Cwm-Whitton Hill

The climb up Cwm-Whitton Hill isn't what you'd call dramatic, but that's rather the point. This Mid Wales peak sits quietly above Presteigne, offering walkers a proper introduction to the Radnorshire hills without requiring specialist kit or a dawn start. The walk itself takes about an hour from the base, depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath on the steeper sections.

What makes it worthwhile is the view. On a clear day you're looking across to the Brecon Beacons and the wider Powys landscape - rolling country that just keeps going, fold after fold. The summit's a bit windswept and not exactly crowded, which means you'll likely have it largely to yourself. It's the sort of place walkers come to clear their heads rather than tick a box.

This works well as part of a broader Powys exploration. If you're staying at Rockbridge Park or one of the other local holiday bases - Hush Hush Glamping is worth considering if you fancy something more upmarket, or Black Hall Lodges if you want a solid mid-range option - Cwm-Whitton Hill makes a good half-day outing. Presteigne itself is a proper small market town with decent pubs and a few shops, so you can build an afternoon around it.

Family groups with confident young walkers will manage fine. The unforgiving bit is the climb itself rather than any technical scrambling. Go when the weather's decent - in heavy rain this becomes significantly less appealing, and visibility makes the whole trip rather pointless.