Mynydd Ffynnonbadarn

The walk up Mynydd Ffynnonbadarn from Dolgellau isn't dramatic - no knife edges or scrambles - but that's rather the point. This is a proper hill walker's mountain, the sort where you move at your own pace and the views only get better the higher you climb.

From the summit, you're looking out over the Cader Idris range and across to the Snowdonia peaks beyond. On a clear day it's genuinely striking; on a grey one, which is common enough around here, the clouds roll through and you feel properly remote despite being within spitting distance of the town.

Allow two to three hours for a straightforward out-and-back. It's best done from the south, starting near Dolgellau and following established paths - nothing technical, but the terrain is boggy in places so decent boots matter. Spring through autumn works fine; winter can be properly muddy.

This suits walkers who know what they're after - families with young kids might find it a bit plodding, and it's not a casual stroll. But if you're based at Torrent Walk Campsite or Llwyn yr Helm, both within four miles of town, it's an excellent half-day that doesn't demand serious mountaineering.

Free to access, naturally. No facilities on the hill itself.