Fan y Big

The walk up Fan y Big is steeper than it looks from Brecon, and that's before you've properly started climbing. This 886-metre peak in the Brecon Beacons sits alongside its taller neighbour, Fan Brycheiniog, making it a natural pairing for a proper day out on the hills rather than a quick morning jaunt.

You get views that sweep across Mid Wales when conditions are right - though more often than not you're slogging upward through mist wondering if it's worth the effort. It is, generally. The standard route starts from Storey Arms car park on the A470, which keeps it accessible without too much faffing about with navigation. Expect two to three hours for the round trip depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

This is walkers' territory, not a stroll for toddlers or anyone hoping for an easy afternoon. Families with older kids who've done a few hills already will find it manageable. The terrain is rough underfoot - moorland grass, loose stone, patches of bog if you're unlucky. Summer is obviously better than winter, though even then the wind can be bracing up there.

If you're camping at Cefn Cantref or Pencelli Castle, both within easy reach, Fan y Big makes a satisfying day out when the weather cooperates. Just don't expect crowds or facilities - bring your own water and pack, leave early, and you'll have a proper Beacons experience.