Llyn Llygad-Rheidol

The walk in to Llyn Llygad-Rheidol is half the appeal. You're climbing steadily through Ceredigion's moorland, the landscape opening up as you gain height, and then suddenly there it is - a proper mountain lake surrounded by rough grass and stone. The water's dark and cold-looking, which somehow makes it feel more authentic than the postcardier reservoirs you find elsewhere in Wales.

It's the kind of place that rewards walkers rather than casual visitors. You won't find a café or a car park right next to it, and that's rather the point. The hike from Aberystwyth takes a good couple of hours depending on your fitness, so allow half a day minimum. Families with young legs will manage fine; anyone expecting an easy stroll might find it bit stiff for what it is.

Historically, this was a significant water source in the area, and there's something about standing by an upland lake like this that makes you understand why these places mattered. The silence is the real thing here.

If you're camping at Forester's Retreat Glamping or tyn ffordd fach campsite nearby, this makes an excellent full-day excursion. Both sites sit within striking distance of the lake itself, so you can build a proper hiking holiday around the area. Spring through autumn is your window - winter weather can turn nasty on these hills quickly.