Y Gribin

The walk up Y Gribin from Dolgellau is short, sharp, and surprisingly rewarding. You're looking at maybe 45 minutes up the slope if you're fit, longer if you're taking it easy - the climb is relentless rather than technical, with good paths most of the way. The payoff is a proper viewpoint over the Mawddach Estuary, with the Cadair Idris range sprawling across the valley like something from a postcard you'd actually want to keep.

It's the sort of peak that works brilliantly for families who want a "real" walk without committing to a full fell day. Kids aged eight or nine upwards generally manage it fine, though you might need to bribe the younger ones with talk of the ice cream van back in Dolgellau. The summit cairn sits at about 570 metres, so you get genuine altitude without needing specialist kit or hours to spare.

Walkers will find it pairs nicely with the broader Cader Idris circuit if you're basing yourself in the area - think of it as a warm-up or a standalone option when weather's iffy. The paths are free, as they should be. Best tackled on a dry day because the terrain gets boggy otherwise, and you lose those views in drizzle anyway.

If you're camping at Llwyn yr Helm, just four miles away, this makes an excellent morning mission before a leisurely afternoon by the fire. Torrent Walk Campsite is only slightly further if you need bunkhouse comfort instead.