Wild Trails Wales Guide: My favourite mountain sunrise spots in Wales
Being honest, I’m not much of a morning person. I’ve never been the type to spring out of bed and throw the curtains wide in the morning; more hit the snooze button five times, and then when I can put it off no longer, roll out of bed and stagger blindly towards the cafetiere. So getting up early to watch the sunrise isn’t something I do often. In summer when the sun comes up at 5am it’s almost completely out of the question, unless I haven’t been to bed yet!
That said, there have been occasions, usually after a freezing cold wild camp when I can’t wait to pack up the tent and get moving, that I’ve enjoyed some spectacular sunrises. This time of day feels very special, and a little bit rebellious, as you watch houses and villages appear out of the dark as people wake up in their cosy houses one by one. The promise of the day hangs in the air. It’s exciting and different to the slightly more reflective end to the day at sunset.
Here are some beautiful mountain sunrise spots in Wales, some are within easy reach and some require a bit more effort. As always, go prepared see Adventure Smart for advice.
Cader Idris, Snowdonia National Park
Sunrise from the summit of Cadair Idris
Cader Idris is in the southern part of Snowdonia National Park, and although not the highest mountain, almost everyone that visits agrees that it is a very special place. Stay in Dolgellau and take the pony path up for the most straightforward route, or at one of the campsites at Minfordd for the classic route, which will require good navigation skills in the dark. Either route should take around 2-3 hours up (that’s a very early start in the summer!) There is an emergency shelter at the summit which is great for post-sunrise porridge and coffee before making the steep descent.
Fan Fawr, Brecon Beacons
View from Fan Fawr in the Brecon Beacons
Fan Fawr, the introvert sibling of the popular peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du is a great option for sunrise in South Wales. Easily reached off the main A470 road, the straightforward walk to the summit takes around an hour, though some care will need to be taken with navigation in the dark as there isn’t an obvious path, and there are some very boggy sections. However, the great thing about the top of this peak is the panoramic view over to Pen y Fan, the sun rising over the valleys, and pink skies above the Western Beacons and north to Brecon and the Black Mountains, and as a bonus you’ll almost always have this summit to yourself.
North East Carneddau, Snowdonia National Park
Sunrise from the Carneddau Mountains, Snowdonia
The peaks of the north east Carneddau aren’t the best known summits, nor the most dramatic, but that’s exactly what makes them a great choice for a remote sunrise walk, or overnight camp. Good navigation skills are essential if you’re going to wander around this open section of mountain top in the dark; better still arrive the evening before and enjoy sunrise from the comfort of your sleeping bag in the morning.
Ogwen, Snowdonia National Park
Sunrise over the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia National Park
The Glyderau range of Snowdonia National Park is a great spot to take in the sunrise, with a view over the Ogwen Valley and the lakes of Idwal and Ogwen with the iconic silhouette of Tryfan as a backdrop. Access is fairly straightforward from Ogwen, and two hours should be enough to make it to the top, so it’s not a ridiculous early morning if you’re coming from nearby.
Moelwynion range, Snowdonia National Park
Dawn in the Moelwynion range looking south east
The Moelwynion range of Snowdonia is another off the beaten track and quieter space. An early morning ascent up Cnicht or Moelwyn Mawr gives a great view over the Rhinogydd and down to Cadair Idris, as well as out to the coast. Look behind you and you may well see the sun warming up the slopes of Snowdon.
Looking for a guided mountain sunrise trip in Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons or another part of Wales? Find a trip here.
Please note this guide is for inspiration only and we can’t be held responsible for any inaccuracies or problems arising. We advise you to take a paper map and compass and be able to use them. Please be Adventure Smart.