Welsh photographer named ‘Mountain Photographer of the Year’ shares 2026 replace

Ella Groves

The Welsh photographer who was named ‘UK Mountain Photographer of the Year’ has shared an replace on his pictures plans for 2026.

Cormac Downes, from Newport, received the award for his picture of first gentle on Pen y Fan taken in December 2024.

Run by Trail Magazine, the best-selling hillwalking journal within the UK, it is among the most revered British out of doors pictures awards – and a profession spotlight for Cormac.

The successful picture was taken in December 2024 – 36 hours after he’d climbed the identical Bannau Brycheiniog mountain at nighttime beneath a star-filled sky.

Describing the successful shot, one of many judges of the competitors, Lena Drapella, mentioned: “It 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.”

Since his win Cormac has continued to share astonishing images of Wales’ out of doors landscapes on his social media, with over 6,000 followers on his Instagram alone.

Now he has shared an replace on his plans going ahead in 2026.

He mentioned: “As I look in direction of 2026, my plans are rooted in each exploration and sharing. I’m eager to spend extra time in components of Wales I’ve but to totally seize, notably North Wales and Yr Wyddfa, in search of out new views beneath among the nation’s darkest skies.

“I’m also planning a family trip to the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver Island, where the scale of the mountains, the abundance of wildlife, and the contrast with Welsh landscapes promise fresh inspiration.”

Cormac additionally shared his intentions to launch a pictures enterprise this 12 months.

He mentioned: “Alongside this, I’ll be launching a business focused on photographing luxury glamping sites beneath star-filled skies in dark-sky locations, helping to promote one of Wales’ greatest natural assets — one that needs protecting for future generations to enjoy.”

He added: “I’ll also be offering one-to-one workshops, sharing my experience and helping others discover the magic of low-light and night photography.”

You can see extra of Cormac’s photos of the nice Welsh outside on his website.

Follow Cormac on Instagram and Facebook.