Within this blog I have pulled together a list of what I would argue to be 10 of the best sunset locations across North Wales including Snowdonia National Park, Anglesey, and the Llyn Peninsula.

I found it very difficult to narrow this list down to 10 but I have tried to include a wide variety of locations from the summits of mountains, to low level lakes, and easily accessible coastal locations.

At a glance

• Y Garn

• Snowdon

• Moel Siabod

• Glyder Fach

• Llynnau Mymbyr

• Fford Clegir above Nant Peris

• Barmouth

• Ynys Llandwyn, Anglesey

• South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey

• Trefor Sea Stacks, Llyn Peninsula

What I use to pick and plan sunset locations

One thing to note is that the direction in which the sun sets changes throughout the course of the year. During the shorter winter months it sets in the south west, then as the days get longer the path of the sun moves north and sets in the north west. So bear this in mind when deciding on a location.

I personally use an app called PhotoPills to choose sunset locations, alongside helping me plan photo compositions for sunset, sunrise, and the milky way.

I have no affiliation with the company and I hate paying for apps (It costs a one off fee of £9.99) when there are free ones available, but PhotoPills was definitely worth the investment.

Not only does it allow you to see where the sun will rise and set, months and even years into the future, but it is packed full of amazing features. One of which is the augmented reality mode which uses your phones camera to show you exactly which point on the horizon the sun will rise and where it will set.

Safety tips and advice around hiking at sunset

Pack a head torch - A phone torch will not cut it, especially if you have to do some scrambling. A head torch will make the descent far safer, easier, and more comfortable. It will also mean you have some battery left on your phone navigate your way home when you get back to the car.

Pack extra layers - I always pack a spare top, a lightweight down jacket, hat, and gloves in my bag. So when I do reach the summit I can quickly layer up and stay warm while I’m waiting for the sun to set.

Y Garn, Snowdonia

Y Garn is the 10th highest peak in Wales and one of my favourite mountains in Snowdonia.

Often overlooked for the surrounding peaks of the Glyderau and Carneddau, Y Garn has arguably one of the best summit views in the National Park which can easily be reached in a little over an hour.

From the summit you have 360 degree panoramic views and a plethora of compositions to choose from. In one direction you have panorama of Pen-yr-Ole Wen, the Ogwen Valley, Tryfan, and the Glyderau.

Swinging south you then have the Snowdon Massif, Llanberis, and the layers of southern Snowdonia. Then along the ridge to the north west you have Elidir Fawr.

Parking is available at the Ogwen Visitor centre or on the side of the A5 in the Ogwen Valley. The shortest route to the summit is straight up Y garns north face which is 2.6km in length and involves 630m of elevation. Alternatively you can head past Llyn Idwal and up through Devils Kitchen which is 4.6km one way.

Snowdon

Now even though Wales highest mountain is arguably one of the best places in Snowdonia to watch the sunrise, I would argue that it is better option for sunset.

This is down to several factors.

Firstly crowds. Sunrise on Snowdon can be notoriously busy, especially during the school holidays and summer months. I have camped up there in early June and awoken to already find 60 people on the summit at 4:30am.

Sunset is a little different. It doesn’t have the same ‘inspirational pull’ as sunrise (not as many people can brag about winning the day) meaning the the summit will be far quieter.

The second factor is time it takes to climb Snowdon. Depending on your fitness levels and what route you climb, it takes on average between 2 -3 hours to climb to the summit of Wales highest mountain. Climbing Snowdon for sunset means you dont have to start at stupid o’clock and sacrifice a nights sleep.

The final factor is parking. In the summer, the Pen-y-pass car park is booking only and the Sherpa bus service doesn’t run until mid morning.

Climbing Snowdon for sunset gives you the option of parking the car in Llanberis and catching the sherpa bus to the Pen-y-pass. Meaning you can ascend Snowdon via one of the shorter and more exciting routes to the summit (Crib Goch, Pyg Track, or Miners Track) , then descend in the dark via the easier and safer Llanberis path.

Glyder Fawr, Snowdonia

The fifth highest mountain in Wales isn’t a mountain which I have been up to for sunset, but given the views from its summit I know would be a great choice.

The 1001m peak looks directly towards the Snowdon Massif and also has terrific views looking westward down towards Nant Peris and Anglesey.

The word "Glyder" derives from the Welsh word "Gludair", meaning a heap of stones. It’s easy to see why this peak was given this name as it is literally enveloped in large rocky boulders of all shapes and sizes. One of which is the impressive Castell y Gwynt, a crown like outcrop of shattered rocks which sits just off the summit of the neighbouring Glyder Fach (994m)

There’s several routes up to the summit of Glyder Fach, with the most popular starting from the Ogwen Valley in the north where you can ascend via Bristly Ridge or the Devils Kitchen. Alternately you can start in the south, either at the Pen-y-Pass or from Pen-y-Gwyrd hotel.

The routes up to this summit aren’t for the most novice of hikers. All are tricky underfoot, require a solid level of fitness and some even require a small element of scrambling.

Moel Siabod, Snowdonia

This solitary peak may not the highest mountain in Snowdonia, however the views from its 872m summit are absolutely sensational.

