Rhobell-y-big

The walk up Rhobell Fawr - that's the proper name, though locals just call it Rhobell-y-big - starts gentle enough from the lane near Dolgellau, but don't let that fool you. This isn't a casual stroll; it's a proper mountain that rewards the effort with views across the Mawddach Valley that genuinely take your breath away.

The peak itself sits at 720 metres, which means it's not Snowdon, but the walk feels more rewarding than the numbers suggest. You'll get views of the entire Cadair Idris massif on a clear day, and the exposed moorland at the top has that wild, windswept feel that makes you feel properly away from it all. The ascent takes a couple of hours depending on your pace and fitness, so allow a good three to four hours for the round trip with time to sit and stare at the landscape.

Walkers with decent boots and a reasonable level of fitness will get the most from this. It's not technical scrambling, but the paths can be boggy and steep in places, especially higher up. On a grey Welsh day it can feel quite exposed, which some find exhilarating and others find a bit grim.

Based near Dolgellau, it fits perfectly into a walking-focused park holiday - Llwyn yr Helm Caravan and Camping Park is just five miles away and makes a solid base. The area is saturated with walks, so if Rhobell-y-big catches you on a good weather day, grab it. Bad weather? There's always another route.