There are few things more impressive than a family photoshoot with a gorgeous mountain view in the background. It’s an unconventional way to take photos of your family, but it’s also a great way to frame them with incredible natural beauty and make the photos even more unforgettable than they would be otherwise. Luckily, there are plenty of breathtaking mountains around the world that you can use as a staging ground for your next family outing. Here are our top UK mountain locations for a family photoshoot in the world right now.
Ben A’an
Let’s start with a mountain that isn’t technically a mountain. Ben A’an is more of a hill; it might not technically qualify as a mountain, but that doesn’t make the view from this geographical feature any less beautiful. Once you’ve scaled its heights, you’ll be able to see two gorgeous Scottish lochs. Your family will need to be somewhat physically fit to tackle this one, but once you’re there, you’ll find views that are worthy of a family photo Christmas card to send to your friends and extended family.
Snowdon
The highest point in the UK if you’re not counting the Scottish highlands, Snowdon is another wonderful place to take a photo with your family. Again, climbing it isn’t going to be easy, but if you’re the kind of family that wants to take photos on the tops of mountains, that isn’t likely to bother you! Once you reach the top, you’ll not only be treated to gorgeous views, but also to a cafe and a gift shop, so you can peruse the goods and think about the best souvenirs to take home when you’re done with your trip.
The Marquess of Anglesey’s Column
Another beautiful mountain location in Wales, this column boasts a statue of Waterloo soldier Henry William Paget, who fought alongside Wellington at that battle. Luckily, you won’t have to do anything nearly so arduous to get some great photos fit for holiday cards when you’re climbing this one. There’s a staircase available so that you can climb it without needing any kind of mountaineering experience, which any family with reluctant kids will know is a godsend.
Pen y Fan
If you want mountains that are relatively easy to climb, then you’re going to want to head to Wales, as that’s where most of them are. Pen y Fan is located in Brecon Beacons, which is a gorgeous national park in Wales, and this mountain should be relatively simple for children and slightly older adults to climb (although it stands to reason that you probably shouldn’t be trying to climb any mountain alongside physically infirm elderly people). Once you scale its summit, the views are incredible.
Cley Hill
If you’re someone who loves the romance of UFO conspiracy theories, Cley Hill is the mountain you’re going to want to climb. As you scale it, you can regale your kids and family with tales of little green men in flying saucers, and especially of The Warminster Thing, which is a famous UFO that apparently haunted these parts. Even if you’re not into your spaceship lore, though, you’ll find a gorgeous peak here, especially at sunset, so bring a picnic and your camera and prepare to make some memories.
Cader Idris
Guess where Cader Idris is situated? That’s right – it’s in Wales again, which just goes to show how many gorgeous mountain views the country has. Again, this one shouldn’t be too challenging a climb, so if you’re someone who prefers the easy route when you’re looking for a great spot for a family mountain photoshoot, Cader Idris should fit the bill nicely. There’s plenty of geographical diversity on offer here, too; you’ll climb through woods, minor peaks, and various other natural hotspots before you hit the peak.
Cat Bells
Unfortunately, there aren’t any actual “cat bells” along this path, so you won’t be stopping to stroke any feline friends during your ascent. This is a former mining location, so you’ll still be able to spot the remnants of miners along its pathways, and you’ll also be able to get an incredible view across Derwent Water, which is always populated with fishing boats and the like. Make sure to climb this one at dusk, as the sunset views are phenomenal. You’ll thank us!
Foel Fadian
There’s a fairly simple trail to the top of Foel Fadian, and once you’re there, you’ll be able to see a plaque dedicated to the Welsh writer Wynford Vaughan-Thomas, who thought that the view from the plaque’s location was the best in the entire country of Wales. We’re not sure on that one – it is a country with a lot of gorgeous mountain views, after all – but he’s definitely got a point; the hills stretch out for miles, and the sky is stormy and beautiful. Make sure to take plenty of snaps when you reach the top.
Divis and the Black Mountain
Be warned: the walk up Divis and the Black Mountain is fairly steep, so it’s definitely not one to tackle when you and your family are running out of energy. However, if you do decide to put the effort in, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views of Northern Ireland, making this the perfect location for a family photoshoot. Once you reach the top of the Black Mountain Walk, you’ll be able to see the city of Belfast stretching out before you.
