Brecon

Four rivers meet in this Welsh market town, creating a natural crossroads that's been important since Roman times. The Usk, Honddu, Tarell and Tarw converge here, giving Brecon its strategic position at the heart of the national park that bears its name. Cathedral spires rise above Georgian terraces, while beyond the town limits, the Brecon Beacons proper begin their dramatic ascent.

Brecon Cathedral anchors the town centre - not huge by cathedral standards, but impressive for somewhere this size. The weekly market still draws farmers from surrounding valleys, much as it has for centuries. Wednesday and Saturday mornings see the town properly come alive. Between market days, things slow right down, which is part of the appeal.

Pen Fan might grab the headlines, but serious walkers know the peaks closer to town offer equally cracking views without the crowds. Bryn Mawr and Mynydd Bwlch make for excellent half-day hikes, while Fan Gyhirych rewards the effort with panoramic views across the national park. Ancient history dots the landscape too - the Standing Stones and Gwernwyddog Standing Stone remind you this area's been special to people for millennia.

Crai Reservoir provides a gentler alternative when the weather turns. Popular with anglers and dog walkers alike, it's a lovely spot for a picnic when the peaks are shrouded in cloud.

The A470 brings you straight here from Cardiff in under an hour, though the journey through the Beacons is half the fun. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks puts you right in the thick of walking country, with Brecon's pubs and restaurants just a short drive away for evening meals.