Pen Tir

The walk up Pen Tir from Crickhowell is steep, properly steep, and takes about an hour to the summit if you're steady-paced. You'll climb through woodland first, which is lovely in autumn, then break out onto open moorland where the views suddenly open up across the Black Mountains and beyond. On a clear day you can see right into Brecon Beacons territory. The peak itself is modest - a cairn and some gorse - but the perspective you get from up there makes the leg-work worthwhile.

Histoy types will appreciate that you're standing on the Monmouth and Brecon Canal towpath area, and the ridge itself was walked for centuries as a boundary marker. But honestly, it's walkers who'll get the most from this one. Families with older kids can manage it, though younger ones might flag on the ascent. Allow three hours return if you're not rushing.

Crickhowell sits right at the foot of the mountain, so it's a natural half-day excursion if you're based in the area. Cwmdu Campsite is remarkably close at 1.4 miles - perfect if you want to tackle the walk early without a long drive. Pencelli Castle, five miles away, gives you more facilities and still puts you within striking distance of other Brecon Beacons walks. Neither site is fancy, but both are well-positioned for proper hiking country. Go when it's dry; mud here is relentless.