Foel Gwilym Hywel

Getting up Foel Gwilym Hywel from Port Talbot is a proper little climb - nothing extreme, but it rewards you with views across the South Wales valleys that make the huffing and puffing worthwhile. The peak itself sits at a decent height, and on a clear day you can see right across the industrial landscape that defines this part of Neath Port Talbot, which has its own stark beauty if you're into that sort of thing.

This isn't a manicured visitor attraction with a car park and a cafe. It's a walker's peak, pure and simple. You'll need decent boots, especially after rain - the ground gets boggy in patches. Allow a couple of hours return from the trailhead, depending on your fitness. The ascent is steady rather than brutal, which makes it accessible for reasonably fit families with older kids who don't mind a bit of effort.

Walkers absolutely get the most out of this. History buffs might appreciate the mining heritage scattered across the hillside - you're never far from evidence of South Wales' industrial past. The views themselves feel genuinely earned, not like a scenic overlook you've paid to stand at.

If you're camping at Willow Springs nearby, Foel Gwilym Hywel makes an excellent half-day excursion. Early morning is best - you'll dodge the afternoon mist that creeps in, and you'll have the ridge to yourself. It's straightforward without being boring, which is exactly what you want from a local walk.