Brottos

The walk up Brottos is one of those straightforward hill climbs that rewards you without too much faffing about. You're looking at a proper fell rather than a mountain - the kind of thing that takes maybe 90 minutes from Bala, depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath on the steeper sections.

Once you're up there, the views across the Bala area and towards the broader Snowdonian landscape are genuinely worth the effort. On a clear day you can see for miles. The summit itself is a bit bare and exposed, so it's not the place to linger if the weather turns, but that's half the appeal - it feels like you've properly earned your view rather than wandered round something manicured.

This suits walkers and hill-baggers more than casual strollers. Kids with decent stamina will get on fine, but expect complaints from anyone under ten who was hoping for an ice cream at the top. The ground can get boggy lower down, especially after rain, so proper boots matter.

If you're based at Tyn Cornel Camping or Porth Eryri Glamping, Brottos makes a brilliant morning or afternoon activity without eating a whole day. You're never far from Bala itself if you need supplies or a hot drink afterwards. Free to access, obviously - just park sensibly near the village and head for the fell. Go on a day when the cloud's not sitting on the summit, or you'll have walked all that way to look at fog.