Ten of the best UK mountain views

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.

For pure nostalgia, the sight of a steam locomotive chuffing through Eryri 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.

Gazing out over the Menai Strait and the majestic peaks of Eryri stands the bronze figure of Henry William Paget, first Marquess of Ynys Môn (Anglesey), who fought alongside Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. After a decade-long closure and extensive restoration, The Marquess of Anglesey's Column is now open to visitors once more. You can climb the 115 narrow spiral steps to reach the open viewing platform—an exhilarating experience with panoramic views, especially on a calm day. The newly added visitor centre and café make it a perfect stop for history lovers and sightseers alike.

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) on the River Llugwy is one of the loveliest features of Cymru's 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.

Whether you do it by the Snowdon Mountain Railway or under your own steam, there’s much to be gained from climbing Cymru's highest mountain – not least, the chance to enjoy our most memorable 360-degree views. The ridges and lakes of Eryri 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 for some inspiration. 

Sheltered in the lee of Y Mynyddoedd Duon, Llyn Syfaddon 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. 

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 Y Mynyddoedd Duon (the Black Mountain Range). Immortalised by Turner in a swirl of stormy watercolour that’s now in Tate Britain, it’s one of Cymru's most romantic views.

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. Follow the 14km / 9 mile moderate circular walk from Arthog to enjoy waterfalls, ancient woodland, wildlife and mountain views on your way to the lakes.

Look north from the summit of Foel Fadian and the faraway peaks of Eryri 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 Cymru. Decide for yourself following the National Trail website's walk to the top of Foel Fadian.

The hike up Blorens from Y Fenni (Abergavenny) is steep, but worth it. The heather-strewn plateau at the top, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers splendid views across Dyffryn Wysg (the Usk Valley) to Pen y Fal, the southern most peak in Y Mynyddoedd Duon, with the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal snaking along below.

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

• Find safety advice for exploring Cymru's National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
• Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Cymru.