The most beautiful photography locations to visit in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Cwm Idwal 

To reach Cwm Idwal a short but spectacular walk takes you from the main visitors centre at Ogwen Cottage right into the heart of the Eryri / Snowdonia mountains. The 3000ft peaks of the Glyderau mountains rise above the glacial waters of Llyn Idwal; don't forget that wide angle lens here as there's lots of scenery to squeeze into that photo. If you're lucky to arrive on a calm weather day the reflections on Llyn Idwal are breathtaking and if winter snow is around you feel as though you've walked into an alpine wonderland. You're surrounded by the Snowdonia mountains on all sides here, the dramatic profile of Pen Yr Ole Wen to the North and the infamous Tryfan to the east; it’s a location that suits itself to spending and entire days photography. Whilst you're at Cwm Idwal make sure not to miss the tumbling waters of Ogwen falls, plunging through rocky crags to the floor of Nant Francon valley; Ogwen waterfall if just two hundred metres north along the A5 from the visitors centre at Pont Pen-y-benglog.

Llynnau Mymbyr

One of my favourite Eryri (Snowdonia) photography viewpoints is at the twin lakes of Llynnau Mymbyr, on the A4086 just next to Capel Curig. It's a really easy viewpoint to access and one of the best views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in the entire national park, the only downside of its ease of access is that it’s also one of the most photographed views in North Wales too. It's worth taking photos from both of the lakes at Llynnau Mymbyr; the one close to Plas Y Brenin Mountain Centre has attractive woodland which means it's often calmest so the best chance of a photo of Snowdon reflected in the lake, the second lake is more rugged and open, but with closer views of the Snowdon Horseshoe. The stunning mountain peaks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) can look amazing when photographed reflected in the glassy waters of the lake. Regarding photography equipment here, a good range of lenses is useful; wider focal lengths capturing the rocky foreground on edge of the lakes whilst longer lenses give you more intimate photo opprtunites of individual peaks of the distant Snowdon Horseshoe.

Llanberis : Llyn Padarn and the famous lonely tree

Llanberis is one of Eryri’s most popular villages and has some great photo opportunities. There's the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, perched above the shore of Llyn Padarn, Ceunant Mawr waterfall which thunders through a narrow gorge after heavy rainfall and Llanberis is home to the abandoned slate quarry of Dinorwig, brimming with interesting viewpoints and the chance to take some unique photos of abandoned buildings and artefacts of the industrial past. If you want to photograph a steam train then Llanberis gives you two choices; the main station of the Snowdon Mountain Railway is right in the village centre, departing to climb to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, and alongside Llyn Padarn steam trains run along the narrow gauge Llanberis Lake Railway.

For most photographers visiting Llanberis though there's one main attraction, the famous Lonely Tree on Llyn Padarn; the perfect photo locatiion for sunrise with the backdrop of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Llanberis Pass behind. Sadly many peope fail to explore other photogenic spots around the lake and one of my favourite viewpoints is from Brynrefail, at the north end of Llyn Padarn. Take a photo low down to the left of the lake outflow and it's a wonderful view, even without a tree!

Llyn Gwynant 

The final “must see” photo location is the glacial lake of  Llyn Gwynant resting in the valley of Nant Gwynant. Approach it from Capel Curig on the A498 and descending into the vallery you'll pass two excellent viewpoints with good photo opportunities. Firstly there's a small tourist car park with direct views across to the Snowdon Horseshoe, the hydro electric pipeline from Llyn Llydaw seen heading into the valley floor. A little further down the road the large roadside layby is a great viewpoint for photos over Llyn Gwynant itself. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Llyn Gwynant's sheltered position means there’s a good chance of calm water and stunning reflections, it's also one of my favourite viewpoints for taking photos of swirling autumn mists as they linger above the lake, you'll need a pretty long lens for shots from here to get the most impact from your photography.