Capel Soar, Uwchgarreg

The walk to Capel Soar is half the appeal, really. You're heading up through the Afon Dyfi valley near Machynlleth, climbing steadily until the little grey stone chapel appears almost out of nowhere, perched on the hillside like someone's forgotten prayer. Built in 1822, it's a proper working chapel - still held services, which feels rare these days. The interior is simple to the point of austere: whitewashed walls, wooden pews worn smooth by centuries of worshippers, a tiny organ. There's something rather moving about that plainness.

It's a walker's church, essentially. You won't spend more than thirty minutes here, but the journey through the hills makes it worthwhile. The approach takes you through decent farmland and moorland - probably forty-five minutes on foot depending on your pace and which route you take. Not steep exactly, but you'll feel it in your legs on the way back down.

Families might find the walk itself more rewarding than the chapel itself - kids tend to get restless in quiet rural churches after ten minutes. History enthusiasts and walkers, though, will appreciate the remoteness and the sense of continuity. There's no visitor infrastructure whatsoever, so bring water.

It works well as a half-day excursion from Gwerniago Campsite, just down the valley. The drive from Machynlleth is only a few minutes. No admission fee that I'm aware of - it's an open chapel, and you're expected to respect the space if services are happening.