White Horses

You can spot them from miles away - massive chalk figures carved into the hillsides around Gwynedd, their white forms absolutely unmissable against the green Welsh landscape. These aren't accidental; they were deliberately cut into the turf, and they've become iconic markers of the region's quirky character.

The White Horses themselves are straightforward to visit - they're visible from various vantage points, and you can walk up to them if you're keen on a bit of legwork. The views across North Wales from the higher ground are genuinely worth the effort. Allow an hour or so if you're planning to hike properly, less if you're just after photos from the roadside.

This appeals most to walkers and landscape photographers - the real magic is in the walk up rather than standing by the horses themselves. History enthusiasts might be slightly underwhelmed, as the exact backstory can be a bit murky depending on which horse you're near. Children will probably enjoy the hunt and the novelty of spotting them, though younger ones might find the climb tedious.

Talsarnau is your nearest town for supplies and a proper cup of tea. If you're staying at Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls nearby, you've got brilliant access - the waterfalls park is about six miles away, so combining the two makes for a proper day out exploring the area. Both free to visit and worth doing on a decent weather day. The light is best in late afternoon when the chalk really gleams.