Glyder Fawr

The walk up Glyder Fawr demands respect. At 999 metres, it's the third highest peak in Snowdonia and sits in proper mountaineering territory - not some gentle fell stroll. The summit itself is a jumble of massive boulders that look like they've been scattered by an angry giant, with a trig point wedged somewhere in the chaos if you can be bothered to find it.

Most people approach from the Ogwen Valley side, which means parking near Llyn Ogwen and tackling the steep ascent via Bristly Ridge or the more straightforward Miners' Track. Allow four to five hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. The views on a clear day stretch across the whole of Snowdonia and out to the coast near Caernarfon - genuinely breath-taking stuff.

This is serious walking territory. Experienced mountain walkers will love it; families with young kids should probably stick to easier peaks unless they're confident scrambler. Bring a map and compass - the weather can turn vicious up here and visibility can drop in minutes.

Base yourself at one of the nearby campsites around Llanberis or Ogwen Bank, both within striking distance. Glyder Fawr works perfectly as part of a longer Snowdonia hiking holiday, perhaps combining it with nearby Glyder Ddû or Y Garn. Free to climb, obviously - it's a mountain, not a theme park. Go early, check the forecast, and respect the terrain.