Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog

The walk up Rhiw yr Ysgyfarnog isn't long, but it's got real teeth to it. You're climbing hard from the Brecon Beacons foothills, and the payoff is a proper summit with views that stretch across Powys on a clear day. The name means "Hare's Hill" in Welsh, which feels about right - steep enough that you'll be working for every metre.

It's not the tallest peak around here, but that's partly what makes it worth doing. You get the sense of achievement without needing mountaineering experience. The landscape feels raw and genuine - rolling moorland rather than dramatic cliff faces. Allow a couple of hours for a straightforward round trip, maybe longer if you're taking it slow or want to explore the surrounding ridges.

This is walker's territory. Families with older kids who are used to proper hills will manage fine, but it's not a gentle amble. The views make it worth the effort though - on a decent day you can see right across the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Camp at Cefn Cantref Campsite, just 4.6 miles away, and you've got a solid base for tackling several peaks in the area. It's the kind of hill that fits perfectly into a walking week rather than a standalone trip. Close enough to Brecon for supplies, far enough out to feel like proper countryside.