Foel Cae'r-hafotty

The walk up Foel Cae'r-hafotty from Bala is proper rewarding - a modest summit at 612 metres that punches above its weight in terms of views. What you're getting here is a relatively straightforward hill walk rather than a scramble, which makes it approachable for families with decent boots and a bit of stamina.

The real draw is the perspective across the Bala valley. On a clear day the views open up nicely over the lake and towards the surrounding hills - nothing that will make you gasp, but the kind of landscape that reminds you why people bother getting up early. The walk itself takes the best part of two hours depending on your pace and exactly which route you pick from the town.

Walkers and hill-baggers heading through North Wales will find this a useful addition to a longer trip rather than a destination in itself. Kids will manage it fine if they're used to moorland walks, though younger ones might find the moorland terrain a bit grinding. The exposure isn't an issue - it's all pretty gentle.

If you're staying at Tyn Cornel Camping near Bala, this makes a solid morning outing. Free to do, obviously. Best tackled in summer when the weather's more cooperative and the daylight stretches further. The peak sits just outside the main tourist track around Snowdonia, which means fewer crowds and a bit more breathing room on the hill.