Mynydd Tyle-Coch

The walk up Mynydd Tyle-Coch rewards you with proper views across the Neath valley - nothing too taxing, maybe 45 minutes or so to the summit depending on your pace. It's a straightforward hill walk, the kind locals do on a Sunday afternoon, and there's something honest about that.

You get moorland underfoot, gorse bushes in season, and when you reach the top there's genuine breathing room. On a clear day you can trace the valley right down towards Port Talbot and beyond. It's not dramatic - no rocky outcrop, no grand vista - but it's uncrowded, which counts for plenty if you're sick of queuing at proper tourist spots.

Walkers will find this worth the trip. It's gentle enough for families with decent legs, though younger kids might need motivation on the way back down. Bring decent boots though; it gets boggy in places, and the moorland can be deceptive about where the mud hides.

Free to access, obviously - you just park nearby and head up. Allow a couple of hours if you want to sit around and enjoy the summit, take photos, that sort of thing. It pairs well with Willow Springs Campsite just four miles off, which gives you a proper base for exploring the wider Neath area. Go early if the weather's turning - clouds roll in fast here, and views go first.