Fan Fawr

The walk up Fan Fawr from the Storey Arms car park near Neath takes you straight into proper mountain terrain. You're looking at a steady climb through open moorland - nothing technical, but it's relentless enough that you'll feel it in your legs, especially if the wind's up. The peak itself sits at 886 metres and rewards you with views that stretch across the Brecon Beacons in one direction and down into industrial South Wales in the other. It's not the highest summit round here, but there's something about Fan Fawr that draws walkers back.

This is one for people who actually want to walk, not just amble around a visitor centre for an hour. You'll need a good two to three hours minimum, depending on fitness and whether you're stopping for photos every five minutes. The terrain is rough grass and loose stone - proper hiking boots essential. Weather changes fast at this elevation, so go prepared even on a sunny day.

It works brilliantly as part of a longer Brecon Beacons circuit, or as a standalone half-day outing. The nearby glamping options at Toad & Snail and Four Falls are decent bases if you're planning several days of walking in the area. Both sit well-positioned for tackling the range of peaks without a long drive each morning. Fan Fawr itself is free to climb - it's just a case of parking and heading up. Go when you've got decent weather forecast; the views disappear completely in cloud.