Ten of the best UK mountain views

Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve is one of the best places in Britain to see landscapes and plant species which have barely changed since the Ice Age. On a calm day, Llyn Idwal is as smooth a mirror, with beautiful reflections of cliffs and sky. The unmistakable shape of Tryfan makes a striking backdrop.

For pure nostalgia, the sight of a steam locomotive chuffing through Eryri (Snowdonia) is pretty hard to beat. The Porthmadog Cob, the causeway over the mouth of the Afon Glaslyn, is just one of several vantage points you can enjoy in any season - even in the snow. Naturally, the views from inside the Ffestiniog Railway train are rather good, too.

Gazing out over the Menai Strait and the mighty peaks beyond is the bronze figure of Henry William Paget, first Marquess of Anglesey, who fought with Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo.  Once restoration is complete, you'll be able to climb The Marquess of Anglesey's Column via a narrow spiral staircase with 115 steps, leading to an open platform. Superb on a day that’s not too blowy.

Swallow Falls on the River Llugwy is one of the loveliest features of Wales’ most mountainous region. Since the Llugwy’s catchment area gets more rain than anywhere else in Britain, the falls usually have plenty of oomph. There are easy-to-reach viewpoints on each bank, very close to the rushing, foaming water.

Whether you do it by the Snowdon Mountain Railway or under your own steam, there’s much to be gained from climbing Wales’ highest mountain – not least, the chance to enjoy our most memorable 360-degree views. The ridges and lakes of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park stretch out in every direction. If it’s clear, you can see all the way to Ireland. Take a look at our guide to walking up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for some inspiration. 

Sheltered in the lee of the Black Mountains, Llangorse is a lake where history and myth run deep. Its reconstructed crannog, or man-made island stronghold, marks the site of a 10th century palace, close to the water’s edge. The lakeshore is a picturesque place to stop and admire the highest peaks in southern Britain. 

Explore the lanes around the Carmarthenshire hamlet of Trapp, and gaps in the hedgerows reveal glimpses of the enigmatic ruins of Carreg Cennen, on the edge of the Black Mountain Range. Immortalised by Turner in a swirl of stormy watercolour that’s now in Tate Britain, it’s one of Wales’ most romantic views.

Llynnau Cregennen is a photographer’s favourite. Under a brooding dawn sky, with autumn mist tumbling down from Cader Idris, it looks quite spectacular. But it’s just as delightful on a spring afternoon. Hikers know it as a stop on the Mawddach Way or Trail – an enjoyable, circular 31-mile route from Barmouth.

Look north from the summit of Foel Fadian and the faraway peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) dominate the horizon – dark in summer, snow-dusted in winter. Just below the walk to the top, near the road, is a stone toposcope dedicated to the Welsh journalist Wynford Vaughan-Thomas. He considered this view the best in Wales. Decide for yourself following the National Trail website's walk to the top of Foel Fadian.

The hike up Blorenge from Abergavenny is steep, but worth it. The heather-strewn plateau at the top, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers splendid views across the Usk Valley to Sugar Loaf, the southern most peak in the Black Mountains, with the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal snaking along below.

Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.

• Find safety advice for exploring Wales' National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
• Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Wales.