Pen-Lan

The walk up Pen-Lan from Carmarthen doesn't announce itself as anything special - just another Carmarthenshire hill that happens to sit 312 metres above sea level. But that's precisely why it works. You get proper views across the Towy Valley without the crowds, and on a clear day you can see right across to the Brecon Beacons. The climb itself is straightforward, not steep enough to cause grief, and takes about 45 minutes from the nearest parking. The summit is open moorland with a trig point - the sort of thing that makes sense to walkers and geography enthusiasts, less so if you're after a dramatic viewpoint or a fortress to explore.

For families based at one of the caravan parks within five miles - Church House Farm Getaways is closest, though Ferryside Farm and Steffan Valley offer decent alternatives - this is a manageable afternoon expedition. Kids who like hiking will get something out of it; those after ice cream and a play park won't. It's free, naturally, and you can do the whole thing in two hours if you're moving at a decent pace.

The real appeal is that it slots perfectly into a quieter Carmarthenshire holiday. You're not fighting for space on some famous ridge, and the views are genuine rather than staged. It's the kind of walk locals do rather than tourists, which says enough.