Bryn-Coch

The walk up Bryn-Coch from Bala takes roughly an hour if you're moving at a steady pace, and the views across the Dee Valley make every step worth it. You're looking at moorland terrain rather than a dramatic scramble - proper walking boots recommended, especially after rain when things get boggy. The summit itself sits at around 2,500 feet, which is high enough to feel like an achievement without requiring technical climbing skills.

This is the sort of hill that rewards walkers more than casual strollers. Kids aged eight upwards will manage it fine if they're used to decent walks, but younger ones might find the slog tedious. The plateau at the top gives you a real sense of being somewhere wild - you can see right across Snowdonia on a clear day, and the silence is the thing that strikes you most. No cafe, no facilities, just you and the landscape.

It works brilliantly as part of a longer Snowdonia walking holiday. Base yourself at Tyn Cornel Camping, which sits only a few miles away near Bala, and you've got access to this hill plus a dozen others in the area without having to drive for hours. The campsite itself is well-rated and gets you out of your tent within striking distance of proper hill country. Allow a full afternoon for the walk if you want to linger on top with a flask and a sandwich - it's one of those places where you won't want to rush.