Foel Ispri

The walk up Foel Ispri takes you through proper moorland, which isn't what most people expect when they think of North Wales peaks. Starting from near Dolgellau, you're looking at a straightforward ascent that rewards you with views across the Cader Idris range and down into the Mawddach estuary - genuinely worth the effort, though it's not a dramatic scramble. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how often you stop to actually look at things rather than just photograph them.

It's a walker's peak, straightforward enough for reasonably fit families but nothing that'll thrill experienced mountaineers. The ground can be boggy in places, so waterproof boots matter. There's a real sense of isolation up here - fewer crowds than Cader Idris proper, which makes it rather lovely. On a clear day you see for miles. On a grey day, well, that's when you remember you're in North Wales and embrace the drama of it all.

The practical bit: it's free, obviously - it's a hill. No facilities at the summit, no café, no visitor centre. Bring water and decent weather gear. If you're camping at Graig Wen or Llwyn yr Helm nearby, this works perfectly as a half-day expedition alongside exploring the Mawddach Valley trails. Torrent Walk Campsite is also close enough to make it your morning objective. Go when there's actual visibility though - the cloud rolls in fast here.