Pen Dihewyd

Standing at 513m, Pen Dihewyd is the sort of Welsh hill that proves height isn't everything, especially when it comes to the depth of the surrounding peat hags. It offers a lonely, wind-swept escape, provided you enjoy a good game of 'Is that a path or a stream?'.

• •Pen Dihewyd sits on the edge of the sprawling Pumlumon massif, acting as a gateway to some of the most remote moorland in Central Wales. Its location provides a stark, quiet contrast to the more popular peaks of the north.
• •The hill overlooks the Rheidol Valley, an area historically significant for its lead and silver mining industries. While the miners are long gone, the rugged landscape still bears the subtle hallmarks of its industrial past.
• •From the summit, hikers get a clear view of the Nant-y-moch Reservoir, which was constructed in the 1960s. This massive body of water is a key part of the Rheidol hydroelectric power scheme, the largest of its kind in England and Wales.
• •The terrain consists primarily of Silurian gritstones and shales, resulting in the rolling, hummocky profile that defines the Cambrian Mountains. It is a geologist's dream, provided that geologist is wearing very high-quality waterproof boots.
• •The local sheep have mastered a particular look of pity for hikers who attempt a 'direct line' through the surrounding marshes. You will likely return to your car with 'Cambrian Camouflage,' a sophisticated local term for being encased in ancient, smelly peat.