Penbryn-ci

The walk up Penbryn-ci from Betws-y-Coed will take the better part of an afternoon, but the payoff is a proper viewpoint across the Conwy Valley. It's not a massive peak - you're looking at around 1,400 feet - but the route itself is what makes it worthwhile. You climb through mixed woodland before breaking out onto open moorland where the views suddenly expand. On a clear day you can pick out Snowdon to the west and the ridges folding away toward the coast.

Walkers with reasonable fitness will manage it fine. It's not technical terrain, just steady uphill work with some boggy sections on the approach. Families with kids who've done a few hills before would get something out of it, though younger children might find the final push tedious. History buffs won't find much - it's all about the landscape here.

The whole experience takes around three hours return depending on pace. Free, obviously - it's a mountain. Best in autumn or spring when the weather's clearer and you're not fighting summer crowds on the popular Snowdonia peaks nearby. If you're staying at Snowdonia Glamping Holidays or Porth Eryri Glamping, both within a few miles of Betws-y-Coed, this fits nicely as a half-day outing alongside the bigger attractions. Worth doing if you're in the area, but don't rearrange your holiday plans specifically for it.