Pen-Y-Coed

The walk up Pen-Y-Coed from Abergele is steep, proper steep, and takes the best part of an hour if you're not a regular fell-walker. But once you're up there, the views across the Vale of Clwyd and down towards the coast make the huffing and puffing worthwhile. It's a modest peak by Welsh standards - nothing dramatic, nothing that'll make your jaw drop - but on a clear day you get real sight lines across to Snowdonia and Conwy Castle in the distance.

There's no visitor centre, no café, no faffing about. You park near Abergele and just head up. The paths are decent enough though they can get boggy after rain, so proper boots matter. It's the sort of place walkers will properly enjoy - straightforward, honest, no pretence. Families with capable kids and reasonable fitness will manage it fine, though you'd want to allow a good three hours for the round trip to be comfortable.

Worth timing it right though. Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best light, and midweek you'll barely see another soul. The peak itself is just trig point and moorland - no shelter, no frills. Bring water and a windproof; it's more exposed than you might expect.

If you're basing yourselves at one of the nearby caravan parks - Plas Farm is closest, then Parkdean Resorts Ty Mawr or Golden Gate - this makes a solid half-day outing. Pairs well with exploring Abergele itself or pushing on towards Conwy if you fancy something more substantial.