The stunning pictures of Welsh mountains that have won a top prize

These jaw-dropping pictures show the natural world at its fines - beautiful landscapes, whatever the weather. And now, these incredible pictures been recognised as the best photographs of mountains - and all the top three are in Wales.

Trail Magazine, the UK’s biggest and best-selling hillwalking title, has announced the winners of its prestigious UK Mountain Photo of the Year Award 2025.

Cormac Downes, from Newport, claimed the top spot with his extraordinary image taken above the clouds on Pen y Fan, southern Britain’s highest peak. His winning shot captures a dramatic cloud inversion beneath the summit, with his silhouette poised against the ethereal backdrop.

The photo was taken 36 hours after Cormac had climbed the same mountain in the dead of night under a star-filled sky. Determined to create something even more powerful, he returned, set his timer, stepped toward the edge, and gazed out in awe – resulting in an image that perfectly embodies the spirit of adventure.

Judges praised the winning shot, saying: "This image perfectly captures the classic outdoor photographer’s gamble: wake up at a ridiculous hour, hike in the dark, hope the weather plays nice… and occasionally get rewarded.

"The light skimming across the ridge is stunning, and the whole scene has that ‘yep, totally worth the effort – this time’ feeling we all chase.

"It powerfully conveys the solitude and wonder of being in the mountains. The lone figure above a sea of clouds evokes awe and reflection, transporting you into that moment of quiet triumph. It’s more than a beautiful landscape – it tells a deeply human story of journey, reward, and connection with nature at its most ethereal. The dramatic light and colours add emotional weight, turning the scene almost dreamlike."

Cormac said: "Winning this recognition is incredible. To have my work celebrated alongside such outstanding shortlisted images is deeply rewarding. It reminds me that every early morning, sleepless night and fog-shrouded mountain climb was worth the effort – each challenge leading to the privilege of capturing a moment as special as this.

"What I love most about mountain photography is the knowledge that every visit brings different conditions; some perfect for photography, others more challenging – but that unpredictability is exactly why we keep returning.

"Each time, there’s the chance to capture that one magical moment. The more you venture into the mountains, the greater your chance of witnessing dramatic and unique conditions. Patience is key. Experiment with angles and compositions and always be mindful of light – it has the power to transform an image.”

Second place went to Sandra Grinevicius, from Salisbury, Hampshire, for her striking image of first light on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales’s highest mountain, with summit crowds already gathering and third to Leszek Golombiewski, from Blackwood, for his magical winter night shot also of Pen y Fan under a starlit sky.

The top three winners were chosen from hundreds of entries.

Oli Reed, editor of Trail Magazine, said: “We believe we have a very worthy winner in Cormac’s stunning shot of Pen y Fan.

“His image captures everything outdoor adventure is about – people putting themselves out there in nature for whatever it takes to experience the incredible things Britain’s landscapes have to offer. That photo was taken in a landscape visited by hundreds of thousands every year, but so few see it like this. That’s the magic of packing a tent, pitching somewhere cool, and waking up to capture moments while the rest of the world is still sleeping below."

See all the shortlisted images below:

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