Cribyn

The walk up Cribyn from the Storey Arms car park takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the payoff is immediate - you get proper views across the Brecon Beacons without needing to trudge for half a day. The peak itself sits at 589 metres and feels more dramatic than its height suggests, with steep sides that give it genuine presence on the skyline.

What makes it worthwhile is the variety. You get moorland walking, some scrambling near the top if you want it, and on a clear day the panorama stretches right across to the Black Mountains. On a grey day it's atmospheric in that way Welsh hills do well - all drama and mist. Most people knock it out in a couple of hours there and back, which is ideal if you've got kids who need a proper outing but won't tolerate an all-day affair.

Brecon sits just a few miles north and has everything you need - proper cafes, a decent grocery shop, petrol. The nearby campsites are solid choices: Cefn Cantref is closest at 3.4 miles and has good reviews, while Pencelli Castle feels a bit more established if you want that reassurance. If you're doing a week in the area, Cribyn pairs well with other Beacons peaks - it's manageable enough to do alongside other walks.

Wear proper boots. The ground gets boggy and loose rock near the top won't forgive you in trainers. Go early if possible; the car park fills up by mid-morning on weekends.