Tor Du

The walk up Tor Du from near Llanidloes is steep, proper steep, and the local maps don't make it look half as punishing as it is. But that's partly what makes it worth the effort. This isn't a tourist honeypot - it's a genuine Mid Wales hill that rewards walkers who know where they're going with decent views across the Wye Valley and moorland that rolls on seemingly forever.

It's moorland walking, so expect bog in places and wind at the summit. You're looking at around an hour's climbing if you're fit, maybe longer if you're dragging kids up. The peak itself is unremarkable - no trig point, no café, no Instagram moment. What you get instead is the feeling of having properly earned your position on the landscape.

Historywalkers and serious ramblers will get more from this than casual visitors. Families with young children might find the terrain and exposure a bit much. Allow half a day including the climb and descent, and go early - the weather changes fast out here.

If you're staying at Glangwy Farm Camping just down the road, this makes a cracking morning walk before breakfast. The site itself is well-positioned for exploring the broader Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons country. Tor Du won't knock you sideways, but it's the real thing - no shortcuts, no crowds.