Cyrn y Brain

The walk up Cyrn y Brain rewards you properly - it's a proper climb from the Ruthin side, but the views across the Clwydian Range make it worth every step. Most people tackle it as part of a broader ridge walk, but you can also do it as a standalone jaunt if you're short on time.

The summit sits at 1,584 feet and offers the kind of vista that makes you forget about the bog underfoot. On a clear day you're looking out over Denbighshire and well beyond. It's not a technical scramble - decent hill-walking boots and a reasonable level of fitness will get you there in under two hours from the car park. Allow three to four hours if you want to linger at the top and soak it in.

This works brilliantly as part of a longer Clwydian Way route if you're keen, but day visitors often pop up for the summit alone. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might struggle with the sustained gradient. The terrain can be muddy even days after rain, so come prepared.

If you're staying at Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite just down the road, this is an obvious morning or afternoon outing. It's free to access, and the best light tends to be late morning or late afternoon depending on the season. Spring and autumn are cracking times - the winter weather can make it bleak and wet.