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Landscape photography guide to Anglesey, North Wales |
Landscape photography guide to Anglesey, North Wales
Having lived in North Wales for several years now I have become very familiar with its stunning mountains, valleys and lakes, not to mention the endless beaches and coastline. In particular I have become entranced by the Isle of Anglesey, an incredible place for photography that still remains somewhat of a hidden gem. Its an island of endless photographic opportunities with dramatic lighthouses, historic buildings and architecture, stunning beaches, wildlife in abundance and despite its relatively small size, the island provides a variety of landscapes and seascapes to challenge any photographer.
The aim of this guide is to provide the photographer with an insight into the best locations on Anglesey for landscape and seascape photography. The locations are all found via the official Isle of Anglesey coastal path (routes and maps available on the official website: http://www.islandofchoice.com) and to get the best from your visit to the island I would recommend you plan to do some coastal walking, many of the best locations are not fully accessible by car. To make the guide easier to follow it is divided into coastal sections, each of which can be related to the official coastal path route maps.
Beaumaris to Penmon point
Beaumaris is one of the most attractive towns on Anglesey, its location and castle ensuring its appeal to the landscape photographer. Its situated directly across the Menai straits from Snowdonia National Park, whose impressive mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Its also an excellent location for sunrise photographs as the sun rises directly behind the Snowdonia Mountains and creates stunning reflections in the Menai Straits. Beaumaris pier itself provides a good vantage point from which to capture these stunning scenes. In the Menai Straits themselves yachts and boats are frequently moored and can provide a good subject or alternatively some added foreground interest. Alongside the pier is a natural harbour, the main area for the numerous yachts and boats that visit Beaumaris, its another interesting possibility for the landscape photographer. Within the town itself is an impressive and particularly photogenic 13th century castle. A visit inside the castle can provide good views across the Menai Straits and towards the Snowdonia mountains, also a short distance along the coastal path behind the town is a small hill which provides the ideal vantage point for a wide angle photograph of the town, the castle and the surrounding landscape.
From Beaumaris to Penmon point the coastal path is flat all the way, running directly alongside the Menai Straits - be aware that at high tide much of the path is actually underwater. This section of the path provides a constant view of the Menai Straits, the Snowdonia Mountains and at a distance, the imposing Great Orme. Here though the beaches are not particularly photogenic, being mainly flat and indistinct. Personally, if I was to choose one particular photography location along this section of the coastal path I would go directly to Penmon point, easily accessible by car from Beaumaris. Here options for the landscape photographer include Penmon priory, Penmon point lighthouse and excellent views towards Puffin Island, the distant Great Orme and the ever-present Snowdonia mountains. Interesting rock formations can also be found a short distance along the shoreline from the lighthouse, offering the possibility for some imaginative macro shots.
Penmon Point to Benllech
Heading from Penmon point towards Red Wharf Bay the coastal path starts to climb above the coastline, providing the photographer with a new viewpoint of the lighthouse, Puffin Island and the Great Orme. Along this section of the path though the best location for a good landscape photograph has to be Red Wharf Bay, again accessible by car. It is a large open bay, appearing much like an estuary, which during low tide is a mass of golden sand - the of which character changes dramatically with the incoming tide. Personally, I think the best time for photography here is at low tide. The small village itself is directly alongside the bay and has some character. In particular the small harbour, with its usual collection of yachts, provides the landscape photographer with excellent opportunities. Continuing along the coastal path towards Benllech now involves a walk along the beach, tide permitting. The beach between Red Wharf Bay and Benllech has golden sand and again provides opportunities, although it lacks any particularly strong features. Benllech itself is a large town, mainly located slightly away from the coastline, which although pleasant, doesnt have any special interest for the photographer.
Benllech to Amlwch
The section of coastline between Benllech and Amlwch is probably the most contrasting section of the Anglesey Coastal Path and provides numerous possibilities for the landscape photographer. The coastal path climbs dramatically as it leaves Benllech and the view becomes expansive, with lots of interest. Again the Great Orme is in view, although a powerful telephoto lens is essential to successfully capture a photograph. The first main focus for the photographer on leaving Benllech however, is on the approach to Moelfre. It is a quaint place, with the appearance of a small Cornish fishing village, although as a consequence it can get very busy, so early hours photography provides the most tranquil shot. The only problem with Moelfre however, is finding the best location from which to take the shot as its located in a small corner of the coastline and doesnt have many natural vantage points for the landscape photographer. The best option is to walk past the village on the coastal path and take a photograph looking backwards into the small harbour.