On a clear day you’ll have panoramic views across the national park alongside being able to see 13 of the 14 Welsh 3,000s. The summit’s isolated location and views towards Snowdon make it a great spot to not only watch the sunset but also watch the sunrise.

The best way to reach the summit is from Pont Cyfyng which is situated on the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig. Details of that route and how to hike up Moel Siabod can be found below. Alternatively you can hike up from the west, starting from beneath the Pen-y-pass near the Pen-y-Gwyrd hotel.

Llynnau Mymbyr, Snowdonia

Situated just outside of Capel Curig off the A4086 , lies a series of two gorgeous glacial lakes called Llynnau Mymbyr.

From the eastern end of the lake you have a terrific view back towards the Snowdon massif, which on a calm and clear day can provide mirror like reflections of Wales’s highest mountain.

Although this would also be a great option for sunrise, I’d recommend heading for sunset as at certain times of the year the sun will set behind the Snowdon massif.

Free parking is avaible on the side of the A4086 next to Plas-y-Brenin outdoor activity centre, from there its a short two minute walk down to the side of the lake.

Fford Clegir above Nant Peris

Fford Clegir is a fantastic mountain road which runs parallel to southern shore Llyn Padarn .

At the highest point of the single-track road you will find a gravel layby which offers incredible views over Llanberis towards and west towards the Llyn Peninsula.

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Access to the highest point is from either the village of Llanbers or Cwm-y-Glo.

Barmouth, Snowdonia

People often forget that Snowdonia has 200 miles of gorgeous coastline, stretching from the Aberdyfi in mid Wales up to the river Dwyryd in the bay of Ceredigion.

Barmouth, is a quaint little seaside town which lies directly above the Mawddach estuary, is arguably Snowdonia’s most popular seaside location. The beaches westerly facing direction is what makes it a great spot to watch the sunset from.

I had the pleasure of stopping here when I cycled around the entire coastline of Wales and the views certainly didn’t disappoint.

If you did want to stretch the legs and escape the minimal crowds that you will find here, you can watch the sunset from the hills above the town, where you will also be treated to sensational views back over the estuary and towards southern Snowdonia.

Ynys Llandwyn, Anglesey

This stunning outcrop of land was designated as Wales’ first coastal National Nature Reserve back in 1955 and I would argue that this is the best place to watch the Sunset in North Wales.

Situated on the island is the Instagram worthy white lighthouse and church which was once home to Saint Dwynwen - the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Alongside the lighthouse, the island has several secluded golden sanded coves which give you an incredible vistas looking back towards the mountain range of Snowdonia. 

There is one large park situated next Newborough beach and to reach it you have to pass through a toll barrier which costs £4 for the day.

From the car park, the walk to the tip of Llanddwyn Island will take about 30-45 minutes and requires either passing through the magnificent Newbourgh forest or along the beautiful stretch of sands of Newborough beach. Make sure to check the tide times as access to the island gets cut off either side of high tide, and although its only waist deep water, its not something you want to be doing in the dark.

South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey

Located on the tip of north west Anglesey lies South Stack lighthouse. Built in 1809, this 91ft lighthouse is far bigger than the one on Llanddwyn Island and was designed to allow safe passage for ships on the treacherous Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route.

Even if you don’t have the faintest interest in lighthouses, the viewpoint and surrounding cliffs are stunning and are definitely worth visiting. The South Stack cliffs are a RSPB Reserve and are home to guillemots, puffins and razorbills during the summer months. 

The car park is located near the top of the cliffs, next to the RSPB Visitor centre, Holyhead LL65 1YH. From here access to the steps and viewpoint is a very short walk.

If you do want to head down and take a look around the lighthouse it can be accessed by descending the 400 steps, which steeply zig zag their way down the dramatic coastal cliffs.

Trefor Sea Stacks, Llyn Peninsula

Located on the north coast of the Llyn Peninsula, Trefor stacks are several columns of granite which protrude from the Irish sea.

There are actually two sets of sea stacks on this delightful stretch of coastline, Ynys Fawr & Ynys Fach (which translates to big & small island). It is Ynys Fawr which is the more photographed of the two, especially around sunset.

The stacks are located several hundred yards down the coastline from the small fishing village of Trefor. Free Parking is available in front of the harbour and from here its a short half a mile westwards down the coastal path.

What makes this location even more impressive is the peaks of Yr Eifl which loom directly above the stacks. This group of hills, known as “the rival”s in English, has three separate summits, the highest of which tops out at 561m. The peaks also offer incredible panoramic views across the Llyn peninsula, Snowdonia, and Cardigan bay.

So there we have it, my favourite 10 places to watch the sunset in North Wales and Snowdonia National Park.

If I was going to pick a favourite it would be Ynys Llandwyn as a low level option and Y Garn for a mountainous option.

Once again I will reiterate that there are so many incredible places to watch the sunset from in North Wales. Most of the higher peaks in Snowdonia will provide a great viewpoint. The north coast of the Llyn Peninsula is always a great bet, as is the west & north coast of Anglesey.

Did you find the blog useful? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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For more travel & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.

• Guide to the Brecon Beacons

• Guide to the Gower Peninsula

• Guide to the Elan Valley

• Guide to Pembrokeshire

• Guide to Snowdonia

• Guide to Wales

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