Carreg Blaen-Llym

The walk up Carreg Blaen-Llym is properly steep, but the payoff from the summit makes the huffing worthwhile. You're looking at roughly 500 metres of ascent from Blaenau Ffestiniog, which sounds manageable until you hit the sharper sections. The peak itself isn't dramatic - no jagged ridge or dramatic drop - but the views across Snowdonia justify the effort. On a clear day you can see for miles across the slate valleys and moorland that define this part of Gwynedd.

This is one for walkers who know what they're after, rather than casual strollers. Families with teenagers keen on bagging summits will get something out of it, but younger kids might struggle with the relentless gradient. Allow two to three hours return, depending on fitness. The route starts from near Blaenau Ffestiniog itself, so no lengthy drive once you're in the area.

Free to access, naturally - just solid Welsh hill walking. The terrain is typical moorland underfoot, boggy in places after rain, so proper boots matter more than fancy gear. Winter ascents need extra caution when snow lies.

If you're camping nearby - and there's a good spread of sites within a few miles including Llyn Gwynant and Bryn Dinas - this pairs well with exploring the old slate quarries and quieter peaks that dot the region. It's not a major attraction with facilities and car parks; it's a proper mountain walk for those who came to North Wales to actually move.