Carnedd Fach

There's something properly satisfying about bagging Carnedd Fach - it's the kind of Welsh peak that doesn't demand a full expedition but rewards you with real views across Snowdonia. Standing at 2,571 feet, it's manageable from the valley near Bangor without needing crampons or a mountain guide, though the ground gets rough underfoot in places and weather can turn fast.

The walk itself is straightforward enough for reasonably fit walkers - you're looking at roughly three to four hours for the round trip depending on your pace and which approach you take. On a clear day the vistas across to Snowdon and down towards the coast make the huffing and puffing worthwhile. It's not one of those peaks where you'll find crowds queuing for selfies, which means you'll actually have space to stand and take it in.

This works particularly well if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Ogwen Bank is closest at under three miles, while Llanberis Touring Park and Glamping in Llanberis offer good alternatives only five or so miles away. Snowdon View Holiday Park lives up to its name from here. The peak suits anyone who wants proper mountain air without the scrambling and exposure of tackling Snowdon itself. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger children might find it a slog.

It's free to climb, naturally - just turn up in decent boots and check the weather forecast first. Early morning or late afternoon tend to be least crowded.