Middle Hill

The walk up Middle Hill rewards you with proper views across Cardigan Bay and the Ceredigion countryside - the kind of vista that makes the climb worthwhile. It's not a savage hike, more a straightforward ascent from the Aberystwyth side that takes the best part of an hour depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath.

You get sweeping moorland on the way up, rough grass and bracken that changes colour through the seasons. On clear days the outlook extends far enough to make you feel like you've actually gone somewhere, even though you're only a few miles from town. The summit itself isn't dramatic - no stone cairn or shelter box - but the openness of it is the appeal. Walkers and fell runners make the most of it; families with younger legs will find it manageable if they're used to hills.

There's no visitor infrastructure up there and I'd assume it's free - it's moorland access. Allow a couple of hours for a round trip if you're not dawdling. Go in the morning when visibility tends to be better, and avoid it after heavy rain when the ground gets boggy and unforgiving.

If you're based at one of the local caravan parks - Woodlands near Aberystwyth or Brynllwyd Glamping at similar distance - this works as a half-day outing before heading back for lunch. Combines well with a coastal walk afterwards if you fancy stretching the day out.