Llyn Pencraig

The walk to Llyn Pencraig takes you through proper Snowdonian terrain - steep enough to get your heart pumping, but short enough that you won't regret it. This mountain lake sits tucked into the landscape near Betws-y-Coed, offering one of those views that makes the effort feel worthwhile the moment you round the final bend.

It's a lake for walkers rather than picnickers. The approach demands decent boots and a bit of fitness, which means the crowds thin out quickly. You get maybe an hour or two up there if you're lingering - long enough to catch your breath, eat a sandwich, and actually notice the silence. Families with young children will find the ascent tough, but older kids who've got their hiking legs on will enjoy the straightforward trail and the reward at the top.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Snowdonia Glamping Holidays is closest at just over four miles away - this makes a solid half-day outing. The same applies to Maenan Abbey Caravan Park or Erw Glas if you're based there. Pair it with a wander around Betws-y-Coed itself, which has the cafes and shops you'll want after the walk.

Access appears free and unrestricted, though there's no infrastructure at the lake itself. Go early or midweek if you value solitude. The weather matters here - misty days turn mystical, but you lose the views entirely.