Explore Wales through My Photos

These are the photos I’ve taken on my journey as I explore Wales with my Nikon camera. I hope that you not only enjoy the images of Wales but get inspired to visit the area yourself. Don’t forget to take your camera.

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If you plan on travelling around the UK, the best way to get around is by car. You get to see more, but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

Need a Car?

If you want to book a car, you can use one of these rental websites: EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars or Expedia.

Need Accommodation?

Try using these accommodation websites: Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day of exploring.

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All prices and times were correct when this was written or updated, but please check the websites when you wish to visit.

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Explore South Wales

Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff is an exciting city to visit and a great starting point for exploring South Wales. It’s so vibrant and full of history that you’ll have to spend at least a few days exploring.

Cardiff city centre holds the history of Wales in Cardiff Castle.

Victoria House and Clock Tower
The Victorian House that you can take a guided tour through.

A guided tour of the Victorian House is a must. Not only is the decor incredible, but the stories have to be heard to be believed.

Roof Top Garden of the Victorian House.
The elaborate rooftop garden of the Victorian House.

There are also museums to visit, including the National Museum and Art Gallery. Here, you can learn all about Wales, from Gondwana to the present.

Animal Skeletons from a time long past
Animal Skeletons from a time long past show us how small we really are.

Cardiff Bay Waterfront
Cardiff Bay Waterfront.

The Cardiff Bay waterfront is the vibrant heart of the city. Here are all the restaurants and cafes, as well as the Millennium Centre, National Assembly of Wales, Norwegian Church, and cafe.

Scott Antarctic Commemoration and Norwegian Church
Scott Antarctic Commemoration and Norwegian Church.

It is a great walk along the esplanade between all these attractions, especially on a fine day.

St. Fagan’s Museum of Natural History

St. Fagan’s Museum of Natural History is a collection of historical buildings recreated as they would have been. Admission is free, although you have to pay for the car park if you’re driving.

Abernodwydd Farmhouse
Abernodwydd Farmhouse dates from 1678.

Exhibitions show the history of Wales inside the visitor centre, and you can spend 2-3 hours on the museum grounds.

If you’d like more information on places to go and sights to see in Cardiff, please visit my blog via the link See and Explore the 4 Attractions of Cardiff, Wales.

Outside of Cardiff, Wales

Brecon Railway

Brecon Beacon Steam Train
Brecon Beacon Steam Train.

Just outside Merthyr Tydfil, you can catch the steam locomotive to Pontsticill.

Welsh Countryside as seen from the train.
Welsh Countryside as seen from the train.

When you get to Pontstcill, you have about 35 minutes for coffee, photos etc., before getting back on board for the return trip. You could spend more time here hiking and catch a later train back to Merthyr Tydfil. Be sure to take note of the times the train runs.

The views of Pontsticill Reservoir from the train station platform.
The views of Pontsticill Reservoir from the train station platform.

Brecon Beacons

If you’re into nature and walking in it, then the Brecon Beacons are just the place for you. With such a big area to explore, I decided to concentrate on the waterfalls. I wasn’t disappointed.

Sgwd y Pannw
Sgwd y Pannw was my favourite waterfall on the Four Falls Trail.

The Four Falls Trail is a great track, and four hours can easily be spent finding the four waterfalls here. You’ll be amazed not only by the natural beauty but also by how quickly time flies.

Just down the road is the turn-off for the Elidir Trail and another four waterfalls, although this is a shorter walk at around two hours. You can also start this walk from the village of Pontneddfechan and walk northwards.

Sgwd Gwladus
Sgwd Gwladus from below.

These two great waterfall walks are just an hour out of Cardiff. You can also explore single falls while you explore this region known as Waterfall Way.

Pont Blaen y glyn
A great view of the Blaen-y-glyn waterfall after a scramble down the rocks.

Blaen-y-glyn is a bit further out away from the others but still just an hour from Cardiff. An easy 20-minute walk from the car park brings you to the waterfall.

Henrhyd Falls with a little bit of water
Henrhyd Falls has an impressive drop, even with a little bit of water.

Henrhyd Falls requires a bit more fitness, but it is still an easy walk. From the car park, it’s downhill before the stairs lead you to the upper track. About 20 minutes after leaving the car, you’re there.

If you’d like more information about this area, please click on this link, which will take you to my blog on Visit the 10 Beautiful Waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons, Wales.

South-West Wales

Skomer Island

One of the best days out I’ve ever done, if not the best, is taking the boat across to Skomer Island to see the puffins.

First puffins on the island.
Puffins were just off the pathways on the side of the cliffs.

You spend a full day seeing the puffins, rabbits, seals and other birdlife, and you can get so close to the puffins that you could almost touch them.

Up Close Puffin
The Puffins were right beside the path and would sometimes cross it.

If you’d like to read more about my experience on Skomer Island, you can read my blog, See the Super Cute Puffins of Skomer Island, Wales.

