Llyn Maes y Clawdd

The walk down to Llyn Maes y Clawdd rewards you with a proper Welsh lake experience - no crowds, no gift shop, just water, mountains, and the sound of wind through the trees. It's a small reservoir tucked into the hills above Bala, the sort of place locals know about and tourists miss entirely.

You won't find much here in terms of facilities or attractions. There's a car park, a short walk to the water's edge, and if you're lucky, some decent light on the hills reflected in the lake. That's the appeal, really - it's uncomplicated. The water's too cold for swimming, but it's brilliant for photographs, particularly on clear days when you get the Cader Idris range proper in the background. Walkers will appreciate the surrounding paths; the terrain varies from easy lakeshore strolls to steeper climbs into the hills beyond.

Family groups with young kids might find it a bit thin on activity after twenty minutes or so, unless they're the type who are content just throwing stones and exploring. Serious hikers, however, will use it as a staging point for longer circuits through the hills. It's free to visit and open whenever.

If you're staying at Tyn Cornel Camping - just five miles away - it's a worthwhile morning or evening trip. Works perfectly as part of a wider Bala area loop, breaking up a holiday that might otherwise revolve around the lake town itself. Go early to avoid the afternoon crowds, though honestly they're rarely heavy.