Last Updated: June 21, 2022
Best Views In Snowdonia (#4 Is Amazing)
Snowdonia is one of the most beautiful national parks in the UK and one could say that anywhere in Snowdonia offers amazing views but that’s not quite what we are here to discuss, we are here to talk about the best views in Snowdonia.
Snowdonia is in north Wales and is home to the second-highest peak in the UK called Snowdon. The national park is full of valleys, lakes, rivers, quaint villages, a huge 200-mile coastline, and lots more. There is no better way to see the national park than to seek out the best views in Snowdonia that showcase it the way it should be seen.
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The View From Snowdon’s Summit
Let’s start with arguably the best view in Snowdonia and the most obvious one too, the view from the summit of Snowdown. Now don’t be put off about having to hike to the summit of this 3,560 ft mountain as that isn’t the only option, you can also hop on a train that takes you to the top, and then you can enjoy a leisurely walk back down after.
To get the best of the view from the summit of Snowdon, you’ll want to pick a clear day. While this isn’t too easy since north Wales is renowned for being quite wet, if you can get it right it will be worth the wait.
If you don’t manage to go up there on a clear day you’ll be able to see the stunning valleys, peaks, and lakes of Snowdonia as well as the Isle of Anglesey too, unless you’re surrounded by clouds which can happen.
If you do manage to find a clear day to be on the summit, the view will blow your mind. You’ll be able to see Scotland to the north, Ireland to the west, and the hills of Pembrokeshire to the south as well as all the shimmering lakes and dew-covered valleys too.
Beddgelert
Another fantastic mountainside village that holds great views of Snowdonia is Beddgelert. Beddgelert is simply stunning and it couldn’t be more picturesque. I’d even dare say that it’s probably more picturesque than even you could imagine.
The beauty of Beddgelert lies in the old stone walls, stone arched bridges, the two rivers that run through it, and lots more. Around every corner, you either see something stunning like a mountain, stream, or old pub that is weathered from its in the mountains.
The Ogwen Valley
Just to the north of Cwm Idwal, you’ll find The Ogwen Valley and another spectacular view in Snowdonia. The Ogwen Valley is just south of Bangor and is the northernmost and one of the most popular valleys in the entire national park.
As you look down the valley you’ll see the Ogwen river running down the middle and the Carneddau and Glyderau running either side of it. It’s one of the most popular places in the whole of Snowdonia for hiking and this is because of the stunningly dramatic scenery it holds.
Betws-y-Coed
I’m not sure this one counts as a specific view in Snowdonia but the cute little mountain village of Betws-y-Coed has to get a mention and walking around it will give you great views in pretty much every direction.
Betws-y-Coed is hugely popular especially with artists and tourists alike for its beautiful natural scenery. The village has two pretty rivers running through it, the Swallow Falls is just down the road from it, and the architecture is so quaint and fitting that it’s hard to fall in love with this little town.
You’ll find Betws-y-Coed just on the outskirts of the northwestern side of the national park and visiting it is a must. You’ll also find some stunning old churches there and some great pubs to have lunch in.
Cwm Idwal Valley
The Cwm Idwal Valley is magical and is a view of Snowdonia no one should miss. There are multiple reasons why Cwm Idwal is so special and when you get there you’ll see why.
Sitting in northern Snowdonia, not too far from the town of Bangor, Cwm Idwal is pretty much a lake with rivers running to and out of it that sits in a kind of amphitheater. It’s up in the mountains too and is surrounded by some of the national park’s highest peaks, so as you can imagine, the view is amazing.
Cwm Idwal was the first-ever nature reserve in Wales and is also known as Britain’s seventh natural wonder and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s home to rare plants and herds of feral goats that aren’t found in many places in the whole of the UK.
Tryfan
While you’re hiking around the Ogwen Valley you’ll have a chance to see one of the other great views in Snowdonia, the triangular mountain of Tryfan. Tryfan is one of the most photographed peaks in the entire national park and I think it has something to do with just how much it looks like a perfect symmetrical triangle.
If you really want to get a great view of Tryfan then hiking up to the summit is a great bet and you’ll be able to see right down the Ogwen Valley too.
Llyn Padarn
Llyn Padarn offers some of the most far-reaching views in Snowdonia and this is because it’s a huge lake that covers some 800 acres and was created by a glacier many thousands of years ago. When you stand on its shores you can see for miles with a view uninterrupted from one side of the lake to the other. The surroundings of the lake are also stunning with rolling hills that lead slowly up to the peaks of the national park.
Llyn Padarn is also a great spot for sailing, swimming, and SUP-ing and is the 6th deepest lake in Wales (see more fun & interesting facts about Wales here) and the only one with Arctic Char in it that you would usually only find in further north in the world.
Tal-y-Llyn
Tal-y-Llyn offers an amazing view of Snowdonia that features an ancient glacial lake that sits shadowed under the peak of Cadair Idris. The landscape in this area encapsulates drama like no other to the point it has been used as a setting described in multiple books.
The walk up the valley to Tal-y-Llyn is also quite magical as it follows the river while you hike between two mountainsides and continues to open up as you wander deeper into Snowdonia.
You’ll find Tal-y-Llyn in central Snowdonia not far from the coast and it’s a beautiful place to hike around and very popular with walkers.
Barmouth Bridge
The views from Barmouth Bridge capture something quite special in Snowdonia, where the national park meets the sea and you’ll bees to walk along the bridge to see the beauty the views from it hold.
You’ll find Barmouth Bridge near the town of Barmouth and it was once a single-track wooden railway viaduct which was built way back in 1867 and is around half a mile long. As you walk across it you’ll find views of the Mawddach Estuary where it meets the Irish sea on one side and the mountains of Snowdonia on the other. It’s truly stunning.
Llyn Gwynant
Llyn Gwynant is another lake that holds some of the best views in Snowdonia and it’s world-famous having featured in a few films including Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie. The scenery surrounding the lake is out of this world and it’s also a natural lake that has formed as part of the River Glaslyn which adds to its uniqueness.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
