Fegla Fawr

The walk up Fegla Fawr from Dolgellau is one of those climbs that looks deceptive on the map - steeper than it first appears, but absolutely worth the effort once you're up there. You're looking at roughly two hours from town to the summit, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath on the upper sections.

What you get for your trouble is a proper panoramic view across the Cader Idris range and down into the Mawddach Valley. On a clear day - and you'll need clear, this isn't a summit to bag in mist - you can see for miles. The final approach gets rocky and a bit exposed, which adds genuine interest rather than just being a trudge up a hillside.

It's brilliant for confident walkers and fell runners looking for a shorter, sharper challenge without committing to a full day out. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper climb will find it rewarding, though younger ones might struggle with the sustained gradient. The path is well-trodden but loose in places, so decent boots are essential.

Stay at Graig Wen or Hendre Mynach, both within walking distance of Dolgellau town centre, and you've got a solid base. The walk starts from town itself, so no driving to a remote trailhead - just fuel up at a café and head out. Free to access, obviously. The real cost is the effort, but the view pays for it.