Creiglyn Dyfi

The drive up to Creiglyn Dyfi takes you through some proper Welsh mountain scenery - narrow lanes, stone walls, the kind of place where you start to understand why people move to mid-Wales and never leave. The lake itself sits high in the Cader Idris massif, a dark sheet of water ringed by craggy slopes that look almost alpine on a moody day.

It's a walker's destination more than anything else. You're not turning up for a paddleboat afternoon - this is about the walk in and the views back down the valley towards Dolgellau. Allow a good couple of hours depending on your fitness. The path isn't arduous but it's steep enough to remind you that you're climbing, and the ground can be boggy even in decent weather, so proper boots matter.

The lake itself is quiet, which is its best quality. No facilities, no crowds, just the sound of water and wind. Families with young children will find it bit of a slog; teenagers who like a physical walk and a decent view will get something from it. History buffs won't find much to latch onto here - it's pure landscape.

You'll want to base yourself in Dolgellau or nearby, and Llwyn yr Helm Caravan and Camping Park - just six miles away with excellent reviews - makes a solid choice for exploring Cader Idris and the surrounding terrain. The lake works as a half-day excursion, not a full day's entertainment. Go if you're already walking this part of Snowdonia; don't make a special trip.