Y Foel Grach

The walk up Y Foel Grach from Llanfairfechan is a proper scramble - no cable cars or tourist infrastructure, just you and the mountain. At 831 metres, it's not Snowdon, but the views across the Conwy Valley and towards the coast make the climb worthwhile. The ascent takes the best part of an hour and a half depending on fitness, and you'll want sturdy boots because it gets steep and rough underfoot.

This isn't a casual stroll. Families with younger children will struggle with the final push, though teenagers who can handle a bit of effort will find it satisfying. Walkers after something more rewarding than a park loop will appreciate the genuine mountain feel - you're not queuing with hundreds of others, which is refreshing. The views from the top stretch clear across Conwy and down towards Llandudno on a decent day.

Timing matters. Early morning or late afternoon tend to be quieter, and cloud cover rolls in quickly in bad weather, wiping out everything you've climbed for. Allow a full three hours for the round trip including a proper rest at the top. It's completely free and there are no facilities on the mountain itself, so bring water and a snack.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks like Ogwen Bank or Three Streams Glamping, Y Foel Grach works brilliantly as a half-day excursion. It's close enough to Llanfairfechan to feel accessible, but proper enough to satisfy anyone wanting genuine mountain air rather than manicured park trails.