Pen Bwlch Y Garnedd

The walk up Pen Bwlch Y Garnedd takes you through proper mountain terrain just south of Betws-y-Coed, gaining height steadily without being a slog. You're looking at around 500 metres of ascent depending on your starting point, so it's not a five-minute stroll, but it's accessible to anyone with reasonable fitness and decent boots.

What makes this peak worth the effort is the view north across the Conwy Valley and out towards the coast - on a clear day you'll see across to Anglesey and the Irish Sea. The summit itself is a bit windswept and rocky rather than a manicured viewpoint, which honestly works in its favour. You get that genuine hill-walking feeling without needing technical skills.

This is solid territory for experienced walkers and families with older kids who don't mind a proper climb. Younger children might find the descent tedious rather than fun. Allow three to four hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and photo stops. There's no café at the top and no facilities, so bring water and snacks.

If you're staying at either Porth Eryri Glamping or Snowdonia Glamping Holidays nearby, this works perfectly as a half-day adventure - you're close enough to start mid-morning without endless drive time. The weather in this part of North Wales turns quickly, so check conditions before heading out. Early summer offers the longest daylight and most stable weather, though autumn brings clearer air for visibility.