Allt y Fran

The walk up Allt y Fran rewards you with sweeping views across the Black Mountains and the Wye Valley - the sort of panorama that makes the climb entirely worthwhile. It's a proper hill rather than a fell, so don't expect hours of scrambling; most people bag it in under two hours from the car park, which leaves you with time to actually sit at the top and take it in.

You'll find yourself on moorland with grass underfoot and genuine isolation despite being close to Hereford. The views reach all the way to the Brecon Beacons on a clear day. Walkers absolutely get their money's worth here - it's the kind of ridge walk that feels more epic than the distance suggests, with genuine exposure in places that keeps things interesting without being technical.

Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the descent tedious. There's no café at the summit, so bring water and a packed lunch if you're planning to linger. The nearest towns are Hereford to the east and Hay-on-Wye to the north, both worth a visit in their own right.

If you're basing yourself at one of the caravan parks nearby - Hay-on-Wye Caravan Park or By the Wye Glamping are closest - this makes an excellent morning walk before heading into Hay for lunch. The access is straightforward, parking is free, and there's something refreshingly uncrowded about it compared to the busier Brecon peaks just south. Go on a weekday if you can.