Cefn Efran

The walk up Cefn Efran takes you through proper Snowdonia landscape - steep enough to earn your view, but nothing requiring ropes or serious kit. It's a rocky ascent through heather and grass, the kind of hike that builds your legs but rewards you quickly. From the summit, you get sweeping sight lines across the Conwy Valley and deep into the mountains beyond. On a clear day, you can pick out Snowdon itself, which makes the effort feel worth it.

This one suits walkers who want something more substantial than a stroll but less technical than a full mountain day. Families with teenagers might manage it fine; younger kids would struggle with the steepness. Allow two to three hours round trip from Betws-y-Coed, which sits just a few miles south. The terrain is rough underfoot, so proper boots beat trainers by some distance.

Combine it with a holiday at one of the nearby parks - Maenan Abbey Caravan Park sits only 3.8 miles away, or try Snowdonia Glamping Holidays if you want something with a bit more comfort. Both put you within easy striking distance of the peak and the other walks dotted through the area. Spring and early autumn are best; summer crowds can make the lower paths feel busy, and winter can be genuinely icy. Go early, pack water, and don't expect it to be quiet if the weather's decent.