Llynnau Cregennen

The twin lakes sit at about 600 metres up in the Cader Idris range, and the walk to reach them rewards you with views that justify every puffing step. You're looking at two mountain pools - Cregennen and Bodlyn - separated by a narrow band of grassy moorland, surrounded by bare ridges and sky.

It's a proper hike, mind you. The path from Dolgellau winds uphill for roughly ninety minutes, gaining height steadily through rough grassland and loose stone. Not technical, but it's genuinely steep in sections and the weather turns quickly up here. On a clear day the reward is substantial - the lakes sit in a natural amphitheatre with views stretching toward the coast. On a grey day it feels lunar and slightly austere, which some visitors will find brilliant and others will find a bit bleak.

Walkers and photographers get the most from it. The water itself is cold and shallow, so not great for swimming. Families with decent-aged kids (eight-plus) can manage it, though younger children will find the slog tedious. Allow a full morning or early afternoon, especially if you're not a fast walker.

It's free and always open - there's no visitor centre or facilities, so bring water and proper boots. The nearest base is Dolgellau itself. If you're camping in the area, Torrent Walk Campsite sits five-and-a-bit miles away and makes a solid staging point. This works perfectly as a mid-holiday walk break, rather than an all-day mission.