Llyn Bâch

A small mountain lake that sits quietly in the hills above Dolgellau, Llyn Bâch is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a trip around. The walk in takes about forty minutes from the nearest parking, climbing steadily through woodland before opening out onto moorland where the water appears almost suddenly - dark, cold, and ringed by rough grass and rock. The setting is proper remote, which is exactly why it works. On a clear day you get views across the Cader Idris range, and the whole spot feels utterly removed from the bustle of the valley below.

This is walker territory, not a casual stroll. The path is steep in places, boggy in others, and the lake itself offers no facilities whatsoever - just water, stone, and sky. If you're the type who enjoys a genuine mountain walk rather than a tourist circuit, you'll find it rewarding. Families with young children will likely find it frustrating; teenagers with decent boots will love it.

The nearest place to base yourself is Dolgellau, which sits about seven miles south. If you're staying at Llwyn yr Helm Caravan and Camping Park, you're well positioned for this kind of exploring - it's close enough to reach in an afternoon but far enough away to feel like proper hiking territory. Go in late spring or early autumn for the best weather; summer brings midges, winter brings weather that changes on a sixpence.

There's no entrance fee or visitor centre, which is part of its appeal. This is wild Wales without the car park.