Mynydd Cwmcelli (Craig Goch)

The walk up Mynydd Cwmcelli feels deceptively gentle at first, then the path steepens and suddenly you're climbing properly. Most people call it Craig Goch - the Red Rock - and once you get near the summit, you'll understand why. The stone here has a reddish tint that catches the light in a way that makes you stop and actually look at where you're standing.

It's a proper hill rather than a mountain, so don't expect Snowdon crowds. You get views across the Cader Idris range and down towards Dolgellau, which is handy if you're using it as your base for exploring the southern Snowdonia area. On a clear day it's genuinely excellent. On a wet one - and this is Wales - you'll struggle to see your hand in front of your face, so pick your timing.

Allow two to three hours for the round trip from Dolgellau direction. It's free, obviously - it's a mountain. Families with older kids who don't mind a steady slog will get something out of it. The younger ones might find it a bit tedious without the summit drama of bigger peaks. Serious walkers will appreciate the less tramped routes and the quieter feel compared to the honeypots further north.

If you're staying at Llwyn yr Helm Caravan and Camping Park nearby, this makes a solid half-day outing that won't clash with visits to Cader Idris or the coastal stuff around Barmouth. Worth the detour if you're already in the area.