The coastline onwards from Moelfre becomes flatter and features include nicely located sandy coves with interesting detail and texture. The most notable amongst these is the beach at Lligwy, it can be reached by car too. The landscape photographer also finds added interest here in the form of Ynys Dulas, a small, rocky island on which is built a distinctive and particularly photogenic structure. Its situated some distance from the beach so a powerful telephoto lens would be a good idea. If the coastal path is followed further however, the island does becomes closer in perspective, and as an added bonus the photographer will find the landscape provides increasingly strong foreground features, enhancing composition further.
Another special photography location, Dulas, soon becomes evident as the path continues. It is similar in nature to Red Wharf Bay, resembling an estuary. If crossed at low tide (without socks & shoes) another photographic opportunity is found in the form of a large wooden boat, long since abandoned and decaying but nonetheless an excellent subject, interestingly located.
On leaving Dulas the Anglesey Coastal Path again climbs above the coastline, the view again becoming more substantial, with the small island of Ynys Dulas constantly in view. Further interest soon appears in the form of the lighthouse at Point Lynas, an imposing structure sat high on the cliff top, seen from a good distance away. It provides the landscape photography with a variety of options, whilst the surrounding bracken and heather form excellent foreground features. Immediately below the lighthouse is Porth Eillan, a small bay enclosed by high cliffs, it provides the landscape photographer with further excellent opportunities. The beach itself, although small, has interesting features and sand detail and its location in particular provides scope for a good wide-angle seascape.
Continuing along the Anglesey Coastal Path from Porth Eillan, the landscape becomes rugged as it climbs further above the coastline, fewer photography opportunities exist however. The path soon reaches Amwlch, unfortunately now in decline. The old port however is still an excellent place for photography, particularly for those interested in maritime history or industrial landscapes and architecture. The old port has a small, very atmospheric harbour and interesting structures from its ancient industrial past remain.
Amwlch to Cameas
The Anglesey Coastal Path after Amwlch becomes very rugged and it rises and falls dramatically, passing through more highly photogenic industrial ruins. The landscape photographer walking this section of the Anglesey coastal path is spoilt for choice.
The first major opportunity for the photographer along this section of the coastal path is Bull Bay, a nice enough place and a popular tourist destination, but perhaps lacking any substantial opportunities for photography - its still worth a visit just to be sure. From Bull Bay the path starts to climb dramatically and its from here onwards that the landscape provides a great deal of inspiration for the photographer. Near the end of the long climb you arrive at the stunning Porth Wen, a large bay surrounded by rocky cliffs with, on one side, the remains of disused Victorian brickworks. Although abandoned the main structures remain, the kilns, chimneys and a small harbour wall, it is actually quite impressive, its location enhancing its appeal. Porth Wen is an excellent location for the landscape photographer, particularly anyone interested in industrial landscapes.
Leaving Porth Wen the Anglesey Coastal Path climbs further and the drama of the landscape increases, becoming even more rugged and visually stunning. The photographer really is spoilt for choice, the industrial ruins continue with a series of kilns and buildings located where the path falls suddenly back to sea level in a series of valleys. It really is difficult to overemphasis the photogenic nature of this section of the Anglesey Coastal Path. This continues as the path heads towards Cameas, passing along the way the Llandabrig Church. It is perched high on the clifftop overlooking the sea and has a unique character. The church is an excellent photography subject, a wide-angle lens is being essential to make the most of the opportunity.
A short distance down the cliffs from the church is another section of coastline not to be missed. A large, rock-strewn beach appears, the main appeal the landscape photographer being a large section of the mainland that has broken away. It now stands in the centre of the beach resembling a rugged monument. It makes an excellent subject for the landscape photographer, foreground interest is abundant too.
