Bryniau'r-plas

The walk up to Bryniau'r-plas from Ruthin takes you straight into proper hill-walking country. It's a modest peak by Welsh standards - nothing that'll take your breath away in terms of altitude - but the views across Denbighshire unfold the closer you climb. On a clear day you get a decent perspective of the Vale of Clwyd stretching away below.

This is walker territory first and foremost. The path's straightforward enough without being boring, and you're looking at a couple of hours round trip depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find it a bit of a slog without proper incentive. It's not one of those Instagram-famous summits where you queue for a photo.

The appeal is honest rather than spectacular. You get that satisfaction of having walked somewhere and earning the view. There's something about small Welsh peaks - they don't shout about themselves. The countryside around here has proper character, rolling and lived-in, not dramatically craggy.

If you're camping at Clwydian Glamping Pods just down the road, this makes a solid morning excursion. The fact it's close to Ruthin means you can pair it with exploring the town's independent shops and decent restaurants afterwards. Free to walk, naturally. Go when the weather's not threatening - Welsh hills cloud over quickly - and you'll have a morning well spent without any fuss.