Mynydd Pennant

The walk up Mynydd Pennant from Dolgellau is a proper hill rather than a mountain - don't let the Welsh name fool you. It's roughly two hours up and back, which makes it ideal if you've got an afternoon to spare and don't fancy the crowds on Cader Idris just down the road. The views from the top stretch across the Mawddach estuary and into Snowdonia, and on a clear day you can pick out Barmouth curving away to the coast. The ascent isn't technical, just relentless, so walkers with decent fitness will get on fine. Children aged eight and up tend to manage it without too much fussing, though it's the sort of hill that tests patience on the descent. The ground can be boggy in places, especially after rain, and the path isn't always obvious - bring a map. There's no admission charge or visitor centre, just a car park and your own legs. Dolgellau itself makes a decent base if you're combining this with other walks in the area. Graig Wen Camping & Cottages, about 3 miles away, is genuinely excellent if you want to stay put - the reviews reflect proper quality. Sunbeach Holiday Park over near Barmouth is more general-purpose if you fancy beach time alongside hill walking. The real appeal of Mynydd Pennant is that it feels like a local's walk rather than a tourist trail, and the effort needed to get there keeps it from feeling overcrowded even in summer. Worth doing once, especially if you're in Dolgellau anyway.