Bryniau Cogau

The walk up Bryniau Cogau from Dolgellau isn't particularly long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs by the top. The summit sits at a decent height with views that spread across the Cader Idris range and down towards the Mawddach estuary - genuinely impressive on a clear day, though the Welsh weather can turn it into a cloud-wrapped mystery in minutes.

It's a proper hill walker's peak rather than a casual stroll. You're looking at two to three hours round trip depending on fitness and route choice, and the terrain is rough enough that you'll want decent boots. The payoff is solitude - far fewer people than you'd encounter on Cader Idris itself, which sits just across the way.

Families with older kids might manage it, but younger ones will struggle with the gradient and the scree on descent. Solo walkers and experienced hikers get the most from this one. Free to climb, of course - it's an open hillside.

Based at either Llwyn yr Helm or Torrent Walk, both within easy striking distance of Dolgellau, this makes a solid morning or afternoon outing before heading back for camp dinner. If you're combining peaks, Cader Idris is the big-name draw nearby, but Bryniau Cogau offers something quieter and less trodden. Worth the effort if you want views without the crowds.