Pen y Gurnos

The walk up Pen y Gurnos rewards you with views across the Brecon Beacons that'll make the effort feel worthwhile - assuming you catch it on a clear day. At 2,031 metres, it's not the highest peak in the range, but the approach from Llanwrtyd Wells is straightforward enough without being a doddle.

This is proper hiking territory, not a stroll. You're looking at a solid couple of hours up and back, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath. The walk itself follows moorland paths that can be boggy after rain - waterproof boots aren't optional. In decent weather, the summit gives you those big Welsh mountain views: rolling peaks stretching toward Pen y Fan and the bulk of Brecon itself visible on a clear day.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not the sort of place to drag reluctant teenagers to, and the terrain doesn't lend itself to casual wandering. Families with older kids who actually like hiking? Fine. Parents with young children? Think twice.

You're free to walk it whenever you like - no gates, no admission charges. The real gamble is the weather. Come too early in the year and you'll struggle; mid-summer gives you the best shot at clear conditions. Llanwrtyd Wells, the nearest town, is only a few miles away, making this a sensible add-on if you're based at Welsh Glamping or exploring the wider Brecon Beacons.