10 Fantastic Locations for a Spot of Photography in
North Wales
I'm a keen amateur photographer myself, and although I don't know
a lot about the technical elements, I do know a good photo spot
when I see one!
Below you'll find 10 of my recommendations - so, whether you're an
amateur like me, or far more proficient in the art, take some time
during your next holiday in North Wales to check out some of the
following.
Although, with so many opportunities for fantastic landscape
photography, it was hard to choose my top 10. Ask me next week and
it's likely I'll have a different 10 to share with you!
1. Rhoscolyn, Holy
Island, Anglesey
Well, I know I'm biased as Rhoscolyn is also my home, but it has
so many photo opportunities it's unreal! You can make your way to
the Coastguard Station on the headland, follow the
coastal path towards Silver Bay, or simply stand on the beach and
point your camera - there'll be a view you'll want to capture in
every direction! Situated on the most southerly end of Holy Island,
with panoramic views that incorporate Anglesey and the Llyn
peninsula beyond, be sure to fit a trip to this gorgeous area into
your itinerary.
There are a number of sheltered coves and bays between Silver Bay
- Rhoscolyn - and Trearddur Bay, including Porth Saint (Saint's
Bay), as well as an ancient well, sea-arches and more. You could
spend a whole day just exploring and photographing the beaches,
bays and headlands of this unique and peaceful part of the Island.
You can park close to St Gwenfaen's Church (close to The White
Eagle Pub - great for a break after all your hard work) or in
the carpark behind the main beach (Borthwen).
2. Cwm Idwal/The Devil's Kitchen,
Snowdonia
The great thing about Cwm Idwal, both for walkers and
photographers, is that you can reach the lake and enjoy the scenery
after just a short (ish) walk - one that is perfectly manageable
for children. However, to position yourself for a truly
fabulous image you need to put in a little more effort and head
round the shores of the lake and follow the footpath up at the far
end. We have had the pleasure of working with
Caernarfon-based Richard Outram previously - his landscape
images are truly stunning.
3. Penmon
Point, Anglesey
If you haven't made time to visit Penmon Point yet, you must! You
need to travel about 3 miles east from the lovely seaside town of
Beaumaris - then follow the signs. You
can either park up by the Priory, and walk the mile or so down the lane,
or pay the £2.50 at the small toll-booth to take your car down to
the parking area. Either way make time to visit the Priory during
your visit - another great place for photos.
Once you reach the 'Point' you'll be able to appreciate why it's
such a popular beauty spot, with views of the award winning beach,
mainland Wales and the mountains across the water - as well as the
lighthouse, and Puffin Island. It's also know to be a great
place to capture the eerie spectacle known as bioluminescence. The electric blue light,
which occurs when plankton's disturbed, results in an
awe-inspiring, natural light show; you obviously need to be there
during darkness for this!
On the way back you could stop for a coffee at The Pier
House in Beaumaris, and then take some snaps of the Castle and
seafront - with wonderful views across to the mainland.
4. Llyn Padarn,
Snowdonia
I love both the seasons and the weather in Britain - you can stand
in the same spot at different times of the year, in different
weather conditions and the vista couldn't be more different.
For some reason I always think this when stood on the bridge
at the end of Llyn Padarn - sometimes an electric blue sky provides
a magnificent contrast to the towering mountain peaks, with Snowdon
taking centre stage. On another day, moody skies, low lying clouds
and autumnal leaves create a dramatic atmosphere. Captured
here by Richard Outram.
5. South Stack, Holy
Island
One of the most photographed spots on Holy Island - and it's not difficult to see
why!
Whether you want to capture the maritime majesty of the 19th
Century lighthouse, with it's suspension bridge at the foot of the
60 meter cliffs, the nesting habits of preening puffins - or the
sweeping panorama that takes in the 3 landmasses of Holy Island,
Anglesey, mainland Wales and the mountains - South Stack has it
all!
There are even ancient hut-circles close by too! The RSBP run
a cafe (with views to die for), and a bird-viewing centre at Ellin's Tower which provides stunning
perspectives of the cliffs - as well as live CCTV footage of
nesting seabirds such as coughs, gulls and guillemots.
