Byrgwm Pool

Byrgwm Pool sits in proper remote Mid Wales countryside, a few miles south of Builth Wells. It's a small mountain lake rather than a formal attraction - the sort of place you stumble upon while walking the higher ground around these parts, not somewhere with visitor facilities or a car park with a gift shop.

The water itself is dark and still, surrounded by moorland that feels genuinely wild. There's no amenity infrastructure here - bring what you need and expect to work a bit to reach it. The walk in reveals why people bother: you get that rare sensation of being somewhere genuinely quiet, away from the tourist trail. In decent light the reflections are excellent if you've brought a camera, and the surrounding hills give you proper fell walking if you're inclined to make a longer day of it.

This is one for walkers and fell runners rather than families with young kids. You're looking at sturdy boots and weather-appropriate kit - Powys weather turns fast at this elevation. Allow two to three hours if you're combining it with a wider moorland route from Builth Wells, rather than visiting the pool in isolation.

If you're based at one of the holiday parks nearby - Great House Farm is closest at 2.3 miles, or Celtic Woodland if you fancy glamping - use this as part of a bigger walking day rather than a destination in itself. It works best as a morale boost mid-hike: somewhere quiet to sit, eat a sandwich, and remember why you bothered with the climb.