Snowdonia Classic Landscapes – Photography & Walking Short Break | Wild Photography Holidays - Photography & Adventure Travel

Snowdonia Classic Landscapes – Photography & Walking Short Break

Highlights include…

• Llanberis & Llyn Padarn
• Scenic walking
• Dolbadarn Castle
• Llanberis waterfalls
• Dinorwic Slate Quarries
• Cwm Idwal & Devil’s Kitchen
• Nant Gwynant Valley
• Lakes and fairy pools
• Epic mountain landscapes
• Sea cliffs and beaches
• Train to Snowdon half-way station

Introduction

This lovely five-day photographic/walking break takes place in Snowdonia, home to some of the wildest, ethereal and magical landscapes in the UK. The mountains and hills, rivers and lakes, wind and rain, coast and castles of the Snowdonia National Park have a wealth of fine landscapes, heritage and oodles of photographic interest. ‘Eryri’ the ancient Welsh name for Snowdonia, originates from the snow covered mountains and the Eagles that once lived here in large numbers. Most importantly the photographic interests of Snowdonia are beautifully compact and accessible. A few of the best locations for photography lie off the beaten track and require some walking to access. We will use the Snowdon railway so we can take in the best landscapes in the good light time. Our base in Llanberis is the perfect place to reach all of our locations easily including the dramatic Welsh coastline. This break will suit photographers who enjoy walking but would like to take the next step by discovering how to take the ‘Road less travelled’ in safety.

Brief Itinerary

For full details please download the trip description PDF

Day 1: Arrival in Llanberis

Our comfortable hotel and base for this workshop is a stones throw from Snowdon on the shores of Llyn Padarn. The oft photographed Dolbadarn Castle dating from the 13th century is a five minute walk from our base. We will meet together as a group at 17:00 for introductions, a trip briefing and a sunset shoot. We will return to our hotel for dinner.
Hotel (D)

Days 2–4: Photography in Snowdonia

Much of our itinerary will depend on the weather and local conditions. This will be assessed daily allowing us to maximise the best of our numerous locations. Some can be enjoyed after a short walk, others will require a drive of up to 30 minutes or so. We will aim to be out all day in all but the very worst of the weather, but we will find time for processing and viewing images. The following are some of the places that we will visit during the trip.
Hotel (B,L,D)

Llyn Padarn and Llanberis

The lake has many photographic vantage points and its famous ‘lone tree’ at the north west tip of the lake is a wonderful subject at sunrise. Penllyn can offer wonderful reflections of the Snowdon massif. Colourful buildings in Llanberis and Dolbadarn Castle offer great interest and history.

Dinorwic Slate Quarry

The slate quarries of north-west Wales have just been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Once, slate carved from here was sent all around the world, literally roofing the Industrial Revolution. Then the industry largely collapsed, leaving behind prescient apocalyptic wonderlands for outdoor-lovers and photographers to explore. At its peak in the 19th century, Dinorwig was the second-largest slate quarry in the world. In the mornings, thousands of men in flat caps hiked up the zig-zag path to the quarry huts which perch high on Elidir’s mountainside, their clogs clacking on slate waste. Nowadays the quarries offer a graphic and powerful location for photographers and climbers. Easily walked tracks lead through the quarries giving an insight into a very recent industrial history. The lower slopes of the quarries are littered with remnants of the past, old railway tracks, abandoned buildings, tunnels and slate waste. Higher, the views open out over the Llanberis Pass, Dolbadarn Castle and the Snowdon mountains. )

The Ogwen valley and Cwm Idwal

In the heart of Snowdonia lies one of its most easily accessible and photogenic valleys. The Ogwen valley cuts between the Glyderau and Carneddau mountain ranges. The striking old glacial landscape persuaded Charles Darwin that the mountains of Snowdonia developed their current size and shape during the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago. Cwm Idwal the first National Nature Reserve in Wales is a mecca for geologists, botanists and photographers. The dramatic Cwm Idwal feels rugged and mountainous although it is fairly easily accessed on foot giving photographers some diverse subjects.

Snowdon

Mount Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales and a superb view point for the whole of Snowdonia. We will spend several hours walking at a leisurely pace taking in some of the best vantage points. We will go ¾ of the way up on the train and walk down into sunset.

Lake Mymbyr, Capel Curig and Nant Gwynant

The small village of Capel Curig is home to one of the most iconic views in Snowdonia. The view along the twin lakes of Llynnau Mymbyr to the Snowdon Horseshoe is much sought after. Viewed from Capel Curig, or a little further along the lakes, a calm morning can give remarkable reflections and panorama options.

Nantlle and Fron

On the western edge of Snowdonia lies the scenic Dyffryn Nantlle. Opposite, the small village of Y Fron there is access to many sterling locations where we will be able to capture the atmospheric Nantlle ridge. Within the valley of Nantlle we encounter old quarries and lakes giving several good photographic opportunities and a glimpse of the area’s history and heritage.

Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula

Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula offer us some fabulous coastal landscapes. Generally blessed with milder and drier weather than Snowdonia, a day exploring these areas allows for some great coastal photography. Sea Stacks, lighthouses, the Menai Bridge, fishing villages and wild empty beaches are sure to whet your creative juices.

Day 5: Sunrise and Departure

This morning we hope to have a final sunrise shoot before breakfast at the hotel.
A morning transfer will be provided to Bangor Railway Station. Please discuss this at the time of booking.
(B)

Joining Arrangements and Transfers

We will meet together as a group at 17:00 at our hotel in Llanberis for introductions and a trip briefing.
There will be a transfer to and from Bangor railway station on Days 1 & 5. We would appreciate it if you are able to let us know your travel plans as soon as possible so that we are able to coordinate arrangements/pick ups. For those planning to drive themselves there is good parking at our hotel in Llanberis.

What’s Included

• 4 nights hotel accommodation in Llanberis
• Breakfast & dinner
• Transport during the workshop
• Photographic tuition
• Transfer to and from Bangor train station before and after the trip for those travelling by train
• One-way train ticket to Snowdon half-way station (¾ of the way up)

What’s not Included

• Lunches
• Beverages and alcohol
• Travel & medical insurance

Accommodation

We will be staying in a comfortable hotel in the heart of Llanberis. All guests will have their own rooms with private facilities, free WiFi and private parking.

Travelling to Llanberis

By Air

The nearest international airports to Llanberis are Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham with onward train, bus or taxi.

By Rail

There are frequent trains to Bangor see Trainline…

By Road

Traveling to Llanberis is scenic and worthwhile and would be great for spending independent time before or after the trip. Our travel throughout the trip will be by minibus so cars can be left securely at the hotel’s private parking area.

Personalised Guiding in Snowdonia

If these dates do not suit we will be able to arrange a personalised photography workshop just for you or a small group of friends. This way you can choose the dates, locations and the amount of walking that you prefer to undertake. We do realise that some folks might enjoy locations that are very easily accessed and others might indeed prefer some longer walks to more remote locations that are difficult to access, the choice is yours!
Get in touch with us for a chat and together we can come up with a personalised itinerary.

Complete Itinerary and Full Details

This page is only a brief summary. A complete itinerary and more details can be found in our trip description PDF
It is important that you read this full day-to-day description and further information for this holiday before making your booking.