Carreg y Big

The walk up Carreg y Big rewards you with proper views across the Powys countryside - it's one of those peaks that doesn't announce itself loudly but absolutely delivers once you've made the effort. From Welshpool, it's an easy enough drive inland, and the ascent itself is manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness, though the last stretch gets a bit steep. Allow a couple of hours there and back depending on your pace.

On a clear day the panorama spreads right across Mid Wales, all rolling hills and distant ridgelines. It's not dramatic in the Lake District sense, but it has that quiet, understated beauty that makes you understand why people around here stick around. The peak itself is modest - you're not dealing with dramatic crags or exposed ridges - which means it works well for families with older kids or anyone who wants a good walk without too much faffing about with scrambles.

This is proper walking country rather than a tourist attraction with facilities, so bring water and maybe pack something to eat. The ground can be boggy after rain, so decent boots help. If you're basing yourself at Pandy Camping nearby, it's well worth combining this with a few other local walks - there's plenty of valley scenery around that area worth exploring. Go on a day with decent visibility; thick cloud up here means you lose the main reason for coming.