Yr Alltwen Farn

Sharp winds whip across this 570-metre summit just east of Porthmadog, where the views stretch from Snowdonia's peaks to the Irish Sea. Yr Alltwen Farn isn't the tallest hill in Gwynedd, but it punches well above its weight for panoramic drama.

Walkers with a decent level of fitness will find the ascent rewarding rather than punishing. The path winds through typical Welsh moorland - bracken, heather, and the odd wandering sheep - before opening up to those proper big-sky vistas that make North Wales special.

From the top, you can trace the Ffestiniog Railway snaking through the valley below, while Snowdon dominates the northern horizon on clear days. The coastal views are equally impressive, taking in Cardigan Bay and the Llŷn Peninsula stretching into the distance.

Families staying at nearby parks like Haven Greenacres or Black Rock Sands Touring will find this makes an excellent half-day expedition. Allow three to four hours for the round trip, including time to properly appreciate the summit views. Early morning visits often reward you with the best clarity, before the afternoon haze rolls in from the coast.

It's free, naturally accessible year-round, and thoroughly Welsh in its understated magnificence. Just don't expect mountain rescue facilities - this is proper hillwalking territory that demands decent boots and weather awareness.