Llyn Bychan

The water at Llyn Bychan sits absolutely still on a grey morning, mirror-flat and ringed by conifers that climb steeply up the Conwy valley. It's a small lake - you could walk around it in under an hour - but it punches above its weight for sheer peace and quiet.

This is proper walking country rather than a destination in itself. Most people come for the circuit path that loops the shoreline, which takes you through mixed woodland with decent views back across the water. The walk itself is straightforward, nothing too demanding, and you'll spot the occasional fisherman if you're lucky. Families with kids aged seven-plus will manage it fine, though there's not much to do once you've completed the circuit besides sit and watch the water.

The lake sits just outside Betws-y-Coed, that busy little hub of cafes and outdoor shops, so you can fuel up properly before heading out. It works brilliantly as a morning outing if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Maenan Abbey is only four and a half miles away, making it an easy drive for something quieter than the honeypot walks around Snowdonia's main attractions. The glamping spots at Snowdonia Glamping Holidays and Erw Glas are equally convenient.

Go early to dodge other walkers, and bring a packed lunch if you fancy making an afternoon of it. The lack of facilities - no cafes, no car park amenities - keeps the crowds away, which is precisely why it's worth the detour. It's not dramatic or Instagram-famous. It's just genuinely tranquil.