Garn

The walk up Garn is straightforward enough, rising 1,400 feet from the village below with decent views across the Elan Valley once you crest the ridge. On a clear day you can see towards the Brecon Beacons, which makes the effort worthwhile. The summit itself is fairly modest - nothing dramatic, just open moorland with a trig point and the sort of solitude you'd expect from Mid Wales.

It's the kind of hill that appeals to walkers who want a proper outing without needing to climb Ben Nevis. Allow a couple of hours from Rhayader, maybe longer if you're not used to the climb. Families with teenagers will manage it fine, though younger kids might find the final push tedious. The terrain is grass and stone - muddy if it's been wet, which in Powys is depressingly often.

What makes it worth doing is combining it with the Elan Valley itself. Stay at Wyeside Caravan & Camping Park nearby and you've got both the hill walk and proper lakeside scenery on your doorstep. The valley is genuinely lovely, and Garn gives you the high ground perspective on it all.

No fees, no facilities, no crowds. Go early if possible - afternoon mist rolls in fast around here. It's honest, straightforward walking country without any pretence.