Nant-y-moch Reservoir

The drive up to Nant-y-moch Reservoir takes you deep into the Ceredigion hills, well inland from Aberystwyth. Once you've wound your way up there, you're faced with a proper mountain lake - the sort of place that reminds you Wales knows how to do drama. The reservoir itself is a working water supply, so there's no swimming, but the walk around it (or parts of it) gives you that genuine wilderness feeling without needing to trek for hours.

It's worth the drive if you're based at one of the nearby campsites like Aber Camping or Tyn Ffordd Fach - gives you something to do beyond the seaside routine. The views across the water toward the surrounding peaks are the real draw here. Photography types will find decent light, especially early morning, and families with older kids who don't mind a bit of effort on their legs will get a sense of real Welsh countryside rather than the tourist trail.

Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're going to walk any distance. The site is free to visit - there's a small car park, and you can do as little or as much as you fancy. Avoid midweek if you want solitude; weekends bring out the local walkers. Weather matters here - low cloud rolls in quickly, and in rain it's less appealing. Go when it's clear and you'll understand why people make the effort.