6. Nant Gwynant,
Snowdonia
Nant Gwynant, the valley that runs from Pen-y-gwryd down to
Beddgelert is a photographers paradise. From the views of the
lush green valley floor from Pen-y-Gwryd in spring to the glorious
golden colours of autumn reflected in either of the lakes - Llyn
Gwynant or Llyn Dinas. There are plenty of places to pull up
along the A498 which runs the length of the valley to take your
photos from. The Watkin Path, one of the routes up Snowdon
begins in the valley also - if you have time, a walk up part-way up
the path brings to you the plunge pools - a series of pools linked
by small waterfalls, surrounded by mossy stones and overhanging
lichen-covered trees, twisted and moulded by the wind. You
won't be disappointed.
7. Menai bridge,
Gwynedd/Anglesey
Anglesey's social media is awash with photos of this pretty bridge
- and it's not hard to see why! There are walks to both sides from
the car park close to Church Island. Church Island, and The Church of St. Tysilio, itself a popular place
to capture on camera, has wonderful views of the bridge.
Walking via the footpaths that pass under under the bridge over to
the residential area, you'll find other fantastic viewing points
from the bowling green, as well as from the harbour where,
hopefully, you'll be able get some shots of the mountains too.
Whether you're on it, below it or on either side - Menai Bridge has
GOT to feature in your North Wales photographic journey. Dawn and
dusk are great times to get shooting - with the lights from the
bridge and surrounding pproperties making for some stunning
shots!.
Pop into our office and shop on Water Street for more ideas of
what to do and see in the area. You'll find us in the small row of
shops just round the corner from Dylan's, a fabulous restaurant right on the
edge of the Menai Strait - with more gorgeous views.
8. Abersoch,
Llŷn Peninsula
Situated on the Llyn Peninsula, Abersoch is a popular seaside
resort with brilliant beaches, stunning scenery and internationally
recognised sailing waters. There are also loads of fantastic walks
with views aplenty! A popular walking route is the Cim Farm Circular Walk. The whole thing is
about 3.2 miles long, traverses the boundaries of the 400 acres of
Cim Farm, and includes dazzling views of St. Tudwal's
Islands.
Another fantastic spot for taking your camera is just outside of
the village. Make your way to the first (proper) layby before
entering Abersoch (there are a couple of caravans and a phone box).
Here you'll find the most most magnificent view over Cardigan
Bay, Snowdonia and Abersoch Bay. It equals any vista in the
world - seriously, it's toobreathtaking for words!
9. Red Wharf Bay,
Anglesey
As its name implies, this pretty village borders the edge of one
of Anglesey's largest bays...and oh, what a bay it is! Situated
between Benllech and Llanddona, on the east coast of Anglesey, It's
the perfect place for a for a spot of photography.
At low tide the bay comprises of a huge stretch of sand, with
almost 10 sq miles becoming uncovered. It's at low tide, in
particular, that you're likely to come across a plethora of
birdlife including: oystercatchers, purple sandpipers, grey plover,
curlew, and dunlin. Twice a day, as the tide comes in again, this
expanse magically disappears once more. It's only in places such as
these that one can fully appreciate the phenomenal power of the
sea; one minute the waves are lapping the coast, the next the water
is off somewhere in the distance!
With views across to mainland Wales, boats moored in the pretty
harbour, and wildlife galore - you're spoilt for choice!
Please fight the temptation to cross the sands toward the distant
beach of Llanddona, as you might become trapped by the speed of the
incoming tide - instead I suggest you follow the coastal path routes.
Stop off at the cosy Ship
Inn for a tasty meal while you're there - it's a traditional
pub with roaring fires on chilly days.
10. Porthdinllaen, Llŷn
Peninsula
You can't get much more picture-postcard perfect than the quaint
coastal hamlet of Porthdinllaen. Long popular with photographers it
has it all: traditional cottages, a waterfront pub (Ty Coch Inn),
views of Yr
Eifi and Snowdonia, as well as a pretty, crescent-shaped beach.
Sheltered by a headland that thrusts out to the north, it's harbour
is the most protected on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Both the village and beach are owned by the National
Trust with the only access being on foot - therefore,
visitors should walk across the beach from Morfa Nefyn or across the golf course on the
headland, past the Iron age hill fort.
Where to Stay
If this has whet your creative appetite, then you can find a North Wales holiday cottage for next
photographic foray here.