Moel Hafod-yr-wyn

Getting to the summit of Moel Hafod-yr-wyn involves a proper grunt up from Bala, but the ridge walk that follows is absolutely worth the effort. You're looking at roughly two hours of solid climbing through moorland that opens up to serious views across the Snowdonia range - Cader Idris sits clear to the south on a decent day, and the Arans march away to the north.

It's a hill for walkers with decent legs rather than casual strollers. The path is straightforward enough, boggy in places, occasionally rocky near the top. Once you've crested the summit - at just over 2,000 feet - you can potter along the ridge, which is where the walk earns its keep. This isn't a quick tourist tick. Budget three to four hours for a proper loop if you want to enjoy it rather than rush it.

Historically, you're walking terrain that shaped this corner of Wales, though the mountain itself doesn't carry the weight of somewhere like Snowdon or Pen-y-ghent. That's rather the point. Families with older teenagers will manage it fine. Younger kids would struggle with the bog and the length.

Head out from Bala itself - a charming little town with proper services - and if you're camping at nearby Tyn Cornel, this is your local mountain. It's the sort of walk where you actually see other walkers, unlike some of the more famous peaks, which means you can genuinely enjoy the space and the views without queuing for the summit.