Marian Mawr

The walk up to Marian Mawr starts gentle enough, but the steeper you climb from Dolgellau, the more you understand why this nature reserve sits at 600 metres. You're chasing waterfalls and moorland in equal measure - proper upland Wales, with the kind of views that make you understand why people move here and never leave.

It's a reserve that rewards walkers more than casual strollers. The route takes you through oak woodland first, then opens onto moorland where the water starts doing interesting things - cascades, pools, the works. Allow two to three hours minimum if you want to do it justice. Spring and early summer are best, when the water's still running well and the vegetation hasn't completely taken over the paths.

History types will find fragments of old slate workings and evidence of industrial Wales tucked into the landscape. It's not dramatic, but it's there if you know what you're looking for. Families with older kids (say, eight upwards) who don't mind a proper hike will do fine here. Younger children will struggle with the gradient and muddy stretches.

Free to access, as far as anyone knows - it's not formally managed with gates and admission fees. Your best bet is camping at Coed y Brenin Forest Camp, four miles away, which has the infrastructure you'll need and proper facilities. From there, Marian Mawr becomes a brilliant afternoon expedition rather than a full day commitment.