Tarren Cadian

The walk up Tarren Cadian starts gently enough from the Machynlleth direction, but don't be fooled - this peak in Powys demands proper effort once you commit. The climb gets steep and you'll earn those views across Mid Wales, where the landscape rolls out in shades of green and grey depending on the light. On a clear day the sight lines stretch for miles. It's the sort of place that rewards walkers rather than casual strollers.

You're looking at a couple of hours minimum for the round trip, longer if you're taking your time or want to explore the summit properly. There's something satisfying about reaching the top here without crowds - it's not one of those peaks that gets overrun with day-trippers from the south.

Families with confident walkers will manage fine, though younger legs might find the steeper sections a proper slog. History buffs won't find much in the way of ruins or markers, so come for the walk and the views rather than any narrative.

If you're basing yourself at Gwerniago Campsite just down the road - a solid spot with decent reviews - Tarren Cadian makes a natural half-day outing. The Machynlleth area has enough other walks and attractions to fill a long weekend, so this fits nicely into a broader exploration of the region. Weather in Mid Wales is changeable, so pick a day when the cloud's lifted. Worth the trek.