Blue Lake

The water at Blue Lake is the sort of blue that makes you stop and stare - proper blue, the kind that looks almost unreal on a grey Welsh afternoon. It's a small glacial lake tucked into the Snowdonia landscape near Barmouth, and the walk to reach it is half the appeal. You're looking at a relatively straightforward trek through moorland with the lake itself nestled in a rocky bowl, ringed by steep slopes that catch the light beautifully in late afternoon.

It's worth the detour if you're a photographer or keen walker - the journey matters more than the destination here, and the views across the surrounding hills justify the effort. Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming on its own; the lake itself is small and you can't really do much except look at it and take pictures. Serious hikers will love threading through the landscape to get here, especially if they're combining it with walks in the wider Snowdonia area.

Allow a couple of hours for the round trip depending on your fitness level. The nearest base is Barmouth, which has decent facilities, and you're well positioned for exploring the broader Welsh mountain country. Sunbeach Holiday Park is only three miles away if you're staying locally - close enough for a morning adventure without too much driving. Autumn is particularly good here when the light turns golden and the moorland colours intensify. Spring can be boggy after rain, so pick your weather carefully.