Moel y Garth

The walk up Moel y Garth from Bala is properly rewarding - steep enough to feel like you've earned the views, but short enough that you won't spend all day on it. The summit sits at just over 550 metres, and on a clear day you get proper vistas across the Penllyn Valley and towards the Aran mountains. The ascent takes about 45 minutes if you're moderately fit, depending on which route you choose from the town.

Bala itself is the obvious jumping-off point, a small market town that sits right at the foot of the peak. What makes this walk special isn't the height - there are far bigger mountains nearby - but the intimacy of it. You're surrounded by moorland and ancient woodland, and the summit itself feels genuinely isolated despite being walkable from civilisation.

It's a solid option for families who want a mountain experience without committing to a full day's fell walking, though the final push can be boggy and muddy depending on recent weather. History buffs might appreciate that you're walking through territory steeped in Welsh heritage, though there's nothing obvious on the summit itself. Allow two to three hours return including a breather at the top.

If you're staying at Tyn Cornel Camping just outside Bala, this is essentially your back garden - the kind of walk that means you can head out mid-afternoon and still be back for supper. It's the sort of peak that doesn't dominate a trip, but slots nicely into a wider exploration of Snowdonia's quieter corners.