Snowdonia Landscape Photography
The Lone Tree of Llyn Padarn standing as a quiet sentinel on Llyn Padarn in Eryri / Snowdonia.
Y Lliwydd , with its very distinctive peaks, forms part of the Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon Massif and has been used as a training ground by many notable British mountaineers over the years, including George Mallory. It was used extensively by Edmund Hillary/Tenzing Norgay in preparation for their successful 1953 Everest Expedition.
According to legend, King Arthur fought and defeated a giant named Rhitta Gawr, who wore a cloak made from the beards of his enemies. Arthur buried the giant in a cairn on the neighbouring summit of Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa. It's said that Arthur's men camped in a cave on Y Lliwedd while waiting for their king's return and remain there still, sleeping.
Looking down the beautiful Gwynant Valley towards Llyn Gwynant from Pen y Pass in Eryri / Snowdonia.
Rhyd Ddu station, nestled in the heart of Eryri / Snowdonia, is a stop on the Welsh Highland Railway, a narrow-gauge line that dates back to the 1870s. Today, it carries passengers through some of Wales’ most breathtaking landscapes, offering a glimpse into the region’s industrial past, and sits at the foot of the Rhyd Ddu path, one of the routes up Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon.
I never pass a railway line I don’t want to photograph. The leading lines disappearing into the distance are irresistible. I took this photo a couple of years ago on my phone because it was already raining, though the real downpour came a bit later when the storm finally broke.
Set against the majestic mountains of Eryri, Dolbadarn Castle is a sentinel of Welsh history. Built by Llywelyn the Great in the early 13th century, it was a strategic stronghold that safeguarded the Llanberis Pass and symbolised the prince's dominance over Gwynedd.
If I could pause time, I'd do it in bluebell season - the most magical time of the year. This was taken in my local bluebell woods on the edge of Snowdonia /Eryri.
A wintry view across Llyn Ogwen towards the mighty Tryfan in the Glyderau mountains. This was the last shot I took on a bitterly cold November day as the sun was setting.
The Lone Tree, or Lonely Tree, of Llyn Padarn. Standing on the beautiful Llyn Padarn lake in Llanberis, you can see why this is one of the most iconic locations in Snowdonia for photographers! This photo was taken on one of those lovely, clear days you can only hope for but seldom get. In the background, you can see the snowcapped Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon Massif and the tiny column that is Dolbadarn Castle catching the late afternoon sun as it stands, sentinel-like, at the head of the Pass of Llanberis. The tree had a companion on this occasion - a seagull that refused to leave and stayed throughout the shoot.
The late afternoon sun illuminating the little bridge at the beginning of the footpath to Pen-y-Pass - the start of many an adventure!
Bare winter trees reflected as dancing shapes and colours.
Beautiful Nant Gwynant dressed in autumn colours and bathed in evening light, taken from the gate at Pen-y-Pass, Eryri / Snowdonia. This is one of my favourite spots to stop and ponder.
Winding path through the Beddgelert Forest in a soft evening light.
The Llugwy Valley, near Betws-y-Coed, is beautiful in all seasons.
This wonderful winding lane near Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia, with its dry stone walls is a recent find, and one I will need to visit in different light and at different times of year. It's straight out of Tolkien's Shire!!
I don't take many photos of birds, but I was sitting on a bench in a secluded spot enjoying the view when this beautiful robin appeared and was kind enough to pose for me while I took this shot.
Pentre Farmhouse, Nant Ffrancon, with the ruggedly beautiful backdrop of the Glyderau mountains. If this vista seems oddly familiar though never visited, it may be because it was one of the filming locations in Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.
A scene that embodies North Wales for me. Two Welsh Mountain Sheep enjoying a summer afternoon among the ruins of Dolwyddelan Castle, with the Moelwyns as a timeless backdrop. They were as curious about me as I was about them!
I was captivated by this beautiful little wonky gate and path winding through the trees while visiting a nearby location in Snowdonia.
The Snowdon Star moored on Llyn Padarn on a cold winter's daywith the Pass of Llanberis beyond.
The striking peak of Y Garn forms one end of the Nantlle Ridge, in Rhyd Ddu, Snowdonia.