Wild Trails Wales Guide: My favourite mountain sunset spots in Wales

Watching the sun set is the ultimate reward after a hard-earned climb to a mountain summit. Watching sunset from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) or Pen y Fan is one of the classic mountain experiences in Wales, and they are justifiably popular mountains for watching the sunset from, being the highest points in North Wales and South Wales respectively. However there are many other mountains which offer beautiful sunset views in different parts of Wales.

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Here are some beautiful mountain sunset spots in Wales, some are within easy reach and some require a bit more effort. As always, go prepared see Adventure Smart for advice.

Pen yr Ole Wen, Eryri (Snowdonia)

This beautiful craggy peak in the Carneddau range overlooking the Ogwen Valley is an underrated gem. This isn’t the most suitable for beginners as it involves some scrambling, and route finding can be tricky on the return if descending in the dark if you don’t have much experience. This is one to put on your list for when you have a good level of experience, or take a guide. The views on offer from the summit at sunset are breathtaking.

Fan y Big, Brecon Beacons

Fan y Big is one of the lesser peaks in the central Beacons, popular due to the rocky ‘diving board’ jutting out dramatically from its summit over the valley below. It’s a great spot for the sunset, as although the views aren’t as expansive as from some of the higher peaks, the peaks of Pen y Fan, Corn Du and Cribyn are silhouetted by the setting sun. This is also one of the easier peaks to descend from in the dark if parked at Neuadd.

Crimpiau, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Sunset below Crimpiau, near Capel Curig in Eryri (Snowdonia)

This is a bit of a cheat entry as Crimpiau isn’t technically a mountain. The craggy summit offers fantastic views at sunset towards the Snowdon Horseshoe and the Llynnau Mymbyr. There is an excellent track from below the summit to Capel Curig, which you should reach before total darkness if you descend fairly quickly after sunset. It’s a great option for when you’re short on time but craving those mountain sunset views.

Fan Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons

Golden hour in the Brecon Beacons looking from Fan Brycheiniog to Fan Hir

Fan Brycheiniog in the Carmarthenshire Beacons, also known as Mynydd Du or the Black Mountain, offers a lovely expansive sunset looking over the westernmost of the Brecon Beacons National Park and as far as the sea to the south. If you’re lucky, look east to see the peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du glowing in the golden light of sunset. This is fairly remote country with some pathless areas, so good night navigation skills are needed here.

Check out our navigation courses if you need to brush up on your navigation.

Cnicht, Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)

The sun setting over Moel Hebog from Cnicht in midsummer

The Moelwynion range of Eryri (Snowdonia) has fantastic views westwards over the coast and towards the Llyn Peninsula. In mid summer the sun sets over the Hebog range, silhouetting the mountain and the Nantlle Ridge. Cnicht is a fairly quick climb, though there is a very small section of scrambling so you should be confident to tackle this on your descent in the dark.

Craig Gwaun Taf / Cefn Crew, Brecon Beacons

Sunset from Craig Gwaun Taf, Brecon Beacons

Close to the popular peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du, if you want spectacular sunset views without the crowds, once you reach the bwlch / saddle next to Corn Du on the main Pont ar Daf trail up Pen y Fan, head south west along Cefn Crew to find some space to watch the same sunset in peace. Just be sure to find your way back to the bwlch while it is still light for your descent, unless you are a competent navigator.

Looking for a guided mountain sunset 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.