Moel Cwm yr Eglwys

The walk up Moel Cwm yr Eglwys from Dolgellau is one of those Welsh mountain experiences that rewards without demanding too much of you. It's a modest peak by Snowdonian standards - around 600 metres - but what it lacks in height it makes up for in character. The route takes you through ancient woodland and across open moorland where, on a clear day, the views stretch across to Cader Idris and beyond.

You'll want a decent pair of boots and proper weather gear because this is Wales and the weather changes faster than you can say "damp". Allow three to four hours for the full loop. It's free to access, naturally - there's no toll booth on a Welsh hillside - and the trail starts near the town centre, so no faff with finding a car park miles away.

This works brilliantly as part of a wider walking holiday in the area. Pitch up at Llwyn yr Helm Caravan Park - just 3.7 miles out - and you've got a solid base for exploring both this peak and the bigger hitters nearby. Families who've done the tourist circuits around Snowdon often find Moel Cwm yr Eglwys a nicer outing: quieter, more manageable, and genuinely interesting rather than just ticking boxes.

The ridge walk at the top is where it earns its place on your itinerary. Not dramatic, but proper mountain walking without the crowds. Go in autumn when the light's golden and the summer walkers have gone home.