Foel Fach

Foel Fach sits just outside Machynlleth as a proper little peak - nothing dramatic, but the sort of walk that rewards effort with genuinely good views across mid-Wales. It's a straightforward climb, nothing technical, and the summit gives you sight lines toward Cadair Idris on a clear day. The whole thing takes about an hour and a half from the car, so it's ideal if you're based at one of the nearby campsites and want a morning sortie without committing to a full day trek.

This is walkers' territory, really. Families with young kids might find it a bit samey on the way up - bracken and moorland doesn't hold attention for toddlers - but teenagers will manage it fine and older children often enjoy having their own peak to bag. Historians won't find much here in terms of ruins or significance, so that's not the draw. What you get is solitude and decent views without the crowds you'd hit at Snowdon or Cadair.

Go early if you can, especially weekends. The paths are well-trodden but can be boggy after rain. Allow proper boots and maybe two hours if you're taking photographs. Graig Wen Camping & Cottages, rated 5.0, sits closest at just over six miles away - a solid base for this walk. Gwerniago Campsite is slightly nearer at 4.3 miles and also good quality. Weather changes fast up here, so bring a waterproof even if the forecast looks promising. Worth the drive from Machynlleth? Absolutely, if you like walking.