Pant-Ifan

Three hundred metres of vertical climbing through bracken and heather brings you to one of Snowdonia's lesser-known viewpoints. Pant-Ifan sits above Porthmadog like a modest sentinel, offering proper views across the Glaslyn estuary without the crowds that plague Snowdon's more famous peaks.

Walkers with a decent level of fitness will find this a rewarding half-day outing. The path starts steep and stays that way - no gentle warm-up here. But the payoff is worth the leg burn. From the summit, you can trace the railway line snaking towards Ffestiniog and watch the tide creep across the mudflats below.

Families might struggle with the gradient, though older children who enjoy a challenge will love scrambling over the rocky sections near the top. Allow three hours return from Porthmadog, including time to catch your breath and take photos.

This makes a fine addition to a holiday based around Black Rock Sands, where several caravan parks like Haven Greenacres Holiday Park offer easy access to both coast and mountains. The contrast between beach time and hill walking suits families perfectly - assuming the kids are up for the climb.