Nantgwyllt Church

The ruins of Nantgwyllt Church sit on a hillside above the Elan Valley, about two miles south of Rhayader, and they're genuinely worth the trek if you're staying in the area. What you're looking at is a 12th-century church that was partially dismantled in the 1890s when the valley flooded to create a reservoir - the Victorians essentially drowned the village to quench Birmingham's thirst for water. The church walls still stand, weathered and austere, and there's something rather moving about finding it up there among the sheep and bracken.

It's a walker's thing, really. The approach involves a proper hike - not gruelling, but you need decent boots and an hour to spare each way depending on your pace. Families with young children might find it frustrating; there's no car park at the site and the path can be muddy. But for anyone interested in industrial history, Welsh archaeology, or just a bit of solitude with some excellent views across the reservoirs, it's absolutely worth doing.

Entry is free, naturally - there's nothing to pay. If you're camped at Elan Oaks or The Pines just down the valley, this makes a perfect half-day outing to break up the site. The Elan Valley itself is glorious for walking, and Nantgwyllt adds a layer of melancholy history to what's otherwise a thoroughly scenic spot. Go in autumn or spring when the light's good and the crowds are minimal.