Manorbier

One of the great coastal walks in Wales is at the village of Manorbier. The car park is just across the road from the YHA, and paths lead to the different tracks along the coast. You will definitely need to bring your camera to this part of Wales.

Church Doors Cove

From the car park, the first track leads to Church Doors Cove. It leads to the 141 steps that descend to the cove.

Some of the 141 Steps Down to Churches Door Cove.
Some of the 141 steps down to Churches Door Cove.

Skrinkle Haven Beach is a very rocky beach until you reach the sand, and it is only accessible at low tide. The rock formations are a great place to explore, and you can even access Skrinkle Haven Beach through a rock opening.

Tunnel Through to Skrinkle Haven Beach
Tunnel through to Skrinkle Haven Beach.

Lydstep Caverns

I didn’t go all the way to the Caverns, but this coastline is a must-see. The path is steep in parts, with stairs, rocky and muddy, but it is well worth the effort.

Track and Steps to Lydstep Caverns
Track and Steps to Lydstep Caverns.

Looking Toward Lydstep Caverns
Looking Toward Lydstep Caverns at high tide.

At low tide, there is a sandy beach in the cove, and, once again, it is the only time you can explore the caves along this stretch of coast.

Knowing the tide times and the weather is necessary for this part of Wales if you truly want to see it at its best. It’s only 15 minutes to Tenby or Pembroke and a great place to escape the crowds.

Explore North Wales

If you thought that South Wales was worthy of taking your camera, just wait until you explore North Wales.

Conwy

If you’re interested in reading more about Conwy and its attractions, you can click here for my blog on Visit Conwy Wales or North Wales – Mountains, Castles and Waterfalls.

Conwy Town Wall

The town walls surround the old part of town, and they are a scenic way to go from the waterfront to the Castle.

On the City Wall Conwy Wales
Uneven paths lead you outside of the town centre.

The views from the top look over the rooftops to the river beside the Castle.

View from Top of Wall Conwy
Conwy Castle from the top of the town wall.

Conwy Castle

A popular place to visit, Conwy Castle should also be on your list of must-dos.

On Top of Conwy Castle
Walking on the walls of the castle.

Built in the 1280s, the Castle is now in ruins but is still a large building that can be walked through to learn about the area’s history.

It also makes a beautiful backdrop at sunset for photography enthusiasts.

Conwy Castle after Sunset
The lights are on, and the colour comes out.

Llandudno

Great Orme Country Park

The Great Orme Country Park offers much for the walker or tram enthusiast. From the town, you can take a tram to the top to explore the area and see the sights.

Great Orme Tram
The Tram as it heads up to the summit station.

Once you’ve explored the Country Park, you can enjoy the town, with its wide esplanade, restaurants, and cafes to satisfy your hunger.

Llandudno from the Tram
Llandudno from the Tram.

You could also go on a hunt to find the characters from Alice in Wonderland scattered about the town.

The Mad Hatter of Llandudno
The Mad Hatter along the esplanade in Llandudno.

Outside of Conwy and Llandudno

Explore Wales from a Conwy base and you’ll find enough history to keep even the most fanatical history buff entertained for hours.

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle is just over a half-hour drive west of Conwy.

Caernarfon Castle
The Castle is the town wall boundary next to the Afon (river) Seiont.

The Prince of Wales is invested here, and the Royal Welsh Fusiliers museum is also located here.

Caernarfon is another town that is surrounded by a wall, and it is a charming place to stroll past shops and under umbrellas.

Umbrellas
One of the colourful streets due to the umbrellas strung up along the skyline.

Beaumaris Castle

Another of Edward the First’s castles, this was his last and incomplete. It is another half-hour drive west from Conwy, just on the island of Anglesey.

Beaumaris Castle North Wales
The moat surrounds the Castle walls, and at high tide, boats are used to moor to unload supplies.

Beaumaris is a charming village well worth the visit on its own. The castle, although incomplete, is in ruins except for one room, the Chapel, and there is an interesting film about the area’s history worth seeing.

Rhuddlan Castle

Less than a half-hour east of Conwy is Rhuddlan Castle ruins. If you enjoy walking around castle ruins and taking interesting photos, then this is the place for you.

Rhuddlan Castle and Moat from the Back
You can walk around the outside of the castle to where the moat is.

Denbigh Castle

A 35-minute drive east of Conwy is Denbigh Castle. These castle ruins sit high above the town on the hill, affording great views over the countryside.

Denbigh Castle Window View
The views stretch on forever from the top of the castle.

If you would like to read more about this area, you can read my blog, Explore These 4 Beautiful Castles, 3 Waterfalls, and More in North Wales.

Snowdonia

Snowdonia is an awe-inspiring area to explore Wales. You can walk up a mountain and see trees growing out of lakes and waterfalls aplenty, all waiting for you to explore.

Mt. Snowdon

From your base in Llanberis, you can either walk up the mountain or take the train up.

Train, Sheep and Mountains
The train is heading up Mt. Snowdon near the track.

