Llyn Idwal and Tryfan, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve is one of the best places in Britain to see landscapes and plant species which have barely changed since the Ice Age. On a calm day, Llyn Idwal is as smooth a mirror, with beautiful reflections of cliffs and sky. The unmistakable shape of Tryfan makes a striking backdrop.

A lake beneath a pointy mountain, with a pony eating grass in the foreground.

Tryfan, Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales

Ffestiniog Railway from Porthmadog

For pure nostalgia, the sight of a steam locomotive chuffing through Eryri (Snowdonia) is pretty hard to beat. The Porthmadog Cob, the causeway over the mouth of the Afon Glaslyn, is just one of several vantage points you can enjoy in any season - even in the snow. Naturally, the views from inside the Ffestiniog Railway train are rather good, too.

Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railway steam engine at Porthmadog's Harbour Station

Ffestiniog Railway train going over the Cob at Porthmadog, North Wales

The Marquess of Anglesey's Column

Gazing out over the Menai Strait and the mighty peaks beyond is the bronze figure of Henry William Paget, first Marquess of Anglesey, who fought with Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo.  Once restoration is complete, you'll be able to climb The Marquess of Anglesey's Column via a narrow spiral staircase with 115 steps, leading to an open platform. Superb on a day that’s not too blowy.

A tall pale stone column with a viewing platform and statue at the top.

Marquess of Anglesey's Column, Anglesey, North Wales

Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed

Swallow Falls on the River Llugwy is one of the loveliest features of Wales’ most mountainous region. Since the Llugwy’s catchment area gets more rain than anywhere else in Britain, the falls usually have plenty of oomph. There are easy-to-reach viewpoints on each bank, very close to the rushing, foaming water.

cascading waterfall.

Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed, North Wales

Eryri (Snowdonia) from Yr Wyddfa's summit

Whether you do it by the Snowdon Mountain Railway or under your own steam, there’s much to be gained from climbing Wales’ highest mountain – not least, the chance to enjoy our most memorable 360-degree views. The ridges and lakes of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park stretch out in every direction. If it’s clear, you can see all the way to Ireland. Take a look at our guide to walking up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for some inspiration. 

Photo taken on a bright day with views from Snowdon of mountains and lakes.

Views from the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), North Wales

Hafod Eryri on Snowdon Summit

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Attraction
Llanberis
Dolbadarn Castle

Pen y Fan from Llangorse Lake

Sheltered in the lee of the Black Mountains, Llangorse is a lake where history and myth run deep. Its reconstructed crannog, or man-made island stronghold, marks the site of a 10th century palace, close to the water’s edge. The lakeshore is a picturesque place to stop and admire the highest peaks in southern Britain. 

Carreg Cennen Castle from Trapp

Explore the lanes around the Carmarthenshire hamlet of Trapp, and gaps in the hedgerows reveal glimpses of the enigmatic ruins of Carreg Cennen, on the edge of the Black Mountain Range. Immortalised by Turner in a swirl of stormy watercolour that’s now in Tate Britain, it’s one of Wales’ most romantic views.

castle on hill with surrounding countryside.

Carreg Cennen Castle, Trapp, Carmarthenshire, West Wales

The Welsh Crannog Centre

The Welsh Crannog Centre

Attraction
Brecon
dam and resevoir.
Carreg Cennen Castle

Carreg Cennen Castle (Cadw)

Attraction
Llandeilo
Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

Llynnau Cregennen, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Llynnau Cregennen is a photographer’s favourite. Under a brooding dawn sky, with autumn mist tumbling down from Cader Idris, it looks quite spectacular. But it’s just as delightful on a spring afternoon. Hikers know it as a stop on the Mawddach Way – an enjoyable, circular 31-mile route from Barmouth.

Llynnau Cregennan / Cregennan Lakes, Snowdonia with the Cadair Idris range in the background.

Llynnau Cregennan, with the Cader Idris range in the background, North Wales

Foel Fadian, Cambrian Mountains

Look north from the summit of Foel Fadian and the faraway peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) dominate the horizon – dark in summer, snow-dusted in winter. Just below the walk to the top, near the road, is a stone toposcope dedicated to the Welsh journalist Wynford Vaughan-Thomas. He considered this view the best in Wales. Decide for yourself following the National Trail website's walk to the top of Foel Fadian.

The view from a slate memorial on a hillside, looking over miles of rolling hills.

The view from the Wynford Vaughan-Thomas memorial on the slopes of Foel Fadian, on the narrow mountain road between Machynlleth and Dylife, Mid Wales

Sugar Loaf from Blorenge

The hike up Blorenge from Abergavenny is steep, but worth it. The heather-strewn plateau at the top, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers splendid views across the Usk Valley to Sugar Loaf, the southern most peak in the Black Mountains, with the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal snaking along below.

Be safe!

Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.

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