Pen Y Banc

The walk up Pen Y Banc is short enough to do before breakfast, long enough to feel like you've earned it. This 358-metre peak sits just outside Llanidloes in Powys, offering proper views across the Clywedog Valley and into the Mid Wales hills beyond. On a clear day you can see for miles - the kind of vista that makes you understand why people live out here.

It's an accessible climb for families with older kids and walkers of any ability. The path is well-trodden but steep in places, and you're looking at maybe an hour up and back depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so bring water. The summit itself is bare moorland - windswept and a bit exposed, but that's rather the point.

Who gets the most from it? Walkers absolutely. History types less so, unless you're interested in the old mining heritage of the area. Families staying at Clywedog Riverside Holiday Home Park or Red Kite Touring Park - both within a mile - can do this as a warm-up to a longer day exploring the Clywedog Valley trails. It's free, naturally, and there's no scrambling involved, which means it won't tire kids out before they've really started.

Go early or late in the day when the light's best and the midges aren't out. The view changes hour by hour, and sometimes the mist rolls in and you see nothing but sheep and heather. That's part of the appeal.