Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons)

The Brecon Beacons fill half the sky when you first drive into Powys. These mountains aren't dramatic granite peaks - they're rolling, grass-covered ridges that invite you up rather than intimidate. Pen y Fan, the highest point at 886 metres, dominates the range and takes around two hours to reach from the car park near Storey Arms. The walk itself is straightforward, exposed in places but nothing technical, and the views from the top stretch across Mid Wales and into England on a clear day.

Seriously fit walkers can do the full horseshoe circuit, tackling multiple peaks over four hours. Less ambitious types do the short hop to Corn Du and call it a day. Either way, the landscape is moorland and mountain grass with sparse trees - no cosy forest walks here, which means you're exposed to weather. Bring waterproofs even when it looks fine.

Families will find it manageable if kids are reasonably hardy. Under tens might struggle with Pen y Fan's sustained climb, but the area around Brecon and the lower valleys has plenty of gentler trails. The Monmouth and Brecon Canal, just outside town, offers proper flat walking with pubs at regular intervals.

Camping near the park is the obvious move. Cefn Cantref Campsite sits just 4.7 miles away with excellent ratings, or Pencelli Castle slightly further out. Both give you proper access to the hills without the faff of driving from town each morning. Park admission is free - it's open access moorland. Allow at least half a day for any summit attempt.