Chwarel y Fan

The climb up Chwarel y Fan rewards you with proper views across the Black Mountains and beyond - the sort of vista that makes the leg work worthwhile. It's a straightforward walk from near Hereford, taking you up through moorland and bracken to a modest peak that doesn't demand technical skill but does require reasonable fitness and decent boots.

What you're looking at is an old quarry site up top - hence the Welsh name meaning "quarry of the women" - with the industrial history still visible in the landscape. The summit itself sits at around 2,000 feet, which is high enough to feel like an achievement without the full commitment of tackling something like Pen y Ghent. The walk typically takes a couple of hours up and back, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

This appeals most to walkers after a proper hill day without the crowds you'd find on more famous peaks. Families with older kids will manage it fine - younger ones might struggle with the distance. History buffs appreciate the quarry remnants and the sense of old industry in the landscape. If you're based at one of the nearby campsites like Olchon Valley or Kaya at Blackhill Farm, you could knock this out as a morning excursion and still have the afternoon free.

Timing-wise, autumn and spring are best - summer heat can feel exposed at the top, and winter conditions can turn muddy quickly. Allow three hours total if you're taking photos and absorbing the views properly.