Bryn Bras

The walk up Bryn Bras from Bala is straightforward enough, but the payoff makes it worth the effort. It's not a mountain that demands proper fell-walking kit - more of a steep hike that'll take you a couple of hours return, depending on fitness. The summit itself sits at a decent height above the Bala Lake area, giving you proper views across Gwynedd when the weather plays ball.

History types will find the Iron Age fort remains interesting rather than spectacular - you can make out the earthworks if you know what to look for, but don't expect interpretive boards or anything fancy. What you get instead is the satisfaction of standing where people stood centuries ago, looking at the same valley spread out below.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might struggle with the gradient and loose ground on the way up, so gauge it against your crew's stamina. The views are the thing really - on a clear day you can see for miles across the lake and surrounding hills, which beats most postcard shots of the area.

Tyn Cornel Camping sits less than five miles away, making this an easy morning or afternoon outing if you're staying locally. The walk's free, naturally. Go early if you can - mornings tend to be clearer, and you'll have the place to yourself. Late afternoon light can be lovely too, but you'll want to be down before dusk.