Craig Bwlch y Gwynt

The walk up to Craig Bwlch y Gwynt rewards you with one of those views that makes you understand why people move to North Wales and never leave. It's a proper vantage point above Blaenau Ffestiniog, where on a clear day you can see right across the slate valleys and mountains that make this corner of Gwynedd so dramatic.

It's not a complicated climb - more of a steady push than a scramble - but it's steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the panorama. The rocky outcrop itself is modest, nothing showy, but that's rather the point. You're here for the landscape, not the destination. Walkers will slot this nicely into a longer route through the area; it's accessible enough for reasonably fit families, though younger children might struggle with the gradient.

Go early if you can, especially in summer when Blaenau Ffestiniog draws the crowds. Late afternoon light is magic here, turning the slate tips into something less industrial and more golden. Allow a couple of hours round trip from the car park if you're taking your time.

If you're camping nearby - and there are some excellent options within a few miles, from the high-spec glamping at Llechwedd to the five-star rated Llyn Gwynant Campsite - this makes a proper morning or evening walk without needing to drive far. Bryn Dinas Camping Pods is another solid choice if you want something in between. It's the kind of viewpoint that doesn't appear in every guidebook, which is exactly why it's worth the drive from wherever you're staying.