Fairy Glen

There's a proper little scramble up to Fairy Glen from the car park near Abergele, and it's exactly the sort of thing that separates the people who actually explore from those who drive past. The glen itself is a wooded ravine carved by a stream, with a series of small waterfalls and pools hidden amongst the trees. It feels wilder than you'd expect given how close it is to civilization.

The walk takes about 45 minutes if you're taking your time and stopping to peer into the water. The path is steep in places - more scramble than stroll - so it's best suited to families with kids who don't mind getting a bit muddy and adults who are reasonably fit. Anyone expecting a gentle riverside meander should look elsewhere. The geology enthusiasts and photographers will love it though; the rock formations are proper dramatic, and there's something about the way the light filters through the canopy that makes it feel almost otherworldly.

It's free to visit, and there's no formal opening hours since it's essentially a natural feature. Go early to beat any crowds, and avoid it straight after heavy rain when the stream gets genuinely dangerous. Winter's actually lovely here - fewer midges and the water's more dramatic. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Bron-y-Wendon or The Beach, it's a solid morning activity before heading out to explore the wider Conwy area. Don't expect manicured paths or facilities; this is Wales doing what it does best - raw and a bit muddy.