Pyllau Clais

The walk up to Pyllau Clais rewards you with proper views across the Elan Valley - all moorland and reservoir stretching out below. It's not a technical climb, more of a steady trudge uphill from the Rhayader area, but the payoff is genuine. Once you're at the summit, you get that rare thing in Mid Wales: a proper sense of achievement without needing ropes or specialist kit.

This is walker territory, full stop. Families with young kids might find the ascent tedious - it's a good hour up and the same back down - but teenagers who can handle a bit of leg work will appreciate the quiet and the views. History buffs won't find much up here besides the landscape itself, which is fine; the real history sits in the valleys below with the Elan Valley dams and reservoirs.

You'll want to allow three hours minimum for the round trip, longer if you're stopping for photos or a rest. The moorland can turn nasty quickly in bad weather, so go when conditions are decent. It's free to walk, naturally - just park sensibly near Rhayader and head out.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Elan Oaks or Glangwy Farm are closest - this works perfectly as a morning excursion before settling into a lazy afternoon. The Elan Valley itself has plenty more walks and the reservoirs are worth exploring separately. Pyllau Clais isn't on every visitor's radar, which is exactly why you should go.