Pen Disgwylfa

The walk up Pen Disgwylfa is a proper leg-burner, but the payoff from the summit justifies every wheeze on the way up. At 1,493 feet, this peak commands views across the industrial heritage of Port Talbot below and out towards the Swansea Valley - a landscape that tells the story of South Wales in one panoramic sweep.

It's a straightforward hill rather than a technical climb, which means families with older kids and regular walkers will have the most fun here. The route isn't signposted like some of the bigger peaks, so you'll need a map and a reasonable sense of navigation. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip from the nearest parking areas, depending on your fitness level and how long you linger at the top.

There's something oddly compelling about seeing Port Talbot's industrial landscape from above - the steelworks, the harbour, the grid of streets - rather than just driving through it. On a clear day the views stretch far enough to make the slog worthwhile. On a damp Welsh afternoon, visibility drops and it's more about the walk itself and testing yourself against the gradient.

If you're staying at Willow Springs Campsite just down the road, this is exactly the sort of local walk that makes campsite holidays worth doing - no petrol spent, no queuing at a car park. Fitness-wise, it's moderate rather than easy, so it's not the one for toddlers or anyone wanting a gentle stroll. But for walkers who actually enjoy climbing, it's a solid few hours.