Gelli Graian

The walk up Gelli Graian from Machynlleth isn't long, but it's steep enough to earn proper respect. You're looking at maybe an hour to the summit if you're reasonably fit, starting from the town and climbing through woodland that gets progressively thinner as you gain height. Once you break through the trees, the views open up across the Dyfi Valley and toward Snowdonia - on a clear day, you can see for miles.

It's the sort of peak that rewards you without demanding serious mountaineering. The terrain is straightforward walking, though the final push is bracing. Walkers will get the most from this - it's not a casual stroll, but neither is it a full day's commitment. Families with older kids keen to feel like proper mountaineers will find it satisfying. Younger children might struggle with the gradient.

Free to walk, naturally. Allow two to three hours if you're meandering and want to linger at the top. Go in decent weather - low cloud renders the views pointless, and the descent can be unpleasant in rain.

It pairs well with time at Gwerniago Campsite, just a few miles away, or Gwynedd Holiday Home Park if you're after more comfort. Both give you a base for exploring the Machynlleth area properly. Gelli Graian works as a morning outing before settling in for a lazy afternoon, or as an evening climb if the light holds.