Gyrn Wigau

The walk up Gyrn Wigau from the Conwy Valley takes you straight into proper North Welsh hill country - steep in places, but short enough that you won't regret it. The peak itself sits at 723 metres and rewards you with views that stretch across to Snowdon on a clear day, which honestly doesn't happen as often as you'd like around here.

Getting to the summit takes around ninety minutes if you're moving at a steady pace. The terrain is moorland and rocky in stretches, so proper walking boots matter more than you might think. It's the kind of hill that doesn't look far on the map but teaches you respect once you're actually on it.

Walkers will find this satisfying - it's got enough elevation gain to feel like a proper outing without being a full day commitment. Families with teenagers will manage it fine; younger kids might struggle on the steeper sections. History enthusiasts won't find much here except the landscape itself, which has been hewn by ice age glaciers and feels genuinely ancient.

Stay at Ogwen Bank Caravan and Lodge Park, just 2.1 miles away, and you're perfectly positioned. Three Streams Glamping and Tros Y Waen are also within easy reach if you want something more upmarket. The nearest town is Bangor, where you can sort supplies before heading out.

Timing matters - early morning in summer gives you the best light and the fewest other walkers. Midweek beats weekends. Worth doing if you're in the area for a week or more; less essential if you're just passing through on the way to Snowdon itself.