Mynydd Gartheiniog South Top

The climb up Mynydd Gartheiniog South Top won't take your breath away with difficulty, but the views across Snowdonia from the 652-metre summit certainly will. From Dolgellau, it's a straightforward walk - nothing technical, nothing that'll leave your legs screaming, but proper rewarding all the same. The route up is well-trodden and the peak itself gives you that rare combination of accessibility and genuine mountain scenery. On a clear day you get sight lines that stretch across the national park, the kind that make you understand why people get addicted to walking in North Wales.

This works best for families wanting something more substantial than a riverside stroll but less demanding than tackling the bigger peaks nearby. Keen walkers using it as a warm-up before hitting the heavier routes around Cader Idris will find it satisfying rather than challenging. The boggy sections are a bit annoying in wet weather - waterproof boots aren't optional - but summer and early autumn tend to be far more pleasant.

Allow a couple of hours return from the car park, longer if you're taking photos or moving at a leisurely pace. There's no café at the top, so bring water and something to eat. It's free to climb, naturally.

Stay at Llwyn yr Helm Caravan and Camping Park, just over five miles away - the ratings speak for themselves - and you've got a solid base for exploring the surrounding hills without needing to drive far. Torrent Walk Campsite offers a cheaper option if you're less bothered about facilities.