Twyn Pen-Rhiw

The walk up Twyn Pen-Rhiw takes you through proper moorland, climbing steadily from the Crickhowell side with views that open up across the Black Mountains as you gain height. It's not a long slog - most walkers manage it in under an hour up, depending on fitness - but it's steep enough to feel like proper work rather than a gentle stroll.

What you get for your effort is a genuine sense of being somewhere wild. The summit itself isn't dramatic - no trig point or dramatic cairn - but that's almost the point. You're standing on a ridge top with rolling moorland dropping away in all directions. On clear days the views stretch across Powys and into the Brecon Beacons; on misty mornings it feels properly remote despite being only a few miles from Crickhowell town.

This is one for walkers rather than families with small children. You'll need decent boots and reasonable fitness, and it's the sort of place you go for the walking rather than any facilities at the top. There's nothing up there except grass and wind and views.

It works well as a half-day outing if you're staying at Cwmdu Campsite nearby - you can be back by lunchtime. The moorland changes character through the seasons too, which means it's worth revisiting. Spring brings wild flowers, autumn turns the heather something special.