Y Foel

The walk up Y Foel rewards you with one of those rare hilltop moments where you suddenly understand why people get obsessed with summits. At 610 metres, it's not going to leave your legs screaming, but the views across Ceredigion and into Powys make the climb worthwhile. The peak itself is bare and windswept - you'll see the trig point marking the top, and on a clear day the Cambrian Mountains stretch out in all directions.

This is proper walking territory, not a casual stroll. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip from Llanidloes, and bring decent boots because the ground gets boggy after rain. It's the sort of walk that appeals to hikers who want something real without needing crampons and a full expedition setup. The route isn't heavily signed, so an OS map is essential - this isn't a honeypot hill with crowds and waymarks at every turn.

Families with confident walkers will manage it fine; young kids might find the exposed summit a bit much depending on temperament. The landscape is what you're here for rather than facilities or attractions at the top - just wind, views, and silence.

If you're camping at Glangwy Farm or one of the other excellent sites nearby, Y Foel sits nicely within a week of exploring the hills around Llanidloles. It's free, naturally. Go when the weather's settled - the Welsh mountains don't forgive poor timing.