Yr Oerfa

The walk up Yr Oerfa from Bala is straightforward enough, which is precisely why so many people do it. You're looking at a decent leg-stretcher rather than a proper mountain scramble - the sort of thing that gives you the feeling of proper hillwalking without requiring crampons and a head for heights.

Once you're up there, the views across the Bala Lake area unfold nicely. On a clear day you can pick out the surrounding peaks and the town itself down below. It's not going to stop you in your tracks the way Snowdon might, but there's something satisfying about the effort-to-reward ratio here. The peak itself is accessible without technical gear, which means families with older kids can manage it comfortably. Younger children might find the walk tedious depending on their legs and temperament.

The whole outing works well if you're staying at one of the local camping spots - Tyn Cornel is barely twenty minutes away and Porth Eryri's glamping setup makes for a more leisurely base. Do it early to avoid the crowds, and pick a day when the cloud's actually shifted off the top. There's no point hauling yourself uphill just to walk around in fog for twenty minutes.

This isn't a day-trip destination on its own, but paired with Bala's outdoor credentials and the nearby accommodation, it slots neatly into a proper walking holiday. Allow a couple of hours return, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.