Nant Hir Reservoir

The water sits quite still here, hemmed in by steep woodland that rises up on both sides. Nant Hir Reservoir isn't the sort of place you stumble upon by accident - you have to want to find it, tucked away in the Powys hills between Neath and nowhere much in particular.

It's a working reservoir, so don't expect facilities or a visitor centre. What you get instead is peace and some decent walking around the shoreline, with paths that wind through trees and open out to views across the water. The surrounding landscape is properly wild - all bracken and rocky outcrops. On a clear day the reflections are worth the drive alone.

This works best for walkers and photographers rather than families with young kids. There's nowhere to eat, nowhere to swim, and the appeal is entirely about the walk and the landscape. Allow two to three hours if you're doing a proper circuit. Winter's actually better than summer here - fewer midges, clearer views, and the low light does something nice to the water.

Nearby Four Falls Glamping makes a solid base if you're keen on reservoir walks. You could pair this with other spots in the area for a proper Mid Wales trip, though I'd be honest - Nant Hir is more about solitude than spectacle. The journey from Neath takes about forty minutes, which feels further than it actually is on these narrow roads.