Moel Phylip

The walk up Moel Phylip isn't long, but it's steep enough to get your heart going. From Bala, you're looking at a straightforward ascent through moorland that rewards you with proper views across the Perthyr range once you reach the 610-metre summit. On a clear day, you can see all the way across to Snowdon itself, though admittedly the peak itself is a bit exposed - it's moorland, not rocky drama.

Walkers will absolutely get something out of this. It's not a technical climb and doesn't demand specialist kit, which makes it ideal for anyone wanting a genuine mountain experience without the queues you'd find further west. The terrain is rough grassland, so good boots matter more than climbing skill. Allow a couple of hours there and back from the trailhead near Bala.

Families with reasonably fit teenagers will manage it fine, though younger kids might find the exposed weather a bit much if conditions turn. On a summer afternoon it's lovely; in winter wind, it gets decidedly grey and bleak.

What makes it work is the simplicity. No entry fees, no facilities to queue for, just proper Welsh hill walking fifteen minutes from town. Pair it with a night at Tyn Cornel Camping just down the road and you've got yourself a solid weekend away - the campsite's well-regarded, and you're positioned nicely for exploring the broader Snowdonia walking circuit without the tourist crush of the major peaks.