Fan Llia

Fan Llia is a proper hill walk, not a casual stroll. You're looking at one of the sharper peaks in the Brecon Beacons, rising to 2,011 metres, and it rewards the effort with views that stretch across Mid Wales when the weather behaves itself.

The approach from Neath side is steep and moorland-heavy. Bog in places - bring decent boots. Most walkers allow three to four hours return, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the summit. It's not technical climbing, just sustained uphill graft followed by an equally testing descent. The ridge walk itself is compelling though, with the landscape rolling away on both sides.

This one's for walkers with proper leg strength and hill experience, not families after a gentle afternoon out. Kids under twelve would likely find it gruelling. On the flip side, if you're staying at one of the glamping spots nearby - Toad & Snail or Aber Glamping are both within five miles - you've got an accessible base for tackling it early morning, which beats arriving mid-afternoon when the mist rolls in.

Go in summer or early autumn. Spring and winter bring serious weather exposure on the open ridge. Conditions change fast up here, so check the forecast and bring waterproofs regardless. It's free to walk, obviously, though parking near the trailhead might require a small fee depending on which route you take.

Worth it? If you're already in the Beacons for a proper walking holiday, absolutely. As a one-off detour from Neath, probably not - you need the time to do it right.