Carreg Lwyd

The walk up to Carreg Lwyd isn't long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs before you reach the summit. This rocky outcrop in Powys sits high enough to deliver proper views across Mid Wales without demanding the full day's slog you'd need for the bigger Beacons peaks. On a clear day you can see for miles - the kind of vista that makes you understand why people bother with hiking.

It's a walker's destination, full stop. The scramble to the top takes real effort, so families with young children will find it annoying rather than fun. But if you've got teenagers or you're reasonably fit, the challenge is part of the appeal. Allow a couple of hours from the car park, including time to sit around and catch your breath at the summit. The rocky terrain means decent boots are worth wearing.

As a day out, Carreg Lwyd works well if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby camping spots - Brecon Beacons Camping & Caravan Park is closest at just under two miles, while the glamping options round here offer a softer way to access the walking. It's not a famous peak, which means fewer people trudging up the same path. That matters when the weather's decent.