Llyn y Fan Fach

The walk up to Llyn y Fan Fach rewards you with one of South Wales' most striking mountain lakes, sitting at around 600 metres in a glacial cirque beneath sheer cliffs. It's a proper undertaking - roughly five miles round trip from the car park near Swansea, climbing steadily through moorland with the Black Mountain looming overhead. The lake itself is dark and moody, reflecting the dramatic escarpment that rises behind it. Water temperature means you're looking at swimmers only during summer months, and even then it's bracing. This isn't a casual stroll. Walkers and fell runners get the most from it; families with young kids will find the climb exhausting and a bit pointless once you reach the summit views. Allow three to four hours for the round trip, and go early - the car park fills quickly on weekends. There's free access, though parking can be tight. The folklore here matters too. Local legend claims a lady emerged from the lake to marry a farmer, later returning to the water with their children - it's the sort of Welsh mythology that gives the place genuine atmosphere, especially when mist rolls in. Being this close to the Brecon Beacons, you're ideally placed to use Brecon Beacons Camping & Caravan Park or Cosmos Camping as your base. Pair it with walks through the broader park for a proper mountain break. Weather dictates everything - come on a clear day and it's magnificent; caught in cloud and it's disappointing. Worth the effort if you're comfortable on your feet.