Cefn Drum

Standing at 490 metres, this modest peak near Caernarfon offers proper Snowdonia views without the crowds that plague its famous neighbour. The walk up takes about an hour from the village of Llanberis, following a well-marked path that's steep enough to get the heart pumping but manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness.

What makes Cefn Drum special isn't its height - plenty of Welsh peaks tower above it - but the panoramic vista from the top. On a clear day you'll spot Snowdon's summit to the southeast and the Menai Strait stretching towards Anglesey. The view across to the Glyderau range is particularly fine, and you get a bird's eye perspective of Llanberis village below.

Families with older children will find this a good introduction to Welsh hill walking. It's challenging enough to feel like an achievement but won't leave anyone completely shattered. That said, very young kids might struggle with the final rocky section near the summit.

The peak works brilliantly as part of a Snowdonia holiday, especially if you're staying at one of the camping sites around Llanberis like Bryn Gloch or the touring park in the village itself. It's free to climb, obviously, and makes for a perfect half-day adventure before exploring Llanberis's other attractions.