one side and the Carneddau mountains on the other, sightseers are surrounded by classic Eryri landscapes in every direction. The more adventurous might like to head up Tryfan, a mountain to the south of Llyn Ogwen to get a shot of Adam and Eve, two monoliths which dominate the summit.
CASTELL Y GWYNT
Latitude, Longitude: 53.105001, -4.008572
Other interesting rock formations include Castell Y Gwynt (Castle of Wind) and the Canteliver Stone. Both of which are near the summit of Glyder Fach. Again the weather can play it’s part when visiting these remote locations. But the thrill of the hike is worth the effort in it’s own right.
RHINOGYDD
Latitude, Longitude: 52.849748, -4.002370
Further south, the Rhinog Mountains dominate the skyline. These mountains are amongst the most remote in the whole of the UK. Their stark ruggedness ensures this area remains a true wilderness perfect for night photography.
MACH LOOP
Latitude, Longitude: 52.735823, -3.774275
If you’ve got a nice long lens you might like to head down the A470 towards Dinas Mawddwy and try and catch fighter planes as they practice they’re low flying skills on what is known locally as the Mach Loop. If you sit up on the ‘Bwlch’ you can often take pictures looking down at the planes as they streak past in the valley below.
DYSYNNI VALLEY
Latitude, Longitude: 52.658046, -3.971364
The Dysynni valley is a landscape of gentler hills and rolling fields. This glacial valley basin is a fertile agricultural region flanked by interesting rocky outcrops including ‘Craig yr Aderyn’ (Bird Rock) home to inland nesting cormorants. Foreground interest can be added by visiting the remains of Castelll Y Bere or the popular Tal Y Llyn steam railway.
