Bryn Hywel

Standing at 394 metres above the valleys between Porthmadog and Caernarfon, this modest Welsh peak punches well above its weight for views. The summit rewards a steady climb through bracken and heather with proper panoramas across Cardigan Bay to the Llyn Peninsula. On clear days, you can spot Snowdon's jagged profile to the northeast and the Moelwyns rising beyond.

The ascent from Garndolbenmaen takes about 90 minutes up a well-trodden path that's steep enough to get the heart pumping without being a proper scramble. Families with older children will manage fine, though toddlers might struggle with the gradient. The route can get boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential.

What makes Bryn Hywel special is its position - you're looking down on the coastal plain where the mountains meet the sea, rather than peering across endless peaks. It's a different perspective on Snowdonia that feels more intimate than the big summits. The walk back down takes about an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore Porthmadog or grab tea in one of the villages below.

For families staying at Haven Greenacres or the other coastal parks around Porthmadog, this makes a cracking half-day adventure when the beach weather turns. Just don't expect solitude at weekends - word's got out about this one.