Bryn-y-Fedwen

There's a reason locals keep coming back to Bryn-y-Fedwen - it's one of those hills that punches well above its weight. The walk up from Llanbrynmair is straightforward enough, though the final stretch kicks up a bit and you'll feel it in your legs. What you get at the top, though, is worth every huffed breath: proper expansive views across Mid Wales, with the Cambrian Mountains rolling away in all directions. On a clear day you can pick out shape and form for miles.

This is walker territory, pure and simple. It's the sort of peak that appeals to people who want genuine solitude rather than honeypot crowds - you won't find the herds here that you get on better-known summits. The terrain is manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness, though it's exposed when the weather turns, so come prepared. Allow two to three hours for a leisurely round trip if you're starting from near the village.

If you're based at Cringoed Caravan Park, just under five miles away, this makes a cracking mid-week excursion to stretch your legs without committing to a full day's expedition. Go early if you want the best light and fewer people on the path - late afternoon in summer can still be gloriously quiet up there. The views alone make the modest climb worthwhile, and it's free, which counts for something.