Bod Petryal

The stone tower standing on the hillside above Ruthin commands proper attention. Bod Petryal is one of those local landmarks that locals know but tourists often miss - a simple but sturdy structure that's been watching over Denbighshire for centuries. The walk up takes you through quiet farmland with proper views across the Vale of Clwyd, and on a clear day you can see for miles.

It's not a major visitor attraction with facilities or entrance fees - just the tower itself, which you can approach and walk around. The real appeal is the excuse it gives you to get out into the hills around Ruthin. History enthusiasts will appreciate that it's rooted in the area's medieval past, though it rewards you more with landscape than with explanation boards.

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for the walk and a look around, longer if you're the type to sit about with a flask and a sandwich. The path is manageable but can be muddy, so proper boots are sensible. Spring or autumn are lovely times - summer can feel exposed in the wind, winter's often damp.

If you're staying at somewhere like Clwydian Glamping Pods just down the road, this makes an excellent half-day excursion without needing to drive anywhere. It works well paired with exploring Ruthin itself - the town has character, and the tower gives you a reason to venture into the countryside beyond it. Not a must-do, but a proper antidote to more manicured attractions.