Craig-y-llyn

The walk up Craig-y-llyn from Dolgellau takes about ninety minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and honestly, it's one of those peaks that rewards the effort without demanding mountaineering skills. The summit sits at 658 metres, which means proper views across the Cader Idris range and down into the Mawddach Valley - the kind of vista that makes you forget you've left your decent boots at home.

It's a straightforward fell walk rather than a technical scramble. The path is well-trodden and marked, so navigation isn't a headache even when cloud rolls in. What gets you is the exposure once you're high - the drop down to Dolgellau is real enough to keep your attention. Allow three hours for a round trip if you're stopping for photos and a breather at the top.

This one appeals to walkers who want a proper peak bagging session without the commitment of Cader Idris itself. Families with confident hill walkers will manage fine; small children might struggle with the steepness of the approach. The views alone justify the slog, though if you're expecting rock formations or drama, you'll find Craig-y-llyn is more about the walking than the destination.

Stay at Graig Wen, which sits just 2.4 miles from Dolgellau and gives you easy access to this route plus the wider Snowdonia paths. It's a cracking base for a week of walking without the tourist crowds of Snowdon itself.