Having spent the last 8 (it feels like 800) weeks in lockdown, my little brain can’t help but wander off in one of its regular photography daydreams. I’ve been thinking about all of the beautiful places in Wales that I am going to visit for landscape photography when this wretched coronavirus eventually surrenders in the battle against us human beings.
I wanted to share them with you so I’m going to run you through a list of my top 10 places to visit in Wales along with some of my favourite photographs from each location.
The 10 beauty spots I cover:
Point of Ayr Lighthouse, Talacre, North Wales
Llyn Nantlle Uchaf, Snowdonia, North Wales
Llyn Idwal, Snowdonia, North Wales
Snowdon, North Wales
Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Pen y Fan & Corn Du, Brecon Beacons, South Wales
Hafren Forest, Llanidloes, Mid Wales
Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Mid Wales
Lake Vyrnwy, Mid Wales
Fairy Glen Gorge, Snowdonia, North Wales
Plus one bonus location which I felt the need to share with you after spending 90% of my time there over the last few months. Read through to the end to find out more.
Important
Before travelling, please see the latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government here.
THE LOCATIONS
Point of Ayr Lighthouse, Talacre, North Wales
First up, a place that has produced some of my favourite photographs in my landscape photography journey so far. A beach that I think is underrated when it comes to locations on the Welsh coastline and places to visit in Wales in general. If history is your thing, then you may want to spend some time exploring the dunes as the area was used by the armed forces as an aircraft firing range during the Second World War. If you’re more interested in the supernatural world, then you’ll probably enjoy the numerous stories of ghostly sightings around the beach, with some people claiming to have seen a figure wearing old fashioned lighthouse keeper clothes standing in front of the abandoned lighthouse.
What can you expect?
Golden sands
Boardwalks and impressive sand dunes
Long stretches of coastline to walk
High tides making the beach inaccessible
Beautiful sunsets
Be sure to do your tide time research as you can very quickly run out of beach to sunbathe on!
2. Llyn Nantlle Uchaf, Snowdonia, North Wales
Fishing boats floating on Llyn Nantlle Uchaf, Snowdonia with Nantlle Ridge visible in the background.
After visiting the beautiful Talacre, I highly doubt that you’ll be in the mood to head home. Why not follow the A55 along the North Wales coast which would take you within a few turnings of one of Wales’ most idyllic mountain lakes, Llyn Nantlle Uchaf? Pick the right day and you will be greeted by some serene conditions and reflections, like these that I experienced towards the end of 2019.
Snowdonia mountains reflected in the waters of Llyn Nantlle Uchaf.
What can you expect?
Incredible mountain roads and views to and from Llyn Nantlle Uchaf.
Peace & quiet - a perfect chance to take some time to reflect.
Potentially some very fast changing weather conditions so make sure that you’re suitably prepared.
3. Llyn Idwal, Snowdonia, North Wales
Next on your list could be a trip through the Ogwen Valley, just a stones throw from the mountain peaks of Snowdon, Moel Siabod and Crimpau. Set right in the heart of the Ogwen Valley and protected by some truly breathtaking mountains, such as Tryfan, Y Garn and Pen Yr Ole Wen, lies Llyn Idwal. The lake, or ‘Llyn’ as it reads in Welsh was named after Prince Idwal Foel who was a grandson of Rhodri Mawr, an ancient King of Wales. Legend has it that the Prince died when he was drowned in the lake, after an unsuccessful revolt against the English. Though an interesting story, this is just the stuff of legend after all and The Chronicle of the Princes of Wales records that "Idwal son of Rhodri, and his brother Elised were killed by the Saxons" in 941, which could suggest some kind of battle took place, though it doesn’t completely rule out the initial story.
Small figure of a man provides a sense of scale standing before Llyn Idwal and Devil’s Kitchen.
What can you expect?
Hiking routes in every direction. Check out the circular hike up through the Devil’s Kitchen on the south side of the lake, walk north to the summit of Y Garn where you can descend and finish your day at the south side of Llyn Idwal before heading back to the Ogwen Cafe for refreshments.
Extremely dangerous hiking conditions. Check out the storm that nearly blew the couple away in the slideshow above.
Carneddau ponies (below) sometimes wander the land. These guys are normally very friendly however, one did try to take a bite out on my friends leg once so it’s best to approach with caution, especially when they are guarding their young.
Large crowds of people. It is one of Wales’ more popular lakes and for good reason. I have been there midweek once and it was bliss.
