Rhinog Fach

The walk up Rhinog Fach isn't for the faint-hearted, but that's rather the point. This peak sits in the Rhinog range south of Llanbedr, and the scramble to the summit demands proper effort - rocky underfoot, steep in places, utterly unforgiving if you're not prepared. What you get for that graft is a raw, exposed ridge with views that stretch across Snowdonia to the coast. No café at the top, no visitors' centre, just you and the mountain.

The ascent takes around two hours from the lower slopes depending on your fitness and how carefully you pick your route through the boulders. Once up there, the landscape opens out properly - you can see Cadair Idris in the distance, the Snowdon massif dominating northwards, and on clear days the sea beyond Barmouth. It's steep enough and loose enough that families with young children will find it tiring rather than fun, but confident walkers and hill enthusiasts will rate it highly.

Start early and check the weather forecast beforehand - cloud comes in fast around these slopes. The approach from Llanbedr is straightforward enough, with parking available near the trailhead. If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Woodlands or Rowen Caravan Park are within easy reach - this makes a proper day out rather than a quick diversion. Allow four to five hours total including rest time. It's free to walk, as these mountains are, but it demands respect and decent boots.