From here the Anglesey Coastal Path falls gradually on its approach to Cemaes. This quaint coastal village has lots of potential for photography, with the small harbour and the large sweeping bay provide the main subjects. Unfortunately though, just around the bay from Cameas things get distinctly less photogenic in the form of a monstrous nuclear power station. This is actually seen occasionally on the approach from Porth Wen but fortunately not too often to detract from the otherwise stunning coastline. I cannot recommend this section of the Anglesey Coastal Path highly enough, in its relatively short distance it provides the landscape photographer with a wealth of opportunities.
Holyhead to Trearddur
Holyhead itself is an interesting place, although certainly not the most photogenic location on the Isle of Anglesey. It does however have a hidden gem in the form of St Cybis church. Dating back several centuries this ancient church is worth a visit by the photographer, it is really the only interest in Holyhead though, unless shipping is one of your passions.
As the Anglesey Coastal Path leaves Holyhead the first photography worthy location is Breakwater Country Park. It contains some interesting rocky coastline but perhaps more interesting for the photographer is the actual breakwater itself, a massive manmade wall designed to protect the main port from the ravages of the sea. For the imaginative landscape photographer the structure could well provide some interesting possibilities. Leaving the Breakwater Country Park the coastal path rises with the cliffs and the landscape begins to improve, a backward glance gives a good panorama of the main Holyhead port and surrounding coastline. Holyhead Mountain soon appears, its certainly worth a shot or two if you can find an interesting angle. From the top of the mountain the view looking back across Anglesey is substantial, although as the island is quite flat, the landscape photographer will probably find the scene too lacking in distinctive features to consider a photograph. A glance out to sea however is more impressive, with the radar station at North Stack drawing attention. Its possible to reach the radar station via a rocky lane and its certainly worth a visit as with some imagination it has good photographic potential.
Climbing back up the Anglesey Coastal Path from North Stack a distinct section of rocky scenery is encountered, the path is now quite high above the sea and has potential for another seascape or two. The main benefit of taking this route however, is that it soon reaches one of the most dramatically located lighthouses youre likely to see, South Stack. The lighthouse is several hundred feet below the main cliffs on its own small island and can be approached via a set of steep steps and a robust metal bridge. Stood on the island near the lighthouse also provides the photographer with an excellent viewpoint from which to capture the dramatic cliffs and the abundant wildlife that inhabitants them. South Stack also provides the perfect location for sunset photographs, at least in summer, when the sun sets directly behind it. Climbing the steps up from the lighthouse the coastal path now heads downhill and passes the distinctive RSPB viewing tower situated on the cliff tops, definitely worth photographing. The Anglesey Coastal Path now continues along the high clifftops towards Trearddur, the view remains impressive. A frequent look backwards will provide numerous views of the lighthouse at South Stack and the opportunity to take numerous landscape shots with that wide-angle lens. Eventually South Stack lighthouse disappears from sight and as the rugged coastline continues a series of photogenic rock formations appear, each somewhat differing and offering the photographer some interesting possibilities. The photography options improve further on the approach to Trearddur as the coastal path passes a wonderful series of small rocky coves covered with golden sand, each of them with unique character. The best time for photography in these coves is probably when the tide is low as they all contain rich sand full of texture, providing intriguing foreground detail to that landscape photograph. The town of Trearddur itself is a modern, tourist-orientated place and doesnt really provide much interest for the landscape photographer, although the nearby beach is situated in a wide sweeping bay that is quite photogenic.
Rhosneigr to Aberffraw
Rhosneigr is a very popular tourist destination, particular with anyone interested in watersports, this makes it a great place for photographers who like capturing windsurfer shots and the like. The village itself doesnt really have anything to attract the landscape photographer, but the surrounding coastline and beaches provide more than adequate compensation. The main beach at Rhosneigr has far and sweeping views of the surrounding Anglesey coastline, the wide-angle lens can be put to good use again here.
