Pen y Benglog

The walk up Pen y Benglog from Caernarfon way is a proper mountain experience without needing to be a seasoned scrambler. You're looking at a decent peak that rewards the effort - the views across Snowdonia and down towards the coast genuinely take your breath away, especially on a clear day when you can pick out Anglesey across the water.

It's a walk that suits people who want more than a stroll round a lake but aren't ready to tackle Snowdon itself. The path is steep in places and can be boggy after rain, so proper boots matter. Allow two to three hours return depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top - which you will, because the views are worth it.

The climb works brilliantly if you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Ogwen Bank is closest at just over three miles away, making it an easy morning expedition before heading back for lunch. Llanberis Touring Park and Llyn Gwynant Campsite are both within reach too, and you could easily combine this with visits to the bigger attractions in the area without it feeling like a squeeze.

Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends bring crowds to these trails, and the car park gets rammed. The weather changes fast up here - I've seen sunshine turn to mist in minutes - so check the forecast and bring layers even if it looks fine in Caernarfon. Well worth the walk.