Cefn Tre-ysbyty

The walk up Cefn Tre-ysbyty from Welshpool is one of those climbs that pays for itself almost immediately. You're gaining proper height here - this isn't a gentle stroll - but the views across the Severn Valley start opening up before you're even halfway. On a clear day you can see right into Shropshire, and the surrounding peaks sit in proper relief against the sky.

It's a walker's spot, fundamentally. The terrain is steep enough to demand a bit of fitness, and the path winds through moorland rather than managed parkland. There's an old enclosure earthwork near the summit that adds a touch of history without overselling itself. You're looking at something under two hours up and back from the car, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath or stare at the view.

Families with younger children should know this isn't a casual ramble - teenagers and fit adults will find it more rewarding than toddlers will. The reward, though, is genuine: you get a sense of standing properly high on the landscape rather than visiting something contained and curated.

Pandy Camping sits just four miles away, making this a logical add-on to a Mid Wales camping trip. There's no admission charge, no facilities to speak of, and no specific opening hours - you just turn up. Spring through autumn works best. It's not flashy, but it's exactly what it should be: a proper little upland hike with proper views.