Moel Bwlch-Sych

You'll spot it from miles away - a proper wedge of a mountain rising out of the Powys landscape near Llanfyllin. Moel Bwlch-Sych isn't the flashiest peak in Mid Wales, but it's got character and the walk up is genuinely rewarding without being a slog.

The ascent takes around an hour depending on your pace, and the paths are well-trodden enough that you won't spend the entire time wondering if you've gone wrong. What makes it worth the effort is the view across the Vyrnwy valley - proper expansive stuff, the kind that makes you understand why people bother with hills in the first place. On a clear day you can see for miles. The summit itself is a bit rocky and exposed, so it's not the place to linger if the wind's up, but that's part of the charm.

This is one for walkers who want a decent bit of exercise without committing to a full day expedition. Families with reasonably fit kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the climb tedious. The terrain can be boggy in places, so proper boots are essential rather than optional.

It works well as part of a broader walking holiday in the area. If you're based at Cae Nant Glamping five miles away, you could easily fit this in as a half-day outing and still have time to explore Llanfyllin itself or tackle some of the other walks nearby. No facilities on the mountain itself, so bring water.