Ynys Hir

Standing 360 metres above the Glaslyn estuary, this modest peak delivers proper views across Cardigan Bay without the crowds you'll find on Snowdonia's bigger names. The walk up from Porthmadog takes about an hour and a half through mixed woodland and open moorland - nothing too taxing, though it gets a bit steep towards the summit.

Families with older kids (say 8+) will manage it fine, but it's probably too much for little legs. The reward at the top is well worth the effort: on a clear day you can see right across to Bardsey Island and back towards the Snowdon range. Walkers looking for something between a gentle stroll and a proper mountain day will find this hits the sweet spot.

The route starts from the village and there's no admission fee - it's just good old-fashioned hill walking. Allow three hours return, and try to go on a decent day as the views are the main draw. When the weather closes in, you're basically climbing through cloud for the sake of it.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Haven Greenacres or Black Rock Sands, this makes a cracking day out that's close enough to get back for tea. Much better than fighting for parking spaces at Pen y Fan.