Six of the Best

If Southern Snowdonia is on your agenda, then here are my six favourite locations for photography:

1. Aberdyfi

The Dyfi estuary, photographed from Penhelig

I’ve really got to start with Aberdyfi, haven’t I!

If coastal photography appeals then there’s nowhere better. In mid-summer, the estuary is full of boats and there’s usually plenty of sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and other watersports going on. Dig out a long lens and see if you can capture some high-adrenalin action.

If, however, you’re after a more serene scene, then the golden sands of Aberdyfi beach stretch for 4 miles to Tywyn. The Roman Road at the eastern end of the village is also a lovely walk, which provides views towards Plynlimon and the mountains of mid-Wales.

2. Mawddach Estuary

The Mawwdach Estuary, photographed from Panorama Walk

I may be hung, drawn and quartered for admitting this to the residents of Aberdyfi, but when it comes to photography I prefer the Mawddach estuary to the Dyfi estuary! Why? Because the estuary is flanked by Cadair Idris to the south and the Rhinog mountains to the north, which make an impressive backdrop whichever way you look.

You really are spoilt for great viewpoints and anywhere along the estuary will present you with awe-inspiring scenery. From Barmouth you can look east up the estuary past the iconic wooden railway viaduct and the view point at Panorama Walk, just above the town, is well worth a visit.

Head further up the estuary and New Precipice Walk, just north of the toll bridge at Penmaenpool gives views all the way down to Cardigan Bay. And on the south bank of the estuary is the Mawddach Trail, which is fabulous along its entire length.

3. Dysynni Valley

The Dysynni Valley, photographed from Craig yr Aderyn (Bird Rock)

A hidden gem of mid-Wales if ever there was one.

The Dysynni Valley stretches from the western flank of Cadair Idris down to Cardigan Bay where the Afon Dysynni joins the coast just north of Tywyn. The views from Cadair Idris along the valley are spectacular and as you travel down the valley towards the coast you can stop-off at the old chapel at Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, as well as Castell-y-Bere, an ancient fortification which dates back to 1220. And a bit further along the valley is the imposing rock face of Craig yr Aderyn, or Bird Rock as it is most commonly known.

4. Cadair Idris

The northern flank of Cadair idris, photographed from Glyn y Gadair

Cadair Idris is my local mountain and is a popular destination for hill walkers as well as photographers. The most frequently trodden routes to the top are either via the Minffordd Path which climbs up its southern edge from Tal-y-llyn Lake, or via the Pony Path on its northern side, which is best approached from Dolgellau. The scenery is to die for and, if you’re lucky, you may even get the opportunity to photograph a fast jet as it screams around the Mach Loop, a training run for military pilots.

5. Cregennan Lakes

Cregennan Lakes, photographed from Craig-las

Cregennan Lakes can be accessed via road either from Dolgellau or via a steep and twisting lane which climbs up from Arthog, on the southern bank of the Mawddach Estuary. The lakes aren’t big but sit in some classic Welsh mountain scenery and from the lakes you get commanding views of Cadair Idris and the Rhinog mountains. It’s a great location for a sunrise photoshoot or an evening star shoot. I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll have the place to yourself and a few dozen sheep!

6. Torrent Walk

The wooded gorge of Torrent Walk

I’m always amazed at how few people, even locals, have heard of Torrent Walk, but it’s well worth a visit. It’s just a mile or two from Dolgellau and if you take a left off the A470 onto the B4416 to Brithdir, you’ll pass Torrent Walk on your left, as you cross a stone bridge which spans the Afon Clywedog. There is a path that runs down one side of a wooded river gorge and then returns up the other side and it meanders through some amazing old woodland where wild garlic and other plants I don’t know the name of grow in profusion.

The river gorge is photographic along its entire length and has some impressive waterfalls. Take a tripod as the trees mean the gorge can be quite gloomy.

There you have it, my top photographic locations in South Snowdonia, which are not only fantastic for photography but also for a good day out and a lovely walk. Actually, I can think of at least another half dozen locations which are equally as impressive, but perhaps I’ll save those for another blog!