Tarren Rhosfarch

The walk up Tarren Rhosfarch isn't long, but it packs more punch than you'd expect from a Powys peak. Rising just over 600 metres above Machynlleth, this moorland hill gives you proper 360-degree views across Mid Wales - the kind where you can actually see what you came for, rather than disappearing into cloud the moment you reach the top.

It's a straightforward ascent that takes maybe an hour each way depending on fitness. The terrain is open grassland with patches of gorse, so there's nothing technical about it - good for families with older kids, or anyone who wants a decent walk without scrambling. The real reward isn't the summit views alone. On a clear day you get sight lines across to Cader Idris and the Snowdonia massif. On a drizzly afternoon - which is half the days you'll visit - it's moody and atmospheric in that way only Welsh hills can be.

This works brilliantly alongside Gwerniago Campsite just a couple of miles away. You could knock out Tarren Rhosfarch before breakfast and still have the day ahead. It's not a destination walk that justifies hours of travel, but if you're based near Machynlleth for a few days, it's well worth the detour. Bring proper boots though - after rain the whole hill turns boggy.