Llyn y Fran

The reservoir sits in a proper glacial valley, ringed by steep slopes covered in conifers that drop straight to the water's edge. It's a serious-looking body of water, the kind that makes you catch your breath on arrival. You get here via a narrow lane from Dolgellau - about twenty minutes south of town - and the approach alone feels like you're leaving the world behind.

Walkers absolutely get the most from this place. The circular footpath around the lake takes roughly two hours depending on your pace and how often you stop to stare. The western shore is the money shot - the mountains rear up properly across the water, and on a clear day you can see right down the valley. Bring decent boots; the paths get boggy and the terrain is undulating rather than flat.

It's free to access and there's parking at the main entrance, though spaces fill quickly on weekends. Early morning is your friend here, especially if you're after photographs without crowds. The place can feel a bit bleak in heavy rain - which happens regularly in Gwynedd - so timing matters.

Torrent Walk Campsite sits about five miles north, making this a natural half-day excursion during a longer park holiday in the area. It's not a destination that'll keep you occupied for more than a morning, but it's exactly the sort of location that reminds you why people come to Wales. Bring a camera and waterproofs. Leave the phone in the car.