Cae Fadog

The walk up to Cae Fadog rewards you with one of the finest views across Cardigan Bay, looking out toward the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia beyond. It's not a long climb from Barmouth - maybe twenty minutes if you're taking it steady - but the gradient is genuine, so don't underestimate it. Once you're up there, the vista opens properly. You get the sweep of Barmouth's beach below, the estuary where the Afon Mawddach meets the sea, and on a clear day the mountains rise up across the water like they've been painted in. The spot works best for walkers and landscape photographers rather than families with small children, mainly because there's not a great deal to do once you're there except stand and look. You'll want to allow an hour round trip if you're not rushing. It's free, obviously, and accessible year-round, though autumn and early spring tend to offer the clearest light. If you're staying at Sunbeach Holiday Park down in Barmouth, this is a cracking half-morning excursion that properly justifies leaving the caravan. The view alone makes the climb worthwhile, though I'll be honest - it's fairly windy up there, so bring a jacket even if it looks settled below.