Manod Mawr

A steep trudge up loose slate scree isn't everyone's idea of fun, but Manod Mawr rewards the effort with proper views across the Snowdonia landscape. This 610-metre peak sits just above Blaenau Ffestiniog, the old slate quarrying town that dominates the valley below, and on a clear day you can pick out the mountains rolling away toward Snowdon itself.

The walk takes you past abandoned quarry workings - rusted metal, crumbling walls, the whole industrial archaeology of North Wales' slate boom - which adds a bit of texture to what could otherwise be a straightforward hill slog. Allow two hours return if you're taking it steady. The ascent is relentless rather than technical, but your knees will know about it coming down.

This is one for walkers with a bit of leg strength and patience for exposure. Families with younger kids might find the scree frustrating, though determined teenagers will manage it fine. History buffs will spend ages poking about the old workings. The summit itself is modest - no shelter, no café, just space and views. Go on a day with decent visibility or you're wasting your time, honestly.

If you're based at Llechwedd Glamping nearby, Manod Mawr makes a solid morning outing before exploring the slate caverns and visitor attractions in Blaenau itself. It's not a day-long expedition, so you'll have the afternoon free to wander the town or tackle another walk. Best visited in summer when the weather's more forgiving and daylight stretches longer.