Bryn Tonfanau

The walk up Bryn Tonfanau from Tywyn is steep enough to make you question your life choices halfway up, but the payoff is genuine. You're looking at a modest peak in Gwynedd that doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't - roughly 500 metres of climbing that takes the better part of an hour depending on fitness. The views across Cardigan Bay and back towards the Snowdonia range are proper reward for the effort. On a clear day you can see for miles.

It's the kind of walk that appeals to anyone with decent legs and an hour to spare. Families with older children will manage fine, though younger ones might struggle with the gradient. It's not a technical climb - more relentless slog than scramble - but wear decent boots because it gets boggy near the summit when wet.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Cae Du or Gwynedd Holiday Home Park are both close enough - this makes a proper afternoon outing without needing to venture far. You could do it before a late lunch back in Tywyn. The whole trip, including a breather at the top, works as a half-day activity.

There's nothing particularly mystical about Bryn Tonfanau. No café at the summit, no facilities. What you get is a solid hill walk with decent views and the satisfaction of having earned your tea and cake afterwards. Free to climb, naturally.