Nant Las

The waterfall thunders down a narrow gorge just outside Dolgellau, and it's properly impressive after rain. Nant Las - which simply means "blue stream" in Welsh - isn't some polished tourist trap with gift shops and car parks. You have to work for it a bit, which is exactly why it's worth doing.

The walk down takes maybe twenty minutes through woodland, and you'll find yourself standing at the base of a craggy ravine where water crashes over dark rocks into a pool below. It's the kind of spot that photographs don't quite capture - there's a real sense of being tucked away in something untamed. The gorge sides are steep and the air tastes of moss and stone. Bring proper shoes, not trainers, because it gets slippery.

This is one for walkers and people who actually like walking to places, not those wanting a quick photo and a coffee. Kids who can manage a muddy path will find it exciting enough - there's water, rocks, and a genuine thrill to scrambling about. Those after an easy riverside stroll should look elsewhere.

If you're camping at Coed y Brenin Forest Camp just down the road, this makes a cracking half-day out. The bigger parks like Llwyn yr Helm are nearby too. Dolgellau itself has decent supplies and cafes. Go in autumn or after wet weather when the water's running properly - summer can be a trickle, and that rather spoils the whole point.