Furnace Falls

The waterfall tumbles down a narrow ravine just outside Machynlleth, and it's the kind of place that rewards a proper walk rather than a quick snap. You'll find Furnace Falls tucked into woodland where an old industrial site once stood - hence the name - and the whole thing feels a bit removed from the tourist circuit, which is part of its appeal.

Getting there involves a decent hike through trees and over uneven ground, so this isn't for people after a five-minute stroll. The falls themselves are modest compared to what you'd find further north in Snowdonia, but the setting is intimate. The water drops into a pool below, and on a quiet day you can actually hear yourself think.

Walkers will get the most from this. The terrain's tricky enough to keep things interesting, and families with older kids will manage fine - younger ones might struggle with the muddy bits. Allow a good hour or so from Machynlleth town centre to get there, walk about, and come back.

If you're camping at Gwerniago or Cambrian Coast Holiday Park nearby, it's well worth adding to your itinerary. It won't take up a whole day, but it breaks up a holiday nicely and gets you off the main paths. Go after rain if you can - the falls are far more impressive with proper water flow. Free to visit, and you won't need to book anything.