Llyn Dwythwch

You'll find this remote mountain lake tucked away in the high country south of Caernarfon, surrounded by serious Welsh hills that feel a world away from the caravan parks dotted around the lowlands. Llyn Dwythwch sits at altitude - proper windswept terrain - and the walk in rewards you with that particular kind of silence you only get when you're well away from roads. The water itself is dark and cold-looking, ringed by moorland and rock. There's not much infrastructure here, which is rather the point. You're getting a slice of raw Snowdonia without the crowds that plague Llyn Padarn or the other accessible lakes nearer Caernarfon.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. The approach isn't strenuous but it's not a casual stroll either - you need proper boots and the weather can turn without warning. Kids will manage it fine if they're used to rough terrain, though toddlers will find it a slog. Photographers and landscape types will get genuinely good light here, especially on clearish days when the surrounding peaks come into proper focus.

Establishing exact opening hours or admission prices is tricky - it's essentially wild terrain, so access is more or less year-round and free. Allow a good three to four hours from Caernarfon if you're driving out and want time to walk around properly. If you're based at Glan Gwna or Rhyd Y Galen, both within striking distance, it makes a proper day out. Worth the drive if you want something genuine rather than a tamed lake with a visitor centre.