Llyn Cwmannell

The water at Llyn Cwmannell sits dark and still, ringed by moorland that rolls away into the Powys hills. It's a proper working reservoir, so don't expect a leisure complex - just a lake and the landscape around it. Walking tracks trace the perimeter, and on a clear day you get decent views across Mid Wales. The nearest settlement is Llanwrtyd Wells, a small market town about 4 miles away that serves as your supply run and overnight base.

This spot appeals mainly to walkers and people who appreciate understated scenery. If you're after a wild swim or a paddle, check conditions first - it's a reservoir, not a designated bathing lake, so rules may apply. Allow a couple of hours for a circuit walk, maybe longer if you dawdle and take photos. It's free to visit, which helps.

Where it really pays off is as part of a broader Powys ramble. Welsh Glamping sits just 2.1 miles away and delivers exactly the kind of accommodation that suits a quiet lakeside day - somewhere cosy to return to after time outdoors. Riverside Caravan & Camping Park, 4 miles distant, offers more conventional pitches if you prefer. The Irfon River site at 4.6 miles works too, though reviews dip slightly lower.

Don't expect Instagram moments. This is a low-key Welsh water landscape that rewards patience and good boots. In winter it can look properly bleak. Summer brings slightly better light for photography and easier walking conditions.