Mynydd Du

The walk up Mynydd Du isn't what you'd call a doddle, but it's worth every leggy bit of it. This 645-metre peak sits roughly five miles south of Welshpool and gives you proper views across Powys when the weather plays ball - on a clear day you can see right across to the Brecon Beacons. The climb takes about two hours from the car park, depending on your fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

It's a serious walk rather than a casual stroll, so decent boots matter. The path gets a bit boggy in places, especially after rain, and there's nothing fancy at the top - just a trig point and the satisfaction of having climbed something that actually feels like work. The views, though. They make the muddy boots worth it.

Families with older kids who genuinely enjoy walking will get a lot out of this. Young children might find it tedious unless they're very keen hikers. Peak baggers and fell runners absolutely love it - it's a proper challenge without being dangerous. Allow three hours total including the descent, which is tougher on the knees than the way up.

If you're staying at Valley View Holiday Park or Cae Nant Glamping - both excellent bases - Mynydd Du makes a cracking day out. It's a real mountain walk, not a park circuit. Go early to avoid the afternoon crowds and catch the light on those long views.