Pen Hafoty-Foel

The walk up Pen Hafoty-Foel isn't long, but it's proper steep for what it is. From Ruthin, you're looking at maybe twenty minutes' drive into the Clwydian Range foothills, and then it's a brisk climb through moorland with little shelter. The payoff is genuine though - on a clear day, you can see right across to the Conwy Valley and beyond, with the northern hills rolling away in every direction.

It's a hill rather than a mountain, so don't expect the drama of Snowdon or Cadair Idris. What you do get is a proper sense of remoteness without needing to be a serious fell walker. The route itself follows decent tracks, and the tussocky grassland either side gives you space to roam. Kids who don't mind a bit of a huff will manage it fine, though younger ones might struggle with the gradient.

There's nothing up here in terms of facilities - no café, no facilities block, no charges that I'm aware of. You're relying entirely on what you bring and the weather behaving itself. The real reward is the quiet. You won't find crowds this far off the beaten track.

If you're basing yourself at Clwydian Glamping Pods just down the road, this makes an excellent half-day outing. Pair it with some time exploring Ruthin's town centre - the castle and square are genuinely worth an hour - and you've got a proper day sorted. The pod site itself sits right in this landscape, so you're already positioned perfectly.