Llyn Maes-y-clawdd

The water here is genuinely still. Llyn Maes-y-clawdd sits in quiet countryside south of Bala, the sort of place where you can hear yourself think and very little else. It's a modest lake by Welsh standards, nothing that'll make your jaw drop from a distance, but walk round it and you'll understand why locals keep coming back.

This is proper walker territory. The paths around the lake are straightforward enough for families who don't mind a gentle couple of miles, though the terrain can be boggy after rain so decent boots are essential. The real appeal is the peace of it all. No cafes, no gift shop, no crowds fighting for Instagram angles. You get birdsong, moorland views, and the occasional fisherman who barely looks up as you pass.

Bring binoculars if you're into birds. The lake attracts a decent variety, and on a quiet weekday morning you'll have the place almost to yourself. Summer's the obvious choice, but autumn's actually better if you can manage it - fewer midges, better light, and the landscape turns proper moody.

If you're staying at Tyn Cornel Camping just five miles away, this makes an excellent half-day outing. Bala itself has more facilities and is worth a stop for supplies before heading out. The lake won't take more than two hours for a full circuit, so combine it with a walk up Cader Idris nearby or an afternoon on Bala Lake proper. Don't expect drama. Expect solitude instead.