Mynydd Esgair Weddan

The walk up Mynydd Esgair Weddan from Machynlleth isn't a killer climb, but it rewards you with proper views across mid-Wales that make the effort worthwhile. You're looking at moorland rather than dramatic peaks - rolling terrain dotted with gorse and heather, the sort of landscape that feels timeless and genuinely remote even though you're not far from civilisation.

It's a solid afternoon walk from town. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how long you loiter at the top. The path is rough in places but straightforward enough. On a clear day the visibility is excellent; on a typical Welsh day you might be wrapped in cloud by the summit, which has its own romance if you're after that moody moorland feeling.

This works well for experienced walkers and reasonably fit families with decent boots. Young children might struggle with the boggy patches and loose stones. The peak itself is fairly bare - no café, no tarmac, no crowds - so bring water and something to eat if you plan to stay up there.

If you're basing yourself at Gwerniago Campsite just down the road, this is exactly the sort of walk that justifies picking Mid Wales for your holiday. It's proper walking country without needing to chase tourist hotspots. The real pleasure here is the solitude and the space - Machynlleth's close enough for supplies and coffee, but Esgair Weddan feels a world away.