Tarren-fach

The walk up Tarren-fach rewards you with proper views across the Dyfi valley and towards Snowdonia - though you won't find a marked path, which is either part of the charm or a mild annoyance depending on your mood. Starting from around Machynlleth, it's a straightforward ascent over open moorland that takes roughly an hour to the 611-metre summit. Nothing dramatic, but the kind of walk that feels honest - just you, the sheep, and increasingly good views as you gain height.

This is one for walkers rather than casual strollers. The ground underfoot can be boggy, especially after rain, and there's no tarmac or shelter once you leave the valley. On a clear day you'll see why the spot matters to navigators; on a grey one, you'll mostly see the next contour. Allow two to three hours for a return trip if you're not rushed.

Combine it with Gwerniago Campsite (3.6 miles away), a well-run spot that sits as a proper base for exploring the Dyfi valley. It's worth doing Tarren-fach as part of a longer moorland loop rather than in isolation - there's decent walking country all around here. Ideally tackle it in settled weather; the views on a misty day aren't terrible, but they're not why you came.