Craig Stwlan

There's a proper scramble up Craig Stwlan if you're after a quick fell walk without the full commitment of tackling Snowdon. Starting from near Blaenau Ffestiniog, the peak rises 2,240 feet and offers views across the slate valleys and mountains that define this part of Gwynedd - worth the climb for the perspective alone.

It's not a long walk - most people manage the round trip in under two hours - but don't let that fool you. The scramble itself demands decent boots and a bit of nerve, especially in wet weather. Rock outcrops and loose scree mean it's best tackled in daylight with clear conditions. Nothing you can't handle if you're comfortable on steep ground, but families with young children might find it a stretch.

The real draw here is the solitude. You'll see a fraction of the crowds you'd encounter on the honeypots, and the vistas feel genuinely earned once you're up there. Walkers who prefer off-the-beaten routes will get far more from this than casual ramblers looking for a gentle stroll.

If you're based at Llechwedd Glamping or Llyn Gwynant Campsite - both within five miles - Craig Stwlan works as a brilliant morning expedition before heading down to explore the Ffestiniog slate caverns or the railway heritage sites dotted around the town. No facilities on the mountain itself, so bring water and a packed lunch. Free access, obviously - it's a hill.