A Carneddau pony suckling from its mother on the path to Llyn Idwal, Snowdonia.
4. Snowdon, North Wales
Hiking to the summit of Snowdon for a sunrise is something that I think everybody should experience at least once in their lives. Just look at that for a beautiful view of a distant Moel Siabod from just beneath the summit of Snowdon (pictured above). The 360 degree views from the top of the mountain are just incredible. From here to Merrick in Southern Scotland is the longest theoretical line of sight on the British Isles at 144 miles but the chances are, you’d be doing well to see 144 metres as my experiences on Snowdon remind me.
Changing weather conditions up here sometimes call for patience in order to get the photograph that you dream of. This was my third visit to the summit, all three previous visits offered little visibility and I came back with hardly any photographs. Third time lucky don’t they say? But even on this visit, me and my friend were actually close to leaving the mountain before the cloud dispersed and the light broke through to give us that vibrant sunrise.
You’ll want to leave yourself enough time to relax and enjoy some of the beautiful views on the way down from the summit too. Around the point where the Miners Track joins the Pyg Track, you’ll be able to sit overlooking Snowdon’s higher of the two lakes, Glaslyn. This makes for a great opportunity to take photographs, with some incredible views of Glaslyn, Y Lliwedd and out across Snowdonia.
Snowdonia mountain road leading to the famous Snowdon Horseshoe.
What can you expect?
Some of the best views in the UK, maybe even the world.
Roads like the above that you’ll struggle to keep your eyes on!
Various routes to the summit. Llanberis path being the easier, steadier route and then Crib Goch for the more experienced.
Unpredictable weather conditions. You should always be prepared for the worst on hikes around Snowdonia. When you’re packing, pack with the possibility in mind that you might be stuck high up on a wet, cold mountain top for hours.
A couple of beautiful and, usually, calm lakes so take your Speedos if wild swimming is your thing.
Some of the above series of photos were taken on a weekend of camping in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, which leads me nicely onto my next location.
5. Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons
View from Picws Du of the sunset, west of Llyn y Fan Fach in the Brecon Beacons.
As tourists flock in their droves to the more popular Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Corn Du, you could head west and skip over a few more of the many reservoirs in the Brecon Beacons to the Black Mountains. Here you’ll find the elegant slopes of Fan Brycheiniog and Picws Du (pictured centrally below). At the foot of Picws Du lies one of the most beautiful natural lakes that you’re likely to find here in Wales, Llyn y Fan Fach.
You’ll experience an incredible sunrise and sunset (above photograph is a spring sunset) on the right day and you can see for miles if you look over the lake from the summit of Picws Du. You’ll want to have your camera at the ready as soon as you reach the car park as the walk up to the lake provides plenty of photograph opportunities too, with a pathway and a neighbouring stream providing you with some perfect leading lines to the mountains. I have a shot in mind that gives me another reason to return to this beautiful part of the country.
Looking across Llyn y Fan Fach towards Picws Du in the Brecon Beacons.
Spectacular views over Llyn y Fan Fach of the surrounding Brecon Beacons landscape. In the distance, a golden spring sunset fades beyond the horizon.
What can you expect?
Very strong winds from the south-west on occasions.
Lack of shade meaning lots of fluids and suncream are a must.
Peace and quiet. From experience, the crowds gather at Pen y Fan so you can enjoy some alone time here.
Open views above the lake so there’s photograph opportunities in every direction.
Interested in taking better landscape photos??
You might like my recent blog post where I give away 10 top tips.
6. Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
A snow covered Cribyn viewed from the summit of Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons.
If you don’t mind the busy crowds, the 6.9 mile circular walk covering Corn Du and Pen y Fan is a spectacular one that will give you plenty of photographic opportunities. I’ve walked this route twice now and I was hoping to visit a lot more this year now I have Canon’s 70-200mm f/4 in my arsenal, as I think there is plenty of distant objects to photograph that would look great through this lens in the right weather conditions. If you want to read a little more about the camera and gear that I use when out taking photographs, you click the link below:
What can you expect?
A mostly steady hike, with only one or two steeper sections towards the top.
Great views from the top & lots of distant areas to zoom in to with a long lens.
Little shade from the sun.
It can get very windy on the summit, I had sideways snow hitting me hard in the face on one trip.
7. Hafren Forest, Llanidloes, Mid Wales
A small fern growing from the forest floor in Hafren Forest, Mid Wales.
