By: Simon Kit
Although most photographs of North Wales viewed around the Internet seem to focus on Snowdonia National Park and the coastal areas around Anglesey, North Wales has many fantastic opportunities for photography, many often missed by visitors. The aim of this guide is to provide an insight into photo locations around North Wales, some often unnoticed by photographers and tourist alike.
The town of Llangollen is not to be missed, not only is the town itself quite picturesque but it's overlooked by Castell Dinas Bran and surrounded by stunning scenery - Worlds End, Eglwyseg rocks, Horseshoe Pass to name a few. The Llangollen Canal provides photographers with even more varied opportunities, wildlife is commonplace along the canal banks too.
For photographers interested in architecture don't miss Plas Newydd and Valle Crucis Abbey both closeby to Llangollen. Also Rug Chapel and Llangar Church in nearby Corwen and the impressive Pontcysyllte and Chirk Aqueducts along the Llangollen Canal. Chirk castle isn't too far away either and the National Trust property of Errdig near Wrexham has great photo opportunities, providing architecture and historic gardens. Railway enthusiasts / photographers are also catered for in Llangollen where the restored railway line runs frequent Steam Train trips.
For landscape photographers the scenery around Snowdonia often means that they miss many of the other great opportunities that North Wales provides. A drive a little further north towards Ruthin provides photo opportunities of the Clywdian hills. The highest peak, Moel Famau is well worth the walk to the summit. Also along the same range is Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur, both excellent photo vantage points. Whilst the Clywdian Hills may not provide quite as much drama as the Snowdonia National Park photographers should definitely consider them when visiting North Wales.
Not far from Llangollen are the relatively unknown Berwyn Mountains, again well worth a visit although access is more limited than that to the Clywdian Hills and Snowdonia National Park. At the base of the Berwyn range, near Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant is perhaps the most impressive waterfall in North Wales, which again most photographers miss completely. The Pistyll Rhaeder Waterfall is one of the 'Seven wonders of Wales' - it's actually the highest waterfall in Wales/England and provides excellent photo opportunities. Not only is the waterfall impressive but it's location is a little special too. For photographers looking for waterfalls, two other excellent locations exist: Aber Falls close to Bangor and Swallow Falls at Betws-y-coed, a village well worth a visit. Also Talacre beach on the North Wales coast has a fantastic lighthouse and providing the photographer with great opportunities. As usual sunrise and sunset provides the best lighting.
For photographers interested in castles the list is almost endless, I would be surprised if any other location around the world provides as many photo opportunities in such a small area. The most spectacular castles are undoubtedly Conway and Caernarfon, both extremely impressive and dusk / nighttime photographs of both are very popular as they are well lit out of daylight hours. Penrhyn castle close to Bangor is somewhat unique, a modern 'fairytale' structure. Beaumaris castle on Anglesey is excellent, the views from the castle across to the Snowdonia mountains are also impressive whilst Chirk castle near Llangollen is also extremely well preserved and photo worthy. As already mentioned the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran provide impressive views over Llangollen and the Vale of Clywd and are worth the climb.
Whilst the aforementioned castles are perhaps structurally or visually the most impressive in North Wales there are others that photographers should seriously consider. Rhuddlan castle near Rhyl is still well intact, Dolwyddelan castle has undergone renovation and is beautifully located, as is Dolbadarn castle on the side of Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. Several other castles exist around North Wales and whilst less photogenic than others are well worth considering if in the area: Flint Castle along the coastline, Denbigh castle, Hawarden Castle, close to Chester and finally Caergwrle castle close to Wrexham.
The above locations are by no means a definitive list of all photography related locations around North Wales, there are simply endless photo opportunities. Hopefully however this guide will provide unfamiliar photographers and visitors with a few more options when visiting North Wales.
