Tomen y Castell

A steep mound crowned with the ruins of a Norman castle earthwork - that's Tomen y Castell, sitting just outside Ruthin like something from a Welsh history book come to life. The walk up takes maybe five minutes from the car park, but it's a proper climb, especially if the ground's wet. Once you're on top, you get views across the Vale of Clwyd that make the huffing worthwhile.

There's not much to actually see in terms of stonework - this is an earth-and-timber castle, so what remains is mostly the mound itself and some ditches. That said, standing there imagining Norman knights and medieval politics does something to you. Bring the history-minded relatives; kids younger than eight might find it a bit "what am I looking at?" after ten minutes.

History types will geek out. It dates to around 1095, which makes it proper old. The location was strategic - controlling routes through North Wales. Peak season is fine, but go midweek if you can; weekends bring walkers from the surrounding area.

If you're based at Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite just down the road, this is an easy add-on to a longer morning's hiking. Free to visit, takes about 45 minutes all-in including the climb and a sit-down. Well worth the leg stretch between campsites or when you need a quick cultural fix on a rainy Welsh afternoon.