Cefn Caer Euni

The walk up Cefn Caer Euni from Bala is steep and unforgiving, but the views across the Bala Lake valley make it genuinely worth the effort. At 665 metres, it's not a monster of a peak - you're looking at a couple of hours return from the town - but it punches above its weight in terms of landscape.

The summit itself is modest, nothing grand, but on a clear day you get proper panoramic views across Gwynedd. On the descent, the lake spreads out beneath you like something from a postcard, and you can see right down the valley towards Dolgellau. Walkers will get the most from this one - it's a straightforward hill walk, nothing technical, but the steepness means it'll keep your legs honest.

There's no visitor centre or facilities at the peak, so come prepared. Free to access, naturally. Summer's your best bet; winter winds can be vicious up there. Allow a good three hours if you're taking it easy, less if you're fit and moving quickly.

If you're camping at Tyn Cornel Camping nearby, this makes a proper half-day excursion without needing to venture far from base. The walk starts from Bala itself - straightforward enough to find, though you'll want OS maps or a decent phone app. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might struggle with the gradient and loose scree near the top.