Lower Talley Lake

Lower Talley Lake sits in proper rural Carmarthenshire, a quiet water surrounded by the kind of rolling Welsh countryside that makes you understand why people move here and never leave. The lake itself is modest - not dramatic, not Instagram-famous - but that's rather the point. You get decent views across the water, some woodland to the sides, and the kind of peace that's increasingly hard to find.

It's fundamentally a walker's spot. The terrain around it is accessible enough that families with older kids won't struggle, though younger ones might find it a bit tame after twenty minutes. The real draw is the walk itself rather than facilities at the lake - don't expect cafes or visitor centres. Bring a picnic, bring proper shoes, and go when the light's good. Early morning or late afternoon works better than midday.

Nearby Rhydarwen is tiny, so you're really basing yourself at one of the camping or glamping spots dotted around - Erwain Escapes and Glynmarch Farm are both close by. This is genuinely useful for a quieter break rather than a full holiday centrepiece. Combine it with walks in the Brecon Beacons to the north, or the Cothi Valley if you fancy slightly more dramatic scenery. Free to visit, no time limits - just turn up and go. Worth a morning or afternoon if you're in the area, but don't expect it to anchor a week-long trip on its own.