Craig Y Pistyll

The walk up Craig Y Pistyll hits you with proper views the moment you leave the car park near Aberystwyth. It's not a massive peak - nothing like the Lake District - but the climb packs a punch for what it is. On a clear day you're looking out over Cardigan Bay and inland towards the Cambrian Mountains, which alone makes the leg work worthwhile.

Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're taking it steady. The terrain's rough in places - good boots essential - and it can get properly boggy after rain. Families with younger kids might find it a slog, though teenagers who like a bit of scrambling will get on fine with it. The views from the top are genuinely good, not the sort of thing you'll forget by teatime.

It's free, obviously - you're just parking somewhere sensible and heading out. Early morning or late afternoon light makes it look cracking, so time it right if you can. Winter visits mean fewer crowds but the weather turns faster, so watch your window.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots - Forester's Retreat or Brynllwyd - you've got a proper hill walk on your doorstep without driving an hour. Combines well with Aberystwyth itself if you want a mixed holiday, though this walk works best for people who actually want to walk rather than just snap a photo.