The Best Places to Photograph in Wales

Llyn Padarn by Hefin Owen / CC BY-SA 2.0

Wales is a small country, but it is filled with natural beauty. Landscape photographers love the mountains, waterfalls, and rugged coast that can be easily found in Wales. On this page we’ll list many of the best places to photograph in Wales. You can use the interactive map below to see the location of each spot mentioned in the article.

This page will be updated in the future, so please feel free to leave a comment if there are any other locations or points of interest that you think should be included.

Snowdonia National Park

The region of Snowdonia is certainly one of the best photography locations is Wales. Snowdonia National Park covers more than 800 square miles (more than 2,100 square km). This park has more points of interest than we can mention here, but this is a start:

• Snowdon is the highest mountain peak in Wales.
• Castell y Gwynt is a beautiful rock formation at the summit of Glyder Fach.
• Cregennan Lakes near the town of Arthog.
• Cadair Idris is a picturesque mountain near Cregennan Lakes.
• Dysynni Valley is a beautiful area near Cadair Idris.
• Afon (river) Conwy runs for more than 20 miles before emptying into the Conwy Bay.
• Afon Llugwy is a tributary of the River Conwy.
• Dyffryn Ogwen, or Ogwen Valley. Afon Ogwen runs through the valley separating two mountain ranges.
• Llyn Ogwen, a scenic lake, is the source of the Afon Ogwen.
• Rhinogydd, a rocky mountain range.
• Cwm Idwal is a stunning valley with amazing scenery.
• Llyn Idwal is a small lake accessible by a path from A5.
• Tal-y-llyn is a quaint lakeside town.
• Capel Curig is a small town along A5.
• Fairy Glen (Betws-y-Coed) on the River Conwy is an enchanting gorge.
• Llyn Elsi is a scenic lake near Betws-y-Coed.

With nearly 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of public footpaths, hiking is an outstanding way to see and experience this beautiful park. Road access, including A5 and A470, also makes many locations easy to visit.

Llyn Idwal, Snowdonia National Park by AllanW / CC0

Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol)

Rhaeadr Ewynnol, or Swallow Falls, is a stunning waterfall on the Afon Llugwy, near Betws-y-Coed. You can walk through the Gwydyr Forest for about 2 miles to reach the waterfall, starting from the Ty’n Llwyn car park in Gwydyr.

Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) by Steve Wilson / CC BY 2.0

Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in south Wales, and is included as part of Brecon Beacons National Park. The park actually includes a few other ranges as well.

This park features beautiful scenery that is perfect for landscape photography. At nearly 3,000 feet (nearly 900 meters), Pen y Fan is the highest peak and one of the highlights of the park. Other highlights include Carreg Cennen, many waterfalls and lakes, castles, caves, and of course, amazing views.

Hiking is one of the best ways to see and experience Brecon Beacons National Park. Beacons Way is a 95-mile (150 km) path that will take about 8 days to complete. As far as roads are concerned, A40, A 470, and A479 provide access.

Brecon Beacons National Park by Les Haines / CC BY 2.0

Pen y Fan

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in south Wales. This popular attraction is crossed by Beacons Way. It can also be accessed by a footpath from Storey Arms  along A470.

Pen y Fan by Robert J. Heath / CC BY 2.0

Afon Mawddach and Mawddach Estuary

The Afon Mawddach is a river that begins in Snowdonia and runs for about 28 miles (45 km). The wide, sandy Mawddach Estuary features the Mawddach Trail, and 8-mile bike path. There are several hikes in the area that provide access to great scenery.

Barmouth Bridge and Afon Mawddach by Hefin Owen / CC BY-SA 2.0

Bryn Cader Faner

Bryn Cader faner is a round cairn dating back to the Bronze Age (about 4,000 years old). It is located near Talsarnau and can be accessed by a Public Right of Way footpath from a road above Eisingrug.

Bryn Cader Faner by Talsarnau Times / CC BY-SA 3.0

Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn)

Ynys Llanddwyn is a small tidal island in northwest Wales. The island is accessible by foot except during high tide. The picturesque island includes footpaths and trails, and offers views of Snowdonia.

Ynys Llanddwyn by tekaybe / CC BY 2.0

Tywyn Beach

Tywyn Beach is just southwest of Snowdonia National Park. This west-facing beach is a nice place to photograph the sunset.

