Bryn Dolwen

The walk up Bryn Dolwen isn't long, but it's properly steep - the sort of climb that makes your calves complain for a good ten minutes. What you get for that effort is a view across the Clywedog Valley that genuinely stops you. On a clear day you can see right across Mid Wales, all rolling moorland and distant ridges disappearing into the haze.

It's a straightforward fell walk rather than a technical scramble. The path is boggy in places - bring decent boots - and the summit itself is crowned with a small cairn. There's nothing fancy here, no visitor facilities or interpretation boards. Just you, the wind, and some proper Welsh moorland scenery.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a family destination where kids can potter about safely - the terrain is unforgiving and there's exposure in places. But for anyone staying at the caravan parks scattered around Llanidloes - Dol-Llys Farm and Clywedog Riverside are closest - it makes a cracking afternoon outing. The whole expedition takes maybe two hours from the car, depending on fitness and weather.

Go when the cloud is down and you'll see bog. Go on a clear autumn morning and it's something else entirely. Free to walk, of course. The nearest facilities and accommodation are back in Llanidloes itself, a small market town that's proper charming if you need supplies or a decent pub afterwards.