Manod Mawr North Top

The walk up Manod Mawr North Top isn't a gentle stroll. It's a proper grunt from Blaenau Ffestiniog, but the payoff makes it worth every step of the climb. You're looking at sweeping views across the slate quarries and the valleys beyond - industrial heritage meets raw mountain landscape in a way that feels distinctly Welsh.

The peak itself sits at 747 metres, which sounds impressive until you're halfway up and wondering why you didn't bring more water. The terrain is moorland rather than dramatic rock, so it's not the sort of peak that'll take your breath away on arrival. That said, the views from the top across Snowdonia are genuinely excellent, especially on a clear day when you can pick out the surrounding ridges.

This is walkers' country, full stop. You'll need proper boots and at least two hours to do it without rushing. Families with young kids might find the steep sections tedious. The nearest glamping at Llechwedd - just a couple of miles away - makes a sensible base if you're tackling this as part of a broader walking holiday through the area.

Go early in the day to beat the weather. Mountain conditions change fast up here, and you want decent visibility for the views. It's free, it's accessible from the town, and on a good day it delivers. Not everyone's cup of tea, but proper rewarding for those who like their walking with genuine altitude.