Carnedd y Cribau

The walk up Carnedd y Cribau near Caernarfon is a proper Snowdonian slog, but the views from the summit make the effort worthwhile. This isn't a walk for the leisurely - it's a genuine hill with a bit of altitude to it, rising to around 1,000 metres, and the path gets properly steep in places. You're looking at roughly two to three hours depending on fitness and which route you take, so factor in enough daylight.

What you get for your trouble is genuinely striking. The peak offers sweeping views across the Snowdonia ranges and down towards the coast near Caernarfon. On a clear day - and you'll want to pick your weather carefully for this one - it's the sort of vantage point that makes you understand why people bang on about Welsh mountains. The terrain is rocky and exposed at the top, which adds a bit of drama.

This works best for confident walkers rather than families with young children, though determined teenagers would manage it fine. Spring through autumn are your best windows, as winter conditions up here can get gnarly. There's no visitor facility at the summit, so bring your own water and snacks.

Staying in the area? Llyn Gwynant Campsite sits closer than most at less than two miles away, putting you perfectly positioned for an early start. Bryn Dinas and the other sites nearby mean you've got solid basing options if you're combining this with other Snowdonia peaks.