Clogwyn Mawr

The walk up Clogwyn Mawr from Blaenau Ffestiniog is proper steep and takes the best part of two hours, but you're rewarded with views that stretch across the Snowdonian slate valleys. It's not one of the famous peaks - Snowdon gets all the attention - but that's precisely why you should go.

What you get is a genuine fell walk without the crowds. The path climbs through moorland and heather, and on a clear day you can see right across to the coast. The summit itself is modest, nothing flash, but the sense of achievement and the solitude make it worth the graft. It's the kind of walk where you'll actually hear birdsong.

This works brilliantly if you're staying at Llechwedd Glamping at Plas Weunydd, just under three miles away - close enough to attempt it without a road journey, far enough that you feel properly away from things. History types will appreciate that Blaenau Ffestiniog was built on slate quarrying, and the landscape bears the scars and character of that industry.

Walkers and anyone wanting a real mountain experience without the tourist infrastructure will get the most from Clogwyn Mawr. It's not for those wanting a gentle stroll or a quick photostop. Allow a full afternoon minimum, start early if the weather looks decent, and bring proper boots. It's free - no fees or booking needed - and the reward is having a piece of Snowdonia more or less to yourself.