Snowdonia National Park

Three-quarters of a million acres of proper mountain scenery sprawls across Gwynedd, and Snowdonia National Park is the sort of place where a morning hike turns into an all-day adventure before you've realised it. Snowdon itself dominates the landscape - at 3,560 metres, it's the highest peak in Wales - but most visitors who aren't serious climbers miss the point entirely by fixating on bagging the summit. The real magic happens in the quieter valleys and ridges where you'll see virtually nobody.

Walkers absolutely thrive here. There are routes for everyone, from modest riverside strolls along the Mawddach to properly challenging scrambles up Tryfan or Cader Idris. Mountain bikers, climbers, and kayakers treat it like a playground. Families with younger kids tend to stick to the lower-level paths and the accessible bits around Betws-y-Coed, which is fair enough - it's lovely terrain even if you're not summiting anything.

Dolgellau sits at the southern edge and makes a sensible base if you're exploring this way. If you're staying at Coed y Brenin Forest Camp just down the road - a crackling spot with proper woodland pitching - you're ideally placed for morning walks without the drive. The park itself is free to access, naturally. Allow a full day minimum if you're serious about hiking. The weather changes fast up there, so check forecasts and go prepared. Spring through autumn works best, though winter brings its own drama if you know what you're doing.