Banc-Hir

Banc-Hir is one of those peaks that rewards you for actually bothering to get yourself up there. It sits above Aberystwyth in Ceredigion, offering proper views across Cardigan Bay and inland toward the Cambrian Mountains. On a clear day - and you'll need one - you can see for miles. The walk itself isn't brutal, but it's steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the vista.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll, and the summit doesn't have facilities or crowds, which is entirely the point. You're looking at maybe two hours there and back depending on fitness and which route you take from town. Bring decent boots and waterproofs - Welsh weather changes faster than the tide.

What makes Banc-Hir worth the effort is its isolation. You won't fight tourist hordes here like you might at other peaks in the region. The views back toward Aberystwyth and out to sea are genuinely striking, particularly in late afternoon when the light softens across the bay.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Woodlands is excellent, as is Brynllwyd Glamping just outside town - Banc-Hir works as a half-day expedition. You can knock it out before lunch or make it a late-morning walk and be back for tea. The proximity to Aberystwyth means you're never far from supplies or a decent pub afterward.