Llyn Blaenmelindwr

The walk to Llyn Blaenmelindwr takes you properly inland from Aberystwyth, up into the moorland that rolls away from the coast. It's a modest lake, the kind of place that doesn't announce itself - you'll find locals fishing here rather than crowds of tourists, which tells you something about its appeal.

Getting there demands a bit of effort. The path climbs steadily through the valleys above the town, and you're looking at a solid walk of forty minutes to an hour depending on fitness. That's the point, really. This isn't a drive-up-and-snap kind of destination. The reward is a proper wild-feeling space where the water reflects the moorland sky, and you can actually hear yourself think.

It suits walkers and hikers far more than casual visitors. Anglers get real value out of it. If you're staying at one of the nearby sites - Aber Camping and Forester's Retreat Glamping are both within two miles - it makes a good half-day outing to break up the holiday routine. Kids will either love the adventure of the walk or complain the whole way up; be honest about which type yours are before committing.

There's nothing flashy here. No café, no visitor centre, no facilities worth mentioning. What you get is solitude and decent views across the valley. On a clear day, it's worth the climb. On a drizzly Welsh afternoon - which is half the year - you'll question your life choices. Both reactions are fair.