Tryfan

The twin peaks of Tryfan rise dramatically from the Ogwen Valley, and standing at the summit feels like you've climbed onto the roof of North Wales. It's one of those mountains that looks impossible from below, all jagged rock and scree, but the scramble to the top is more achievable than you'd think - most fit walkers tackle it in three to four hours return.

What makes it special isn't just the height. The rock formations are genuinely spectacular. You'll find yourself using your hands more than your feet on the final push, picking your way through boulders with proper mountain views opening out as you gain height. The Milestone Buttress on the eastern face catches the eye from miles away, and once you're up there, the perspective on Snowdon and the Glyderau ridges is exceptional.

Families with primary-school-age kids will find the scramble entertaining rather than terrifying, though anyone nervous of heights should think twice about the final section. Serious walkers love it because it's technical enough to feel rewarding without needing ropes and gear. The descent is trickier than the way up - loose rock and steep drops demand concentration.

With Caernarfon just over eight miles away, you can base yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Bryn Gloch, Tros Y Waen, or Plas Gwyn all sit within five miles. Start early, bring water, and pick a clear day. The weather changes faster on Tryfan than anywhere else in the region. It's free, takes half a day properly, and you'll be thinking about it for weeks afterward.