Bryn Bach

The walk up Bryn Bach starts gently enough from the outskirts of Aberystwyth, but don't let that fool you - the final push to the summit is properly steep. At 308 metres, it's not going to exhaust experienced walkers, but it's enough to raise the heart rate and reward you with views that stretch across Cardigan Bay on a clear day.

What you get at the top is honestly the main event here. The panorama sweeps from the Preseli Hills inland to the coast and, if visibility is decent, you can pick out the sweep of the bay that makes West Wales' coastline so compelling. The walk itself takes around an hour there and back from the town, depending on fitness and which route you take.

This is genuinely good for families with school-age kids who've got some hill-walking under their belts - nothing technical, just consistent gradient. Older walkers and anyone with a camera will find it worthwhile. The approach is straightforward enough that you won't spend hours navigating.

There's no café at the summit, so bring water and snacks. Free to access, naturally. The best time is late afternoon in summer when the light hits the bay properly, though morning tends to be clearer weather-wise. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around Aberystwyth - Woodlands or Brynllwyd are within a couple of miles - this makes an easy half-day outing alongside beach time or exploring the town itself.