Foel Eirin

Getting up to Foel Eirin from Machynlleth is a proper walk, mind you - no cable car or lazy driver's route here. The summit sits at 611 metres and rewards you with views that stretch across Mid Wales in a way that makes the huffing and puffing entirely worth it.

It's not a technical climb, but it's relentless enough to separate the committed walkers from the casual strollers. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how much you linger at the top. The terrain is moorland - bog in places, so waterproof boots are non-negotiable even when it looks dry below.

Walkers will get the most from this one. The vistas reward the effort, and on a clear day you're looking at a proper sense of accomplishment. It's the kind of walk that feels genuinely wild - you won't find ice cream vans or safety railings. Families with older kids who enjoy a genuine challenge can manage it, but younger ones will find it tedious.

Accessible from near Machynlleth, it ties in well with a base at somewhere like Gwerniago Campsite - close enough for a half-day excursion without a long drive. The route is free, naturally. The real cost is the effort, but that's precisely what makes it worthwhile. Go early if possible, grab a packed lunch, and don't expect crowds. This is proper Welsh walking.