Llyn Brianne

The drive to Llyn Brianne takes you deep into Powys, winding through narrow valleys where mobile signal drops and the landscape becomes properly wild. This reservoir sits at 300 metres elevation, hemmed in by steep forested banks that make it feel more remote than it actually is - Llanwrtyd Wells is only a short drive away, though you'd never guess it from standing here.

It's a water sports lake first and foremost. You'll see kayakers and canoeists threading through the cooler months, while summer brings swimmers braver than most. The walk around the perimeter is no joke - it's a solid three-hour circuit if you're taking it steady, with some proper climbs. The views from the far side looking back down the valley are worth the legwork, though.

Walkers get the most from this place. Families with young kids might find the walk too demanding unless you're doing just the easy section near the car park. History enthusiasts will appreciate that the valley was flooded to create this in the 1960s - there's something poignant about that if you know what lies beneath. Bring a packed lunch. There's a car park and basic facilities, nothing fancy.

If you're staying at Welsh Glamping nearby, this makes an excellent morning or afternoon excursion. It's the kind of spot that doesn't photograph well on Instagram, which is precisely why it feels genuinely Welsh rather than packaged for tourists. Go when the weather's decent - on grey days it's rather bleak.