Llannerch y Cawr

The name means 'half-giant' in Welsh, and standing at Llannerch y Cawr you'll understand why locals chose it. This Bronze Age stone circle sits on moorland above Rhayader, commanding views across the Elan Valley that stretch for miles. The stones themselves aren't towering - they're modest, weathered things - but the isolation is what gets you. You're genuinely in the middle of nowhere.

It's a proper hike to reach it, mind. A good 45 minutes from the nearest car park, following moorland paths that can be boggy depending on recent rainfall. Bring proper boots. The walk itself is the whole experience - you're climbing gradually higher, watching the valley open out below, before the circle appears almost suddenly against the horizon. There's rarely anyone else there, which is either brilliant or slightly eerie depending on your mood.

History enthusiasts will want to make the effort. Walkers absolutely should - the approach and the views matter as much as the stones themselves. If you've got young kids hoping for dramatic monuments, they might find it underwhelming, but teenagers exploring Powys will get it. It's genuinely atmospheric.

Free, obviously, being a stone circle on open moorland. Allow a full morning if you're serious about the walk. The Elan Valley has several caravan parks nearby - Elan Oaks and Welsh Glamping are both within five miles - making it an excellent stop between larger attractions. Combine it with Elan Valley Railway or the dam for a proper day out in Mid Wales.