Making our way back up north on our journey through Wales, we take a trip to one of my most photographed locations, Hafren Forest. Walk far enough through here and you’ll reach the source of the longest river in the UK, the River Severn, located on Plynlimon in the Cambrian Mountains. From the main car park at Hafren Forest, the path to the source is 7 miles long. You could get plenty of photos taken in the time taken to cover that amount of ground.
If it’s the smaller details that you like to photograph, then you’re going to want to break out the 50mm f/1.8 lens here to get in close to the details that interest you and really create those pleasing out-of-focus areas in your picture as shown above.
I’ve walked my dog here many times and she loves it. With the freedom to roam, there’s plenty of off-track places to explore and get lost. Photograph opportunities are every where you look. On sunny days you can spot breaks of sunlight falling through the pine and spruce trees.
Sunlight shines through the Hafren Forest trees.
On rainy days, soft pitter-patters will greet you as you enter the forest. You’ll be able to get close to the pines to see raindrops just moments before they make their way back to the ground. The photograph below was captured with the Canon 50mm f/1.8. If you missed my link above, you can click here to view my blog post in which I describe the gear I use.
Raindrop hangs on to the tip of a pine tree branch in Hafren Forest, Mid Wales.
If you keep an eye out in the sky, you’ll often see some Red Kite circling above. They’re not after your camera gear though so you don’t need worry. Take out the long lens here as these birds make for some awesome photographs.
Hafren Forest trees disappearing into the mist.
What can you expect?
Plenty of small details to test out your macro photography. You’ll have to think a little differently if you want to come away with some interesting and different shots. I like to regularly explore the area on my own as I find myself in a better creative zone when photographing solo.
A variety of wildlife to keep you busy. I crossed paths with Mr Fox when I was last there but didn’t have a telephoto lens then. Missing out on that photograph is what forced me hit purchase on my 70-200mm lens just a few weeks later!
Some of the most beautiful walks in nature that Wales has to offer. This place really covers it all- wildlife, trees, rivers, waterfalls, it really is hard to get bored here if you’re a photographer.
8. Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Mid Wales
Low, wide angle view of Pistyll Rhaeadr during a sunrise in Mid Wales.
Bringing me a little closer to my neck of the woods in Mid Wales now is a place often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. A waterfall that falls over 240 feet in three different stages, Pistyll Rhaeadr. The tallest section, as seen in this photograph measures a drop of 40 metres and looks so impressive after a week of heavy rainfall. Though, getting virtually in the stream, as shown above, would not be recommended during this time.
This photograph was taken just as the sun rose above the hills behind me. That can be a little later than normal here at the waterfall, I think this was a couple of hours after the sun had risen on some lower ground. I’d recommend doing some research of the area before visiting for the first time to make sure you have the best chance of getting the conditions that you want. There are some good apps out there that can really help you to predict how a landscape will look during certain times of the day. The Photographers Ephemeris comes in very handy for working out sunrise and sunset paths and played a big part in the creation of the photo above.
You’ll want to bring your hiking boots along for this one. The view from the top of the waterfall is outstanding. Be careful though, you will be stood directly above the 240 foot drop with no fence to protect you!
What can you expect?
Midges. Lots of them.
Amazing sunrises. Sunsets tend to hide behind the Berwyn mountains which is why I prefer the mornings, even if it does mean a 5am alarm clock!
Lots of wildlife. Birds, squirrels and rabbits are especially popular.
9. Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, Mid Wales
Stone straining tower overlooking Lake Vyrnwy, Mid Wales.
If you talk to any of us from Mid Wales about Lake Vyrnwy, we each probably sound like Columbus, talking like we discovered the place ourselves. It’s so easy to see why ‘The Lake’ holds such a special place in all of our hearts though, Visit Mid Wales describe it as ‘reminiscent of the Alps’. They’re not wrong are they? Surrounded by dense forests and engulfed by the hills & mountains of Mid Wales, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild here and you’ll quickly start pinching yourself to wake up. This is one of the beautiful views that awaits you at Lake Vyrnwy. See if you can find it en route to the waterfall that hides just a short walk away from the lake itself.
Photography is always extremely popular here. You can pretty much guarantee that you’ll pass a few people snapping photos as you cross the bridge upon usual entry to the lake. Did you even go to Lake Vyrnwy if you didn’t get a picture like this?
One of my favourite days out at Lake Vyrnwy was in summer 2019. Me and a friend hired a canoe from the boathouse that you can see above and spent three hours rowing around the lake, exploring some of the hidden coves that you wouldn’t normally be able to see from the road. We both came away from there with some of our favourite photographs of the year which I’ll share below.
