Yr Aran, Rhyd Ddu, Eryri

SUMMARY:

Best at / for: any time of year.

Best avoided: n/a!

Parking: pay and display at Rhyd Ddu station.

Access: extensive steep walking required.

Notes: good wild camping locations in the area.

Details:

Yr Aran is a distinctive peak to the south-west of Yr Wyddfa which provides great vantage points for landscape photography across the Eryri area. It can be reached via the Watkin Path, or more easily from Rhyd Ddu. From this direction the lower reaches of the past are quite gentle walking as far as Bwlch Llan. The final traverse up to the summit is more strenuous but not technical.

The location of this peak makes it an ideal vantage point for long lens photography right across the southern aspect of Yr Wyddfa Summit and all the surrounding peaks and ridges. Despite its excellent location, it is often completely deserted and offers the sort of solitude which many landscape photographers seek. It is also an ideal location to photograph weather systems and squalls blowing up from the Irish Sea across the Nantlle ridge.