There are many tracks up Snowdon. I was planning to take the train, but as I found out the hard way, you need to book early if you want the easy way up.

Just Past Halfway House
Looking back down to the Halfway House.

Halfway up the Llanberis track, there is a cafe that serves as a welcome rest stop. I didn’t get to the top, but the views on a good day last forever.

Ceunant Mawr

Just behind the village of Llanberis is this impressive waterfall. Ceunant Mawr is right next to the train tracks, about a 20-minute walk up from the village (and I do mean up).

Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
The Ceunant Mawr Waterfall is beside the railway line and comes out of the bush.

Llyn Padarn

Another great and easy walk in Llanberis is around the lake. On your way around, you not only have impressive views of the mountains, including Snowdon, but you also see the trees growing out of the lake.

Llyn Padarn Tree
The Llyn Padarn Tree is a popular place for a photo.

Canolfan Tryweryn

This area is home to the National White Water Centre, and the river offers thrill-seekers the opportunity to raft or kayak down its rapids.

White Water River Gates
The gates across the river for the kayaks to negotiate.

There is a path that follows the river that gives you opportunities for other-worldly shots.

Crossing the Bridge
There are many little streams that break off and rejoin the main river.

Rhaedr Y Graig Lwyd – Conwy Falls

A 10-minute walk to these falls takes you down a steep, rocky trail. A significant amount of water comes down the chasm, releasing into this point, with only a large rocky outcrop parting the way.

Conwy Falls Wales
The view of the falls from the bottom of the track.

Swallow Falls

Two viewing points are at this very accessible waterfall. Stairs lead to the bottom viewpoint, from which this photo below was taken.

Swallow Falls from Bottom Viewpoint
The waters rush past the lower viewpoint.

I hope that this blog has inspired you to explore Wales for yourself.

Whenever you get out and explore Wales, you won’t be disappointed by all that can be seen in this small country and will probably be back to explore Wales again and again.

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Links

If you’d like to read more about my travels in the UK, click on the following links to the countries: EnglandScotland, and Wales.

If you want to learn about UK passes and what you should get for where read my blog on Explore the UK with Passes.

If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art.

You can also click on the links for New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography.

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26 comments on “Explore Wales through My Photos

Lisa says:

I loved seeing castles when I went to England. I spent 2 months exploring the country side and it was so prerty and green. Wales looks so much like England. So pretty – love chasibg waterfalls 😊

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Lisa. Hopefully, one day, you’ll discover how beautiful Wales is.

Bree says:

What a beauty Wales is. Those puffins are so cute. Im thinking Im going to have to try and get in a visit one year after seeing your post. Thank you so much for sharing. Your photos are stunning.

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Bree. Skomer Island is definitely the place to see Puffins up close, so I hope you do get there one day.

Ellie says:

Beautiful photos, Kim! In particular the four waterfalls trail looks stunning. We haven’t explored much of South Wales, but love North Wales! Thanks for sharing these.

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Ellie. I hope that get down to South Wales next time as they have so much to see down there as well.

Ann says:

You have made such beautiful images!
And the cute birds, Puffins looks so surreal, like something taken straight out of a comicbook 🙂

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Ann, they certainly are cute.

Oh my goodness your pictures are magnificent, especially the waterfalls. puffin and Conway Castle images. You have quite a good eye! Lovely to meet you in the blogosphere.

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Lisa, and great to meet you too.

Lisa says:

Amazing photos as always Kim! And I’m definitely adding Skomer Island to out must visit list.

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Lisa, you won’t be disappointed.

Alma says:

What a treat to explore Wales through your eyes! Beautiful photos and sounds like an amazing experience.

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Alma, it was a great place to visit.

Leigh says:

I’ve been contemplating another trip to the UK soon and I would love to visit Wales! Your photos are fantastic and really make me want to visit!

Kim McGlinchey says:

Thanks, Leigh. It really is a beautiful part of the UK.

Lisa says:

I love how green and lush everything looks! Would love to get to Wales some day!!

It is beautiful, Lisa and well worth the visit.

Josy A says:

Lovely photos Kim. I looove Wales (my brother lives near the Brecon Beacons in Monmouth) and I have been meaning to go and visit the puffins for years! The castles are fabulous around Wales, aren’t they!?

Also, how did you manage to capture so many blue skies? You were so lucky with the weather!

I was very lucky with the weather, Josy, especially the day I went to see the Puffins. Wales is a very beautiful country.

Looks as though you love traveling and exploring with your camera as much as I do. Nice pics.

Thanks, Jolayne. I certainly do.

Anna says:

I had no idea that Wales was such an interesting travel destination! Your photos are so amazing – Wales goes on my travel bucket list. Hope one day to see it all with my own eyes!

I hope you see it too, Anna. It is a truly beautiful country.

Elyse says:

These photos are so stunning, definitely make me want to visit. I really want to see a puffin as well, they are so cute.

They are, Elyse. They were a highlight for me.

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