Llyn Alwen reservoir

The drive up to Llyn Alwen takes you through proper Welsh hill country, all tight bends and distant mountains. You'll find yourself well above Betws-y-Coed, in that in-between landscape where the tourist crowds thin out properly. The reservoir itself is a substantial body of water - not some tiddly pond - set into moorland that feels genuinely wild.

What strikes you first is the scale of the dam and the sheer quantity of water. The whole thing has that austere beauty of mid-20th century infrastructure, all clean lines and functional concrete. Walking around the perimeter is a solid hour's outing, with views across to the surrounding fells that shift depending on the light and weather. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a grey one, which is most days, there's something atmospheric about the place - moody rather than postcard-pretty.

This is walker territory. Serious hikers often use it as a waypoint rather than a destination, but if you're based at Porth Eryri Glamping nearby, it's worth a morning visit before heading back for proper lunch. The parking is straightforward and there's nothing fancy here - no cafes, no visitor centre, no interpretive boards. It's just you and the water and the hills.

Families with young children might find it a bit dull after twenty minutes unless they're genuinely keen on walking. But if your crew likes moorland scenery and doesn't need theme park thrills, Llyn Alwen works well as a half-day diversion from the busier attractions around Betws-y-Coed.