Mynydd Rhyd-galed East Top

The walk up Mynydd Rhyd-galed East Top isn't marked on many maps, which means you'll rarely queue at the summit. That's the charm of it - a proper hill walk in mid-Wales without the crowds you'd find on Cadair Idris or Pen y Ghent.

It's a straightforward ridge hike from the Machynlleth side, taking somewhere between two to three hours depending on fitness and how often you stop to admire the Cambrian Mountains sprawling out below you. The views across Powys are genuinely impressive on a clear day - you can see for miles across moorland and forest. On foggy days it's all a bit grim and atmospheric, which has its own appeal if you're after proper Welsh hill weather.

This suits walkers rather than families with small kids. The terrain is boggy in places and the paths aren't always obvious, so you need decent boots and a map. It's free to walk and there are no facilities at the top - bring water and a snack. Allow an extra half hour if you're navigating from scratch rather than following someone else's route.

If you're staying at Gwerniago Campsite nearby, this makes a solid day out without having to drive far. It's the sort of walk that gives you proper Wales - no gift shops, no visitor centre, just moorland and weather and views. Worth the effort if you like your hills wild and unmanicured.