Carn Gafallt

You won't find crowds queuing up Carn Gafallt, which is precisely why it's worth the effort from Rhayader. This modest peak sits at 2,175 feet and rewards walkers with proper views across the Elan Valley - the reservoirs glimmer below like someone's scattered coins across the landscape.

The walk itself is straightforward enough, more a brisk hike than a scramble. Most people allow an hour or so to reach the summit, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. It's the kind of walk where you'll see more sheep than people, which some find meditative and others find a bit lonely. The trig point on top is modest, but the panorama is genuine - on a clear day you're looking out towards Pen y Ghent and beyond.

This works well for families with older kids and serious hikers, less so for toddlers or anyone after the Instagram moment. There's no café, no facilities, just you and the Welsh hills. Bring water and check the weather - it can turn temperamental quickly up there.

If you're camping at Elan Oaks or The Pines, Carn Gafallt slots perfectly into a weekend's walking. It's close enough for a half-day excursion, leaving afternoons free to explore the Elan Valley reservoirs themselves or potter round Rhayader. Not dramatic or showy, but solid and satisfying - which seems fair for a mid-Wales peak.