Mynydd Rugog

The walk up Mynydd Rugog from Machynlleth takes about two hours if you're not rushing, and the views across the Dyfi Valley are genuinely worth the slog. You're looking at proper moorland terrain - bracken, heather, the occasional boggy patch - rather than a manicured hiking route, which some people love and others find a bit frustrating.

It's not a mountain in the dramatic sense. At just over 600 metres, it won't leave you gasping or needing technical kit. But the wildness of it does feel authentic. On a clear day, you can see towards Snowdonia, and the relative quiet makes it a solid choice if you want to escape the busier Penine peaks further south.

Walkers will get the most from this one - it's the kind of walk that rewards a decent pair of boots and reasonable weather. Families with older children will manage fine; younger kids might find the moorland a bit featureless and lose interest after the first 45 minutes. The nearest towns (Machynlleth itself) aren't far, which is handy for supplies.

If you're camping nearby - Graig Wen has excellent reviews and sits just 5.8 miles away - this makes a natural half-day outing. Gwerniago Campsite (5.6 miles) is another solid base. Weather in the Dyfi Valley can turn quickly, so go early and take waterproofs even if the forecast looks optimistic. Free to walk, naturally, and no time restrictions apply.