Cefn Croes

The drive up to Cefn Croes is half the appeal - a proper moorland road that climbs steeply through open Ceredigion countryside until you're standing at 579 metres with Cardigan Bay spreading out below you. This is serious hill-walking territory, not a casual detour from Aberystwyth. The peak itself is marked by a distinctive wind turbine and trig point, which some find an eyesore and others quite like for the way it catches the light. On a clear day you can see for miles across mid-Wales farmland and down to the coast. On a foggy one, you won't see your hand in front of your face.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's the sort of place where you park at the base, spend two to three hours climbing and taking in the views, then head back down. There's a walking trail that loops around the ridge - nothing technically difficult, but it's exposed and the wind can be relentless. Families with younger kids might find it a bit much; teenagers with decent fitness will enjoy it. Free to visit, obviously.

If you're camping at Forester's Retreat or Woodlands Caravan Park, this works as a half-day expedition before heading back to base. The landscape is bleak and beautiful in equal measure - all rough grass and stone. Worth doing if you're already in the area for the Aberystwyth coast, though it's not a destination in itself.