Marsh's Pool

You'll find Marsh's Pool sitting quietly in the hills above Llanidloes, a modest reservoir that catches walkers and locals off guard with how peaceful it is. The water reflects whatever sky you've brought with you - grey drizzle one day, proper blue the next - and there's something about its stillness that makes you want to stay longer than you'd planned.

It's not a dramatic destination. No facilities to speak of, no tea shop, no visitor centre with gift shop merchandise. What you get instead is an easy walk through proper Welsh countryside, the kind of place where you might see red kites circling overhead if you're lucky. The pool works best as part of a wider ramble through the Llanidloes area rather than a destination unto itself - slot it into a day that includes exploring the town's quirky independent shops and riverside walks.

Families with young kids might find half an hour here enough before heading elsewhere. But if you're into walking or wildlife photography, there's enough quiet to make it worthwhile. The surrounding moorland opens up as you gain height, and on a clear day the views stretch well beyond the water itself.

Stay at one of the nearby camping spots - Ty Llewelyn is closest at just over a mile away, while Red Kite Touring Park and Dol-Llys Farm offer more space if you're bringing the full setup. Free to visit, no restrictions I'm aware of, though common sense applies about muddy tracks and Welsh weather. Best in late spring or early autumn when the crowds thin out and the light does something special.