Mynydd Bwlch-Y-Groes

The walk up Mynydd Bwlch-Y-Groes is proper straightforward, which is exactly why it works so well for a half-day outing from Brecon. You're looking at a modest peak in Carmarthenshire that rewards you with far better views than its height suggests - rolling moorland stretches out in every direction, and on a clear day you can pick out the Black Mountains in the distance.

What makes this spot worth the drive is the accessibility. Unlike some of the higher peaks nearby, you don't need technical gear or a full day to reach the top. The walk takes a couple of hours there and back depending on your pace, and it's the sort of place where families with older kids won't struggle, though younger ones might find the moorland path a bit relentless. History types will find the name intriguing - there's a cairn up there that's been added to by countless walkers over the years, a proper ritual.

The car park sits near the base, which saves the faff of hunting for roadside parking. No facilities up there, so bring water. Autumn walks are particularly good - the light hits the moorland differently, and you'll dodge the summer crowds heading to flashier peaks. If you're staying at Riverside Pods or Erwlon Caravan Park nearby, this makes an ideal morning jaunt before heading back for lunch. It's not dramatic, but it's honest walking with proper views.