What can you expect?
A hidden waterfall. I’d be interested to know if you manage to find it. Let me know in the comments, or message me on Instagram.
Busy crowds through the summer.
Plenty of new places to explore, with lots of walking routes around Lake Vyrnwy.
Beautiful colours - autumn is pretty special around the lake.
10. Fairy Glen Gorge, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia
River Conwy flowing through the Fairy Glen Gorge.
For my tenth and final location in my list of places to photograph in Wales after coronavirus, I take you back to the heart of Snowdonia, just a stones throw from the popular tourist town of Betws-y-Coed, to a land where mythical spirits are said to live, The Fairy Glen Gorge.
Landscape image of the River Conwy flowing through the Fairy Glen Gorge
It’s easy to see why artists have visited this spot for centuries. As I was scouring the Internet doing my photography research about this spot in Wales, I found a painting for sale, dating back to the mid-1800’s. I don’t know what the artist did while waiting for the right light, it’s not like they could scroll through Instagram is it? You’ll probably want to do your own research in order to find the best time of day and conditions that suit the kind of photograph that you want to produce. This picture was taken in the morning, so the soft light entered through the gorge at the end of the photo and gives it some interest back there.
If you do decide to visit the Fairy Glen Gorge for some photography, beware when parking your car because the land owner is on the ball if you don’t put the right amount of money in the box upon entry. It’s £1 per person with £1 per vehicle on top. I made the mistake of thinking that it was £1 in total and she was quick to come and intercept me before I had the chance to drive away!
What can you expect?
Sadly, not fairies!
A parking charge AND a charge for entering the gorge… £2 in total.
Slippery steps when walking the final part of the route to the gorge and very slippery rocks when trying to find your vantage point for a photograph.
A variety of birds paying you a visit and keeping you company while you take your photo.
You thought that was it, right?
Well, it’s now 2021 and since I’ve been forced to explore locally for pretty much the whole of the last year. Here is a bonus location for you.
But you have to promise me that you’ll keep it between me and you.
OK?!
11. Powis Castle, Welshpool, Mid Wales
Though they are absolutely beautiful in their own right, the following photographs that I’m sharing of Powis Castle itself, aren’t the reason that I’m advising you to visit this wonderful location in my hometown of Welshpool in Mid Wales. This is of course, a landscape photography blog after all. Read on to find out the real reason that I’ve included this bonus location.
Winter 2020. The season that I’m giving all credit for me discovering my great love for taking photographs of woodland and trees. Being more specific, it is through my wanderings around the stunning grounds of Powis Castle that I discovered just how much I enjoy being alone in a field, with my camera pointed at a group of trees. I guess you could say that this is where I found myself!
Below, I’ll share with you some of my favourite woodland compositions.
Frozen trees after a night of snowfall here in Mid Wales.
‘Frozen’ is soon to be available as a limited edition fine art print. Subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page to receive an email when it’s released.
Summary
There we have it folks, a list of my ‘10 Places to Visit in Wales for Photography After Lockdown 2021’. If you’ve made it this far then I’d just like to say a massive thank you for caring about what I have to write about. Photography is something that I’ve lived and breathed for the last two and a half years so I’m really glad that you’re interested in the stories that I have to share with you from my trips around Wales.
I’d love to hear from you!
Did you have a favourite photograph from those that I’ve shared above? Are you going to visit any of the 10 places that I’ve showed you? Feel free to let me know in the comments or you can head over to Facebook and Instagram and drop me a direct message over there - I tend to be very active on Instagram which is probably the best place if you need instant communication.
If you know somebody that is looking to visit Wales then please feel free to hit the share button down below and tag them into your social media posts or send them a direct link by copying the website address and sharing it with them.
If you’re interested in my photography that has been included throughout the blog, then the next place for you to visit is linked below.
Get access to the locations of my top 40 favourite photography spots in Wales, mainly covering Eryri/ Snowdonia national park and mid Wales.
This download includes:
Access to a PDF eBook guide that contains a detailed description of many of the locations
Access to the KML Map data for all locations and instructions on how to install onto your Google Maps.
GPX file download containing routes for some of my favourite hikes in Wales, and instructions on how to install to OS maps mobile app.
Lifetime access, meaning I’ll email you whenever I update the map or eBook with new locations.
Please note that these downloads and links are for you personal use only. Please do not share as I have spent a lot of time and effort creating them.