Glaslyn

Glaslyn sits high in the Powys hills, a proper mountain lake that catches you off guard with how wild it feels. The water lies still most days, reflecting the steep slopes that crowd in around it - you won't find manicured gardens or viewing platforms here. It's a walk to reach it, and that's rather the point. Most people approach from Llanbrynmair, which sits a few miles downhill, and the climb takes the best part of an hour depending on your fitness and how much you dawdle.

This is walking territory, full stop. Families with young kids will struggle; hikers and photography types will find it absorbing. The lake itself is small - you can take it in from a few angles without much faffing about - but the landscape around it justifies the effort. On clear days the views back down the valley are genuinely good. On misty days it feels rather atmospheric, if a bit grim.

There's nothing here in terms of facilities or entry fees. It's free to visit, accessible year-round, though winter rain can make the paths boggy. Allow two to three hours for the walk if you're not used to it. If you're staying at Cringoed Caravan Park down the road, this makes a proper day out without feeling contrived. It's the kind of place where you'll see maybe three other people, which means either you'll have a brilliant solitary experience or you'll wonder if you've wasted a morning. Depends on your mood, really.