LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION GUIDES:
Mynydd Graig Goch, Nantlle, Gwynedd
Summary:
Best at / for: sunrise over Yr Wyddfa / sunset over Anglesey.
Best avoided: in poor visibility, or when this is likely.
Parking: free, at Llyn Cwm Dulyn reservoir, Nebo.
Access: around 1.5 hours easy walking.
Notes: good hiking / wild camping opportunities nearby.
Details:
Mynydd Graig Goch is at the south western end of the Nantlle ridge. There are panoramic views all round, mountains, lakes and sea. Access is easy, for the reasonably fit and able, and is well worth the effort.
The best approach is from Nebo. Cars can be parked at the small parking area by Llyn Cwm Dulyn reservoir. The walk up to the ridge will take around 1.5 hours at a reasonably leisurely pace, and involves a climb of about 1000 feet.
The great attraction of this location is that it is very much an accessible summit for photographers who have not previously spent much time in mountain territory or at high elevation. The path is a gentle gradient with no technical areas, but the views from the summit belie the ease of access. And it really comes into its own when conditions offer a colourful sunset over the Irish Sea. There are also plenty of flat, dry, grassy areas close to the summit where wild camping can be enjoyed. In addition to being easily accessible, and perhaps despite that, it is one of the quietest areas of the northern part of Eryri. This means that when some areas of the park are extremely busy with visitors a photographer can enjoy this quiet corner whether or not the photography conditions are particularly favourable.