Garnedd Fawr

Garnedd Fawr isn't the sort of mountain that demands a full day's effort, which is partly why it works so well. This 2,113-foot peak sits between Bala and the higher peaks further west, and on a clear day the views across Mid-Wales are genuinely excellent - you can see the Aran range properly from up here, and the whole Bala Lake spreads out below.

The walk up is straightforward enough, rougher ground than manicured path but nothing technical. Most people manage it in under two hours return from the road, which means you're not committing your whole morning if the weather looks dodgy. The ridge itself is properly exposed once you get near the top - nothing dangerous, but the wind can catch you off guard.

It's ideal for keen walkers wanting something solid without a full expedition, or for families with older kids who need a real climb but not a slog. Very few people bother with it compared to the famous peaks nearby, which means you'll likely have the summit to yourself, especially mid-week. Bring waterproofs - Gwynedd weather changes fast.

If you're based at Tyn Cornel Camping near Bala (only three miles away), this is a cracking option for a morning outing before heading into town for lunch. It's proper Welsh mountain walking without the crowds you'd find on Snowdon or the Arrans. Worth doing on a day when visibility is decent - on mist days the views disappear and it becomes a bit of a trudge.