Rhobell Fawr

An ancient volcano that’s surprisingly quiet these days, Rhobell Fawr offers some of the best views in the Arenig range without the Snowdon-style queues. It’s the perfect spot if you enjoy rugged isolation and questioning your life choices while navigating knee-deep Welsh heather.

• •This peak is actually the eroded remains of a major Ordovician volcano, though you’re far more likely to find disgruntled sheep than flowing lava these days.
• •Despite its modest stature, the isolated position provides a staggering 360-degree panorama of North Wales, including a particularly brooding profile of Cadair Idris's north face.
• •Geologists find the site fascinating because it represents a rare example of subaerial volcanic activity, which is basically a fancy way of saying it erupted into the air rather than underwater.
• •The mountain sits in the Arenig range, which is often ignored by hikers heading for the higher peaks of Snowdonia, making it a sanctuary for those who prefer silence over selfie-sticks.
• •The 'distinct path' mentioned in guidebooks is a notorious shapeshifter that has a magical ability to turn into a pathless bog the moment you stop paying attention to your map.