The Panorama

The Panorama lives up to its name - a proper viewpoint that commands the whole sweep of Cardigan Bay from up here near Barmouth. On a clear day you're looking out over water that stretches miles, with the Snowdonia peaks rising behind you inland. It's the kind of spot where you suddenly understand why people choose North Wales for their caravan holidays.

There's not much faffing about once you arrive. You park, walk a short distance, and the view hits you. For walkers it's a logical waypoint on a longer route, but families stopping off for twenty minutes between attractions won't feel short-changed either. The elevation means there's always a decent breeze, which is either lovely or bloody freezing depending on the season.

Visit midweek in spring or early autumn and you'll likely have the place mostly to yourself. Summer weekends draw crowds, as they do everywhere in Gwynedd. Bring layers - the weather can turn quickly out here.

If you're based at one of the parks nearby - Hendre Mynach or Graig Wen are both within striking distance - The Panorama makes an easy afternoon outing. Pair it with a walk down into Barmouth itself for fish and chips, and you've got a solid half-day sorted. It won't take long, but that's rather the point of a viewpoint. You're there for the view, not the facilities.