Pen y Benar

The walk up Pen y Benar takes you out of Blaenau Ffestiniog and into proper hill country - nothing too brutal, but steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the view. At 610 metres, it's not the tallest peak around, but the summit rewards you with sight lines across the slate valley and toward the Snowdonia ridge. The actual walking track is well-trodden and manageable in most seasons, though wet weather turns it into a bog in places.

You're looking at roughly two hours up and back, depending on your pace. Bring decent boots - the ground's rough and boggy in stretches. On a clear day, the panorama justifies the effort; on a grey day, you'll understand why this part of Wales has its reputation. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the climb a slog.

It's a free roam, no facilities on the summit itself. Grab supplies in Blaenau Ffestiniog before you start. The nearby campsite at Llyn Gwynant, rated five stars, puts you within striking distance for an early start, while Llechwedd Glamping offers a more comfortable base if you want your accommodation sorted before tackling the hills. Either way, Pen y Benar works well as part of a broader Snowdonia walking circuit rather than a standalone trip. It's the kind of walk that builds appetite and respect for the landscape in equal measure.