Tywyn Beach by Peter Broster / CC BY 2.0

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in southwest Wales is an amazing place for landscape and nature photography. The rugged coast and cliffs are among the highlights of this park, but it also features forests and marshes. The park covers almost 250 square miles (600+ square km). Photographers will love the natural arches, rock formations, and sea caves.

Highlights of the park include:

• The Green Bridge of Wales is a spectacular natural arch.
• Stack Rocks (Elegug Stacks), two large limestone pillars.
• St. Govan’s Head is a photogenic coastal area, and home to St. Govan’s Chapel.
• Caerfai Bay offers a gorgeous view and beach.
• Barafundle Bay is a beautiful bay and beach at the southern end of the park.
• The Pentre Ifan Dolmen is a monument of 7 massive stones.

Green Bridge of Wales by David Evans / CC BY 2.0

Strumble Head Lighthouse

The Strumble Head Lighthouse sits at a picturesque setting in northern Pembrokeshire on the island of Ynys Meicel.

Strumble Head Lighthouse by Phil Dolby / CC BY 2.0

Nash Point

Nash Point in south Wales is home to a lighthouse and some beautiful cliffs. This area is part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Get down to the beach to catch a nice view of the cliffs and rock pools.

Nash Point by Stewart Black / CC BY 2.0

Skomer Island

Skomer Island, a national nature reserve, sits off the coast of Pembrokeshire. The island is well known for its wildlife, including the Atlantic puffin, other seabirds, and seals. Additionally, it also features stone circles and remains of prehistoric homes. This is a small island (less than 3 square km) and is only open to visitors from April through September. You can reach the island by boat and stay for the day, or stay at the Old Farm.

Skomer Island by Oliver Symens / CC BY 2.0

Llyn Padarn

Llyn Padarn is a long, narrow lake just outside of Snowdonia National Park. The lake is part of Padarn Country Park. One of the main areas of interest is the Lone Tree on the west side of the lake (approximate GPS coordinates are: 53.127033, -4.133428).

Llyn Padarn by Hefin Owen / CC BY-SA 2.0

Penmon Point

Penmon Point is on the Isle of Anglesey. You’ll find a historic monastery, beach, and lighthouse. You can also get a view of Snowdonia to the south across the Menai Strait. Puffin island (visible in the photo below) is also nearby.

Penmon Point by isabellasarreti / CC0

Porthdinllaen and Morfa Nefyn

Porthdinllaen and Morfa Nefyn are villages that are beautifully set on the Llŷn Peninsula, west of Snowdonia. In Porthdinllaen, vehicle access is limited to the few residents of the village. Visitors must walk across the beach from Morfa Nefyn.

Porthdinllaen by Robert J. Heath / CC BY 2.0

Southerndown

Southerndown is in south Wales and is known for its beach and Bae Dwnrhefn (Dunraven Bay). The cliffs and tidal pools are great for photography. At low tide there is plenty of beach for walking and exploring.

Southerdown by Chris Cardew / CC BY 2.0

Sgwd Gwladys

Sgwd Gwladys is a small, but picturesque waterfall near Brecon Beacons National Park. It falls about 10 meters (33 feet) into a pool.

Gwladys Waterfall by Andy K / CC BY-SA 2.0

Lake Vyrnwy

Lake Vyrnwy is man-made lake and reservoir east of Snowdonia National Park. The nature reserve that surrounds the lake is a popular destination. The straining tower (shown in the photo below) is also quite picturesque.

Lake Vyrnwy by Ginger / CC0

Mwnt

Mwnt is a small village on the Irish Sea, north of Pembrokeshire. Mwnt is home to a beautiful beach and coast.

Mwnt by Tom Bastin / CC BY 2.0

Aber Falls

Aber Falls is a 120-foot (37-meters) waterfall in northern Wales. Visitors can park at Bont Newydd bridge near A55 and walk to the falls. See this page for directions.

Aber Falls by Stuart Madden / CC BY 2.0

Pistyll Rhaeadr

Pistyll Rhaeadr is an impressive 240-foot (70+ meters) waterfall east of Snowdonia National Park. The Afon Disgynfa falls in multiple tiers to create this magnificent waterfall. A parking lot is available near the foot of the waterfall, making it easy to access and photograph.

Pistyll Rhaeadr by Stuart Madden / CC BY 2.0

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