Arenig Fawr South Top

The South Top of Arenig Fawr is a proper hill walk, not a casual stroll. You're looking at a 799-metre peak that dominates the landscape around Bala, and the payoff is a commanding view across the Snowdonia valleys - on a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.

The route itself is straightforward enough: most people park near the main peak and head for the South Top, which sits alongside its taller sibling. The ground underfoot is moorland - rough grass and stones - so decent boots are non-negotiable. The walk takes a couple of hours there and back depending on your pace, and it's not overly technical, but it is relentlessly uphill on the approach.

Walkers will genuinely enjoy this. It's the kind of hill that rewards you without demanding mountaineering experience. Families with older kids who are comfortable on a long climb will manage fine, but younger children might find it tedious - it's not a summit with a café at the top, just excellent views and a lot of wind.

If you're staying at Tyn Cornel Camping, just four miles away near Bala, this fits perfectly into a walking-focused week. The nearest town has shops and cafés for provisions, and there are other peaks in the area if you want variety. Go when the weather's settled - cloud cover turns this into a frustrating trudge with no views. Early morning or late afternoon light is cracking on the walk back down.