Tarren y Gesail

The walk up Tarren y Gesail is a proper steep slog, but you're rewarded with views that stretch across the Dyfi Valley towards Snowdonia. It's a modest peak by Welsh standards - not technically difficult, just relentless - and you'll clock it in about two hours up and down if you're reasonably fit.

The landscape around here is raw moorland and rough grass, with sheep everywhere and the occasional wind that'll nearly knock you sideways. On clear days you can see for miles. On misty days, which is often, you're essentially hiking into cloud and hoping you don't take a wrong turn.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a casual stroll for families with young kids, and there's no café or facilities at the top - just stone cairns and the satisfaction of having made it. The surrounding area feeds nicely into a broader Powys walking holiday, especially if you're based near Machynlleth. It pairs well with other ridge walks in the region.

There's a basic campsite at Gwerniago nearby, about 3.5 miles away, which is decent enough if you want to use it as a base. The walk itself is free - just turn up and start climbing. Allow a full morning or early afternoon depending on your pace and how long you want to stand about photographing the view.

Worth doing if you're in the area and the weather's decent. Skip it if low cloud's rolled in - you'll see nothing but mist.