Nant Moel Reservoir

Water, mountains and a surprising sense of solitude - that's what Nant Moel Reservoir delivers in spades. This modest body of water sits high in the Powys hills, surrounded by the kind of moorland that makes you understand why people come to Mid Wales to escape. The walk around the reservoir itself is straightforward enough, though the terrain gets boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters.

You won't find theme parks or cafes here. What you get instead is clean air, occasional sightings of red grouse, and views that stretch across the valleys toward Neath. It's the sort of place that appeals to walkers who've already done the honeypot trails - people after something quieter. Families with energetic kids might find it a bit underwhelming after twenty minutes; there's not much to do once you've done the circuit.

Access appears to be free, though opening hours and facilities aren't guaranteed - best to ring ahead or check locally in Neath. Allow a couple of hours if you're walking the full perimeter, or just thirty minutes for a quick stroll. The reservoir works brilliantly as a half-day outing from Four Falls Glamping, which sits just four miles away. It's exactly the kind of unpretentious spot that makes sense when you're already staying in the area and want something low-key without the drive.