Mynydd Braich-goch

The walk up Mynydd Braich-goch from Machynlleth is a proper little work-out, but it doesn't feel like a slog. You're climbing roughly 500 metres, which means legs will know about it, but the paths are well-maintained and the moorland opens up as you gain height. The summit itself is nothing flashy - no stone cairn or trig point to photograph - but the view across the Dyfi Valley towards Snowdonia is genuinely excellent on a clear day. On a grey one, frankly, you're looking at cloud. The peak gets surprisingly few visitors compared to the honeypots further north, which means you'll often have the place to yourself.

This is a walk for people who actually enjoy walking rather than those after an Instagram moment. Families with older kids will manage it fine - expect two hours up, ninety minutes back if you're not hanging about. Younger children will find it tedious. Take water. The moorland can be boggy in wet weather, so decent boots aren't optional.

Machynlleth itself is worth an hour or two beforehand - there's a decent café culture and the Centre for Alternative Technology is on the doorstep if you need a rainy-day backup plan. Gwerniago Campsite is close by and makes a sensible base if you're doing a few walks in the area. Free to access, naturally. Go midweek if you can - weekend foot traffic is still light, but weekdays are properly peaceful.