Muriau'r Gwyddelod Iron Age Settlement

Stone circles and ancient hut foundations scattered across rough hillside terrain - that's what awaits at this Iron Age settlement above Harlech. The site feels properly remote, with sheep for company and views stretching across to Cardigan Bay on clear days.

History buffs will love piecing together how our ancestors lived here over 2,000 years ago. The remains aren't spectacular - we're talking low stone walls and circular foundations rather than towering monuments - but there's something compelling about walking where families once gathered around fires and raised their children.

Expect a decent walk to reach the settlement. The path from the nearest road isn't signposted particularly well, and the terrain gets boggy after rain. Kids might lose interest unless they're already keen on archaeology, though the adventure of the hike could win them over.

Allow a couple of hours for the round trip, including time to explore the various structures dotted about the site. Early morning or late afternoon light shows the stone foundations to best advantage.

For families staying at nearby parks like Castle View or Min-y-don, this makes a good half-day expedition when combined with a visit to Harlech Castle down in the town. The contrast between the medieval fortress and these ancient remains really brings home just how long people have been living in these Welsh hills.