Llyn Mawr Gamallt

The walk in to Llyn Mawr Gamallt is half the appeal. Tucked away above Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, this upland lake sits in proper mountain country - the kind of place where you can see for miles if the weather cooperates, and see absolutely nothing if it doesn't. That's Wales for you.

Once you reach it, you get a quiet stretch of water ringed by steep slate hillsides. No facilities, no crowds, no gift shop. The surrounding moorland has that austere beauty that appeals to serious walkers rather than casual strollers. An hour there, an hour back, and you've had a proper hillside experience without needing a guidebook to tell you what you're looking at.

The lake itself is less about dramatic vistas and more about the solitude. Kids might get restless on the walk in unless they're the type who enjoy a genuine mountain hike. Families with younger children would probably find the Llechwedd Glamping site nearby more immediately rewarding - it's only 3.5 miles away - though if you're staying there and fancy a morning walk away from the crowds, this would scratch that itch.

When to go? Spring or early summer, when the moorland has some colour. Avoid mist season if you're after views. The approach involves real climbing, so wear proper boots and check the weather forecast first. Free admission, naturally - there's nothing to admit to, just open moorland and a lake that's been there for millennia.