Craig Y Garn

The walk up Craig Y Garn isn't long, but it's proper steep. Starting from near Bala, you're looking at a decent pull of around 400 metres elevation gain across maybe two kilometres - nothing technical, just relentless. The reward is a summit that sits at 610 metres with views across the Bala Lake area and the wider Snowdonia landscape. On a clear day it's genuinely good; when cloud rolls in, you're a bit stuck on a rocky outcrop with nothing to see.

This is walkers' territory, really. Families with young children might struggle with the gradient, though fit kids aged ten upwards would manage it fine. History buffs won't find much up top beyond a cairn or two, but the walk itself follows terrain that's been used for centuries. The nearest proper base is Tyn Cornel Camping, less than a mile away, which makes this an ideal morning or afternoon excursion if you're staying in the area.

Go early if you can - the car park situation near Bala fills quickly on weekends, and the weather shifts rapidly in North Wales. Allow a solid two hours for the round trip if you're taking your time and stopping for views. There's nothing to buy up top, so pack water. Free to access, naturally - it's a mountain. Worth the walk if you're in Bala anyway, though I wouldn't drive out of my way for this one alone.