Elan Valley Waterfall Trail

The walk to Elan Valley's waterfalls isn't particularly long, but it packs proper scenery into every mile. You're following the River Elan through moorland that shifts from open heather to dense woodland, with the water doing most of the talking - it moves fast here, churning white over dark rocks. The main falls themselves aren't towering affairs; they're more intimate than dramatic, which somehow makes them feel more real than the postcards suggest.

It's a solid two-hour round trip from Rhayader, and you'll need decent boots because the ground gets boggy. The path is well-trodden but not manicured. Families with older kids manage it fine; toddlers would struggle with the mud and uneven terrain. History types might appreciate that this whole valley is tied to Birmingham's water supply - the dams are Victorian engineering at its finest, though you don't need to understand any of that to enjoy the walk.

Go midweek if you can. Weekends bring the crowds, and the trail can feel cramped. Spring's the best bet when the water's high and the rhododendrons are flowering along the banks. Autumn works too if you don't mind the rain.

If you're based at Elan Oaks or Wyeside, both minutes away, this is the obvious first morning activity. Combine it with Radnor Forest nearby for a proper walking holiday. Free to access, naturally - just turn up and follow the river.