Mawn Pool

Up in the Powys hills near Llandrindod Wells sits Mawn Pool, a proper little reservoir that catches most visitors off guard. The water's dark and still, ringed by moorland that feels genuinely remote - you won't find manicured banks or visitor centres here. It's the sort of place where you might see red kites overhead and hear nothing but wind and the occasional sheep.

The walk in matters as much as the pool itself. Parking's basic, and the path up is moorland rather than tamed woodland, which means waterproofs are a sensible shout even when the forecast looks fine. Allow a good hour each way if you're not a fast walker. The reward is solitude and that rare feeling of being properly away from it all.

Walkers will get the most from Mawn Pool. It's not a destination for sitting about - there's nowhere to do that comfortably - but as a walking objective it works brilliantly, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Fforest Fields or Great House Farm. Both are within five or six miles, making this an easy half-day loop. Families with older kids who can manage moorland terrain will enjoy it, though younger ones might find the walk tedious and the view underwhelming compared to flashier lakes.

Timing matters. Go on a clear day and the Brecons look dramatic in the distance. Go in drizzle and it's grey and a bit bleak. Free to visit, no facilities to speak of - bring your own water and snacks.