Tai-uchaf

You'll find the ruins of Tai-uchaf on a hillside above Betws-y-Coed, which is the sort of place that rewards a bit of legwork to reach it. This is a 16th-century stone cottage reduced to its foundation walls and a few standing sections - nothing flashy, but the kind of site that makes you think about how people actually lived in these valleys centuries ago.

The walk up takes about 20 minutes from the village, and frankly, the journey matters more than the destination here. You're climbing through proper Welsh countryside with views opening up across the Conwy Valley. The cottage itself sits in isolation, which was likely the whole point back then - rural, self-sufficient, far from town bustle.

It's genuinely appealing for history types and walkers who don't need everything signed and interpreted. Young kids might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're already into ruins - there's not much to do once you're there except look around and absorb the setting. Give it an hour maximum including the walk.

If you're staying at Porth Eryri Glamping nearby, this makes an easy half-morning excursion before heading into Betws-y-Coed for lunch. Combine it with a ramble in the Conwy Valley itself and you've got a decent day without driving far. Access is free and unrestricted - just allow time for the uphill trudge in dodgy weather.