Leaving Rhosneigr along the Anglesey Coastal Path towards Aberffraw immediately brings you to a section of golden sand, half way along which are some excellent rock formations - foreground interest is no problem here. On leaving the beach the coastal path continues along the cliffs, initially passing an ancient burial chamber (another photography opportunity) and then two small sandy coves, the larger of which provides the photographer with good possibilities. The coastal path then passes through several fields lacking any noteworthy views or features but soon arrives at Anglesey Racing Circuit. This location is easily reached by car and is an ideal opportunity for any photographer interested in motor sport. Anglesey Circuit holds occasional events but is more frequently open to the public, a variety of motorbikes and high-powered cars can be photographed.
Continuing along the Anglesey Coastal Path photographers are provided with a somewhat unique opportunity. On arriving at a small sweeping bay, just on the outskirts of Aberffraw, an ancient church can be seen surrounded by the sea on its own small island. This is the church of St Cwyfan, dating back to the 12th century. It is accessible by foot, but only at low tide via a small rocky causeway. This is another not to be missed photographic opportunity. Personally, I believe the best landscape photograph of the church is taken when the tide has just started to recede, leaving the route of the causeway uncovered but the church still surrounded by the sea. This small bay can actually be reached by a very narrow track from Aberffraw but be warned, in busy periods progress along it can be slow, walking the short distance from Aberffraw is probably preferable.
Having exhausted all photographic possibilities at the church the Anglesey Coastal Path continues on to Aberffraw, the approach to which is particularly photogenic. The village itself sits at the outlet of a river and this provides a good subject. A little experimentation is required to find the best angle for a pleasing photograph, the best possibility is use a wide-angle lens to try and include the attractive section of beach located on the opposite side of the river.
Aberffraw to Llanddwyn
The coastal path between Aberffraw and Llanddwyn is the most unspoilt and visually attractive area on the Isle of Anglesey, its also my own personal favourite landscape photography location on the island. After leaving the beach at Aberffraw behind the Anglesey Coastal Path passes through several with little to interest the landscape photographer. On reaching Maltreath however, the situation improves dramatically. From here to Llanddwyn the beaches are just stunning, miles of beautiful, unspoilt sand - a landscape photographers paradise you might say. Photograph opportunities are numerous although the better ones are closest to Llanddwyn Island.
Although know as an island, Llanddwyn is actually only isolated during high tide for a short time. The island has much to interest the landscape photographer - two excellent lighthouses, both having the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains. Of the two lighthouses I personally prefer the newest one, its located on the very end of the island and the beach below provides an ideal position from which to get that perfect shot. Also in summer the sun sets directly behind the lighthouse enhancing the already impressive backdrop. Other features of Llanddwyn Island include the ancient ruined abbey and the more modern, but ancient looking crosses, one Celtic and the other Latin. Both of these stand in prominent positions and provide even more creative options for the landscape photographer. The all-round view from the island is simply stunning too, particularly when looking towards the mainland of Wales and the numerous mountains of the Snowdonia range. As an added bonus, the island (and Llanddwyn beach itself) is a perfect place to take both sunrise and sunset photographs and for those interested in wildlife photography, the island is inhabited by its very own wild horses which, if you are lucky, will pose nicely against the scenic backdrop.
Leaving Llanddwyn Island and following the Anglesey Coastal Path along Llanddwyn beach doesnt mean the photographer needs to put their camera away. The beach is full of character, perhaps more so at low tide. Large sand dunes line the beach and the nearby forest continues alongside. When the tide recedes the beach is a mass of sand, much of it full of texture and detail, certain to capture the landscape photographers eye. Foreground interest for those wide-angle landscape shots is easily found as is the opportunity to indulge in a few macro shots. The already stunning beach is further enhanced by the ever-present mountain backdrop provided by the Snowdonia National Park. Towards the end of the vast beach, as it nears the Menai Straits, the mountains become much closer in perspective, a good wide angle lens capturing some great detail and contours. Across the Menai Straits Caernarfon and its imposing castle can also be seen, although at a distance requiring the use of a powerful telephoto lens to ensure the capture of an effective photograph.
http://www.landscapephotographyuk.com
Landscape photography from Anglesey and Snowdonia in North Wales and other UK regions.
About AuthorLandscape photography from Anglesey and Snowdonia in North Wales and other UK regions.
Source: ArticleTrader.com
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