Yr Allt

Standing 469 metres above the Severn Valley, this modest hill offers proper walking without the drama of the bigger Cambrian peaks. You'll climb through mixed woodland before emerging onto open moorland with views stretching across central Wales - on a clear day, you can spot the Brecon Beacons to the south and Snowdonia's peaks to the north. The ascent from Caersws takes about 90 minutes at a steady pace, following well-marked footpaths that can get muddy after rain. Families with older children will manage fine, though toddlers might struggle with the final rocky section. What makes this hill special is its position - it's bang in the centre of Wales, giving you that proper sense of the country's geography spread out below. Red kites often circle overhead, and if you're lucky, you might spot peregrine falcons nesting on the crags. Early morning walks reward you with mist rising from the valleys and the chance of seeing deer. The summit itself is fairly modest - a small cairn and not much else - but the 360-degree views more than compensate. Allow three hours for the round trip from Caersws. If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Llanidloes, it's well worth the 20-minute drive for a proper Welsh hill experience without the crowds.