Moel Cae'r-ceiliog

The walk up Moel Cae'r-ceiliog rewards you with views across the Bala Lake valley that frankly outperform most of the fussier peaks nearby. It's a proper hill rather than a mountain - around 650 metres - but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual stroll. The path climbs steadily through moorland and bracken, and you'll feel it in your legs, especially if you've come from Bala town itself.

What makes it worth the effort is the perspective. From the top you're looking down at Bala Lake stretched out below like a grey-blue ribbon, with the Arenig mountains rising beyond. On a clear day - and they do happen in North Wales, despite what locals tell you - visibility extends right across to Snowdonia. The terrain underfoot is rough in places, muddy after rain, so good boots matter.

This is a walker's hill rather than a family outing. Young kids will struggle with the distance and gradient, though determined teenagers with proper footwear can manage it. Allow two to three hours return from Bala. There's no café at the top, no facilities, just you and the wind and the view.

If you're based at Tyn Cornel Camping nearby, this makes an excellent morning's walk before heading elsewhere in the day. It's free, naturally, and fills the gap between easier lakeside strolls and the more demanding peaks further north. Bring water and a windproof - the summit can be bleak when cloud rolls in fast, which it does.