Neath Abbey Hill

The walk up Neath Abbey Hill rewards you with views across Swansea and out toward the Vale of Neath - it's the kind of vantage point that makes you understand why people settled here centuries ago. The peak itself is modest in height but the approach takes you through proper woodland, which is lovely in autumn when the light filters through copper-coloured leaves.

What you get is essentially a straightforward hill walk rather than a destination with facilities or activities at the summit. History enthusiasts will appreciate that you're literally looking down on the ruins of Neath Abbey below - the Cistercian monastery founded in 1130 - so it's worth reading up on that before you go. The walk takes about forty minutes up, depending on fitness, and the paths are generally well-maintained though muddy after rain.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit steep for what it is, honestly. Older children and regular walkers will get more from it. Go on a clear day - visibility matters here, otherwise you're just trudging through trees. If you're staying at Riverside Holiday Park or SWDA Riverside, both only 3.3 miles away, it makes a decent half-day outing to stretch the legs. Pair it with a visit to the actual abbey ruins down in the valley below for a fuller picture of the area's medieval heritage. Free to access, naturally - it's just a walk.