Bryn Owain Glyndŵr

The hill itself isn't much to look at from the road - just a grassy rise above Ruthin that most drivers would miss entirely. But climb up here and you're standing where Owain Glyndŵr, the last native Prince of Wales, made his final stand in the early 1400s. It's the sort of place where history feels genuinely present, not dressed up in visitor centre nonsense.

The walk takes maybe twenty minutes from the town, and it's steep enough to make you work for it. Once you're up top, the views across Denbighshire are proper lovely - you can see why Glyndŵr chose this spot to make his last defiant gesture against English rule. There's bugger all in terms of facilities or interpretation boards, which is either brilliant or infuriating depending on how much homework you've done beforehand.

History enthusiasts will find it worth the detour, especially if you're already in Ruthin exploring the town's medieval streets. Families with restless kids might find it a bit underwhelming - there's not much to do once you've reached the top except look at the view and maybe feel something about Welsh independence. If you're staying at Clwydian Glamping Pods nearby, it makes for a decent morning walk before heading back for lunch. Go early though, and take an OS map. The signage is minimal and it's easy to wander off course if you're not careful.