The most beautiful views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is not only the highest peak in Eryri (Snowdonia) but also the most photographed, only Tryfan comes close in popularity with landscape photographers. The mountain range covers a large area between the villages of Beddgelert and Llanberis. The shear expanse and height of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) means that it can be viewed in numerous locations across the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and in this article I describe some of the best places to view and photograph this beautiful Welsh mountain.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) summit
Visiting Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and climbing to the summit of Wales’s highest mountain peak is definitely worth the effort, and literally thousands of visitors will agree! It’s popularity makes timing your visit all the more important if you want some photography time to yourself so mid-week and out of the main holiday periods is definitely advisable. As with most landscape photography sunrise and sunset light often provides the best conditions and they tend to be quiter times with less visitors, although Yr Wyddfa summit at sunrise is increasingly popular with Youtubers and Influencers. My own favourite photography trip up to the summit so far coincided with an incredible winter temperature inversion where it literally felt as though I was on top of the world. As the sun broke above the clouds the light on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the surrounding peak of Crib Goch was breathtaking. Some advice I’d give is try to mimimise your camera gear, it’s a good 2.5hrs to the summit and a long way to carry a heavy backpack; a standard zoom lens (24-70 full frame) covers a good range with lots of photo opportunities but f you don't mind some additional weight then add a longer telephoto lens to your kit.
The lakes of Llynnau Mymbyr near Capel Curig
One of my favourite viewpoints for photos of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), and certainly one of the most popular with visitors to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, is from the twin lakes of Llynnau Mymbyr on the A4086 just next to Capel Curig. Access is extremely easy, requiring little to no effort but despite this the views of Wales’s highest mountain can be just stunning, especially if you visit on a calm day when the reflections in the lake are jaw dropping. There are different photo opportunities from either of the twin lakes so makes sure to explore both locations spending your time picking out your favourite compositions. Regarding photography equipment here, a good range of lenses is useful; wider focal lengths capturing the rocky foreground on the edge of the lakes whilst longer lenses give you more intimate photo opprtunites of individual peaks of the distant Snowdon Horseshoe.
Along the Miners Track, Llyn Llydaw
Llyn Llydaw is a beautiful lake under the shadow of Wales's highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Access is relatively easy from the large, but extremely busy, parking area at Pen Y Pass at the top of the Llanberis Pass. For photos of the lake you follow the popular Miners Track walking just over a 1 mile to the shore of Llyn Llydaw. The Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains can't fail to impress here with extensive views of Crib Goch, the towering ridges of Y Lliwedd and Crib Y Ddysgl and of course, Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon itself. For photos, you're best visiting early morning as Snowdon and the surrounding mountains are increasingly in dark shadow as the day lengthens; a sunrise photo trip also is your best chance of a “people free” view as the paths to Snowdona are extremely popular with walkers, tourists and photographers at peak times. Photography wise, It's a good idea to have a range of focal lengths again. Wider photos are needed to capture the full scale of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Crib Goch from the side of Llyn Llydaw whilst telephoto shots give you the chance to photograph the tiny figures making their way across the precarious route on Crib Goch or frame a close-up shot of the old mine buildings just above the Miners Track.
Along the Pyg Track
The Pyg Track is one of the most popular routes used by walkers heading to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) summit and it’s a fantastic route from which to take some beautiful photos along the way. On reaching the plateau above the Llanberis Pass, just before the double ladder stiles, take a left over the Horns. This is an infrequently visited view overlooking Wales’s highest mountain and the lake of Llyn Llydaw but some of the best views of the Snowdon Horseshoe. The ladder stiles also provide some interesting foreground for shots along the Pyg Track, with the main Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains as the backdrop. The final ascent to reach the Llanberis Path and the train tracks of the Snowdon Mountain Railway reveals a fantastic panorama looking back along your route with the famous Pyg Track zig zags making for some great foreground interest.
Looking for more beautiful places to visit? My popular North Wales guidebook includes full details of over 100 amazing locations to discover across North Wales.
PHOTOGRAPHING NORTH WALES is a comprehensive photo-location guidebook that encompasses a wide variety of stunning places to visit, including the breathtaking Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the picturesque Isle of Anglesey, the golden beaches and historic villages along the North Wales Coast, the scenic Llyn Peninsula, the undulating countryside of Llangollen and the Dee Valley, and the culturally rich area of North East Wales around the towns of Wrexham and Mold and the stunning heather clad peaks of the Clwydian Hills.
