Carn Caws

The walk up Carn Caws from Brecon is steeper than it looks from the car park, but the views across the Brecon Beacons justify every huffing breath. You're looking at proper moorland terrain here - gritstone and grass, with the kind of exposed ridge that reminds you why this area draws walkers year-round.

It's not a technical climb. Most people manage it in under two hours return, though the final push to the summit gets a bit rocky underfoot. The real appeal is how quiet it stays compared to Pen y Fan, which sits just across the way. You get similar vistas - valleys dropping away to the south, the Black Mountains to the east - without the crowds.

Walkers and hill enthusiasts will get the most from this one. Families with primary-school-age kids can do it, though toddlers might struggle with the gradient. Leave the pram at home. There's no admission fee and no facilities at the top, so bring water and something to eat.

Timing matters. Early starts keep you ahead of the day-trippers, and afternoon light hits the ridgeline beautifully. Avoid it during heavy rain - the descent gets slippery. If you're basing yourself at Cwmdu Campsite or Pencelli Castle nearby, this works perfectly as a half-day outing alongside exploring the broader Beacons. It's the sort of walk that feels like proper Wales rather than tourist Wales.