Montgomery Canal

The Montgomery Canal cuts through Mid Wales like a ribbon of calm water, and if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Derwen Mill or Bank Farm are just a couple of miles away - this is proper walking territory. Built in the 1790s to move slate and limestone, the canal fell into disrepair decades ago, but volunteer restoration work has brought long stretches back to life. You'll find sections between Welshpool and Newtown navigable again, with towpaths that are ideal for a gentle afternoon stroll.

What actually happens here is straightforward: you walk. The water's still, you get views across the Powys countryside, and if you time it right you might spot narrowboats or families messing about in canoes. It's not dramatic - no locks full of drama, no industrial heritage museums demanding half a day. But that's the point. Walkers and cyclists get the most from this, especially those who want a decent trail without the wear on their knees that moorland paths deliver.

The canal's free to access, and you can walk as much or as little as you fancy. Allow two to three hours for a solid stretch from Welshpool towards the aqueduct at Belan - that's where it gets interesting, with proper engineering on show. Autumn's your best bet, when the water's clear and the towpath isn't churned to mud. It fits well alongside the nearby Valley View or Severn Caravan parks if you're basing yourself in the area for a week. Not a must-do, but genuine value if you like quiet water and don't mind a straightforward walk.