Yr Elen

You won't find crowds up Yr Elen. This modest peak sits just south of Bangor in Conwy, rising to 543 metres, and it's the sort of walk that rewards you without demanding much in return. The climb is straightforward - nothing technical, nothing that'll have you scrambling or second-guessing your footwear. What you get instead is a proper ridge walk with views that stretch across to Snowdonia and down towards the coast. On a clear day, the Menai Strait opens up below you like something from an old postcard.

The walk itself takes a couple of hours for most people, depending on your pace and whether you linger at the top. Families with older kids do fine here - young ones might find the trudge a bit much unless they're keen walkers already. This isn't a destination you'll spend half a day on, but that's rather the point. It fits perfectly into a long morning, leaving you time to explore elsewhere or simply sit with a flask and watch the light change across the landscape.

If you're staying at Ogwen Bank or Three Streams nearby, Yr Elen makes an excellent day out without requiring a long drive. The access is straightforward and there are no fees or booking hassles to worry about. It's the sort of walk that feels like discovering something yourself rather than ticking off a famous peak - quiet, accessible, and with enough views to justify the effort.