Mynydd Gorllwyn

Standing at 527 metres above sea level, this shapely little peak offers one of the more accessible mountain experiences in Snowdonia without the crowds that swarm Snowdon itself. The walk up from the car park near Pont Aberglaslyn takes about an hour and a half, winding through old oak woodland before emerging onto open moorland with increasingly dramatic views across the Glaslyn valley.

Families with older children will find this a proper introduction to Welsh mountain walking - steep enough to feel like an achievement but not so brutal that anyone ends up in tears. The summit rewards you with cracking views towards Snowdon and across to the coast near Porthmadog, though on a typical Welsh day you might find yourself above the cloud line while the valleys disappear into mist.

What makes Mynydd Gorllwyn particularly appealing is its relative quiet. While the car parks around Snowdon resemble festival campsites in summer, you'll often have this summit largely to yourself. The descent can be tricky in wet conditions - the slate and grass combination becomes properly slippery.

Allow three to four hours for the round trip, and pick a clear day if you want those views. It's an ideal warm-up walk if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Beddgelert Campsite or Haven Greenacres, giving you a taste of serious Welsh mountain country without committing to a full Snowdon slog.