Meincyn

The climb to Meincyn takes about twenty minutes from the layby, and it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. But once you're up there, looking out across Cardigan Bay with Aberystwyth sitting below you like a toy town, you'll understand why people make the effort.

It's a proper viewpoint rather than a destination - you're not there for more than half an hour unless the weather's absolutely perfect. On a clear day the vista is genuinely excellent, stretching south along the coast and inland across the Ceredigion hills. When the clouds roll in, which they do regularly, it becomes fairly pointless.

Families with older kids will manage fine; the walk's straightforward enough and there's something satisfying about reaching a summit view when you're eight or nine. Younger children might find it tedious. Walkers passing through the area should definitely add it to their route - it makes a logical loop if you're exploring the hills around Aberystwyth.

The whole thing's free, obviously, and there's parking at the base. Allow an hour if you're not rushing. Winter can be bleak and windy up there, so spring through early autumn is your best bet.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Brynllwyd Glamping or Woodlands Caravan Park are both excellent - Meincyn works as a quick morning outing before heading down to Aberystwyth proper for lunch. It's not life-changing, but on the right day it's time well spent.