MIST AND STONE
Hiking Cadair Idris to See the Infinite Earth:
As part of a broader Welsh expedition in April 2025, I found myself drawn to Cadair Idris and its dramatic Penygader peak in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. South of the more famous Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Penygader stands apart with its striking crater-like appearance—resembling a dormant volcano, though it’s actually part of the Aran Volcanic group.
My plan was to hike halfway up the mountain and launch the DJI Inspire 3 to capture the landscape from above. The goal: to create a new series of fine art prints that celebrate this lesser-known but equally awe-inspiring peak. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how rugged, steep, and narrow the path would be—especially when hauling a drone, lenses, batteries, and gear. But the reward was more than worth the effort.
The Ascent
I set out early, leaving my hotel at 5 a.m. to drive to the trailhead at Minffordd. Fueled by a solid breakfast and a much-needed cappuccino, I strapped on my gear and began the ascent.
Carrying the Inspire 3 by hand alongside a backpack loaded with camera equipment, filters, and emergency supplies, I quickly realised this was no casual stroll. The steep, rocky steps were made even more challenging by the wet stones lining the path, with a river weaving alongside the route. As the sun began to rise, I pushed past the forested lower sections, emerging into open sky just as the terrain became steeper and more demanding.
Racing the Light
Timing was critical. I was aiming to shoot during golden hour, when the light is low and soft—ideal for capturing the texture and depth of mountain landscapes. As I climbed higher, I could already see the sun beginning to crest over the ridge. The race was on.
Pushing myself onward, I reached my first major vantage point just as the sunlight spilled across the peaks. In front of me was a panoramic view of Penygader and the surrounding ridge lines. It was the perfect moment to fly.
Capturing the Infinite
I launched from a safe, secluded spot, away from foot traffic and with a clear line of sight to the lake and surrounding peaks. The Inspire 3—with its Zenmuse X9-8K camera and suite of precision lenses—performed flawlessly. Every time I fly it, I’m reminded of just how sharp and cinematic the images can be.
I worked quickly to frame top-down shots of the lake, the surrounding rock textures, and the layered geological formations. One image from the series, River Rock, captures a cracked stone surface that looks like the mountain itself is splitting open—raw and elemental.
Then came Infinite Earth. While flying above Penygader, I turned the camera outwards toward the wider Eryri landscape. As the morning mist lifted, a breathtaking view emerged: endless waves of mountain ridges stretching into the horizon, bathed in soft golden light. In that moment, it felt as if time and space blurred together—a glimpse into the infinite scale of the natural world. That photograph, to me, is a portrait of deep time.
What a Place
Cadair Idris is a remarkable place—rugged, vast, and alive with geological history. As you climb higher, the landscape teases you with ever more impressive views, culminating in a sweeping panorama that feels like standing on the edge of the Earth.
I slightly underestimated the hike (and forgot suncream), but the experience was unforgettable. I’ll absolutely return—next time for sunset, to see how this mountain transforms under a different light. Until then, the prints from this shoot are a lasting reminder of an extraordinary morning above the clouds.
— Adam