Llwyn-onn Reservoir

Water laps against the hillside just outside Neath, and it's immediately clear why Llwyn-onn Reservoir draws walkers back again and again. This isn't one of those sterile engineering projects fenced off from the public - it's proper accessible, with walking routes that loop the perimeter and give you chances to actually get close to the water itself.

The reservoir sits in a quiet corner of Powys, surrounded by the sort of terrain that makes Mid Wales so good for rambling. On a clear day the reflections are lovely, and the whole place has that contemplative feel you get when water and moorland meet. It's the kind of spot where you might bring binoculars - birdlife is decent here - or simply sit for an hour with a flask. Kids won't find a theme park, but a family that enjoys easy woodland walks and open space will find an afternoon well spent.

Allow two to three hours if you're doing a full loop, though you can easily stop for thirty minutes and still feel like you've had a break from the road. Winter light works best here; summer can get busy with weekenders from the valleys. The nearby Four Falls Glamping is only a short drive away, making this an easy addition to a broader Powys holiday. Check conditions before you go - moorland weather changes fast - but there's no reason to avoid it. It's straightforward, free to wander, and does what a good reservoir walk should: sends you back to wherever you're staying feeling properly reset.