The best places for photographing Snowdonia
Discover the top 5 places for photographing Snowdonia (Eryri), a photographer’s paradise with spectacular mountain vistas, glacial lakes, dramatic waterfalls and an incredible industrial heritage of abandoned slate quarries. This photography guide helps to find some of the most beautiful photography locations in Snowdonia Eryri National Park including the stunning mountain landscapes of Cwm Idwal, views of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) from Llynnau Mymbyr, the famous Llanberis Lone Tree, beautiful Llyn Gwynant and the magical gorge of Fairy Glen near Snowdonia’s most popular village, Betws-y-coed.
The top 5 places for photographing Snowdonia National Park, Wales
1. Cwm Idwal
To reach Cwm Idwal, my personal favourite Snowdonia photography location, a short but spectacular walk takes you from the main visitors centre at Ogwen Cottage right into the heart of the Eryri Snowdonia National Park 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.
🥾 Directions to Cwm IdwalStart Point: Ogwen Cottage Visitor Centre (postcode: LL57 3LZ)There's a car park here, plus toilets and an info centre.
Trail Start: Follow the clear path behind the visitor centre, heading towards Llyn Idwal.Walk to Llyn Idwal:A well-maintained gravel path leads you gently uphill to the lake.Approx. 20–30 minutes.
2. Llynnau Mymbyr
One of my favourite Eryri Snowdonia National Park 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.
🚶♂️ Directions to Llynnau MymbyrStart Point: Plas y Brenin (National Outdoor Centre), Capel CurigPostcode: LL24 0ETThere's limited parking nearby, or use lay-bys along the A4086.
Trail Start: From Plas y Brenin, walk along the path that follows the northern shore of Llynnau Mymbyr.Alternatively, walk a short stretch on the A4086 pavement if starting from Capel Curig.
Walk Along the Lakes:Easy lakeside walk with stunning views of the Snowdon Horseshoe.Great photo ops, especially on still days with mountain reflections.
3. Llanberis : Llyn Padarn Lonely Tree
Llanberis is one of the most popular villages in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) 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. Also don’t miss the Llanberis slate museum in North Wales which is a fascinating glimpse into the areas 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 people photographing Snowdonia though one place attracts photographers more than most, 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!
🌳 Directions to the Lonely Tree (Llyn Padarn, Llanberis)Start Point: Llanberis LakefrontClosest postcode: LL55 4ELPark at the Llyn Padarn Car Park or nearby lots in Llanberis village.
Trail Start: From the car park, walk towards the lake shore at Llyn Padarn.The tree is just a few minutes' walk from the shorefront, near the Padarn Country Park entrance.
Find the Tree:The Lonely Tree stands slightly in the lake near the northwest edge — it’s a popular photo spot, so it's often easy to spot others gathered nearby.
4. Llyn Gwynant
The final “must see” Snowdonia 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.
🏞️ Directions to Llyn Gwynant (Walking Route / Visit)Start Point: Llyn Gwynant Campsite or roadside lay-bysPostcode: LL55 4NWLocated on the A498 between Beddgelert and Pen-y-Pass.You can park at the campsite (paid) or in limited lay-bys along the road.
Accessing the Lake:From the campsite, walk directly to the lake shore — perfect for relaxing, swimming, or taking photos.Public access is available even if you're not camping.
5. Fairy Glen (Ffos Anoddun)
As hidden gems go in Snowdonia there aren’t many better than the magical gorge of Fairy Glen on the outskirts of Betws-y-coed. A little limited with viewpoints but a beautiful place for spending time photographing Snowdonia and a place that’s just that bit different from every other location around the national park. If you’re a fan of long exposure photography then this is definitely a great place to visit in Eryri, don’t miss it!
🧚 Directions to the Fairy Glen (Ffos Noddun)Start Point: Fairy Glen Car Park, near Betws-y-CoedPostcode: LL24 0SH (for nearby location)Located off the A470, south of Betws-y-Coed.Look for a small lane signposted "Fairy Glen" — car park is along this narrow road (parking fee applies).
Trail Start: From the car park, follow the marked footpath downhill toward the River Conwy.Entry is via private land – small entry fee (~£1–£2 cash) may be collected at a gate box.
At the Glen:Path leads to a steep descent with steps and roots — take care, especially when wet.The Fairy Glen itself is a narrow, mossy gorge with a beautiful, magical atmosphere.
If you’re planning on photographing Snowdonia my guidebook, Photographing North Wales has over 100 stunning photo locations to explore
Photographing North Wales – The Ultimate Guide to the Best North Wales Photography Locations
Uncover the top North Wales photography locations with Photographing North Wales, the essential guidebook for capturing the region's most stunning scenery. Featuring over 300 high-quality colour photographs, this comprehensive guidebook details more than 100 of the best locations to explore and photograph across North Wales.
Photographing North Wales covers a wide variety of breathtaking destinations, including the iconic Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, the picturesque Isle of Anglesey, the historic villages and golden beaches along the North Wales Coast, the stunning Llyn Peninsula, and the picturesque countryside of Llangollen and the Dee Valley. Explore the rich culture of North East Wales, including Wrexham and Mold, and capture the scenic beauty of the heather-clad peaks of the Clwydian Hills.
With expert advice on the best times and techniques for photographing these locations, you'll be equipped to capture unforgettable images of North Wales. The guidebook also provides detailed viewpoint information and full route directions to each location, ensuring you make the most of your photography adventures. Plus, every copy comes personally signed by the author.
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Step-by-step guidance to the best North Wales photography locations
Expert tips on how and when to photograph North Wales’ landscapes