Drostre Bank

Getting up Drostre Bank feels properly rewarding once you've cracked it. This peak sits just outside Brecon in the Powys uplands, and the walk itself is what makes it worth the effort - not some dramatic summit, but a solid hill that gives you real 360-degree views across Mid Wales when the weather behaves.

The ascent is steep enough to mean business, but nothing that'll kill you. It's the kind of walk where you earn your view: moorland and rough grass most of the way, with Brecon and the surrounding valleys spreading out below once you're up there. On a clear day, you can see proper distances. On a grey one, which is frequent in these parts, it's quite moody.

This appeals most to walkers who actually want a bit of a challenge rather than a stroll. If you're camping at one of the parks nearby - Pencelli Castle or Bryndu are both less than four miles away - it makes a cracking half-day outing. You won't need much more than a couple of hours once you're on the hill. Families with young kids might find the gradient tedious; older teenagers who like being outdoors will get on fine with it.

Brecon itself is worth knowing about as a base - it's got shops, cafes, and proper facilities. The hill is accessible year-round, though winter can be muddy and boot-sucking. Spring and early autumn are probably your best bets for actual enjoyment rather than endurance testing.