Pen y Garn

The walk up Pen y Garn takes about ninety minutes from Aberystwyth and rewards you with proper views across Cardigan Bay. It's not a dramatic peak - more a steady climb through moorland and rough pasture - but on a clear day you can see all the way to the Snowdonia range. The summit itself is windswept and exposed, so bring a jacket even when it looks fine in town.

This is a walker's peak rather than a tourist attraction. You won't find a cafe or viewing platform at the top, just a trig point and the satisfaction of having climbed something with genuine effort. The path is well-trodden but can be boggy in places, especially after rain, so proper boots matter. Most people allow three to four hours for the round trip, though fit hikers will do it quicker.

If you're camping at one of the sites near Aberystwyth - Tyn Ffordd Fach or Woodlands Caravan Park are closest at around three miles - this works brilliantly as a half-day outing. The climb isn't technical enough for experienced fell walkers looking for a challenge, but it's exactly right for someone wanting fresh air and a genuine accomplishment without needing specialist gear. Families with confident walkers will manage it fine, though younger children might find the exposed ridge at the end a bit much.

Go early on a weekend if possible. The paths can get busy with locals and visiting hikers, but you'll avoid the worst of any crowds. Winter here is brutal - wind, low cloud and quick darkness make it genuinely unpleasant.