Llanidloes

Timber-framed shops line the old market square, where cattle drovers once gathered before heading to English markets. Llanidloes sits in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, surrounded by brooding peaks and the brilliant blue waters of Llyn Clywedog reservoir.

This is proper hill walking country. Foel Fach and Maenhinon offer cracking views across mid-Wales, while the gentler slopes of Deildre Hill make for a lovely family ramble. The lake itself draws anglers and sailing enthusiasts - though the water stays bracingly cold even in summer.

Most visitors use Newtown as their base, about 15 miles southeast. But staying at one of the touring parks like Red Kite or Clywedog Riverside puts you right in the thick of it. You'll wake to mist rolling off the peaks and have the hiking trails practically on your doorstep.

Getting here means winding single-track roads through sheep country. The A470 from Rhayader is probably your best bet, though it's a bit of a trek from anywhere major. Worth it though - especially if you fancy proper solitude. Midweek, you might not see another soul on the fells.

Craig Cwm Tinwen viewpoint rewards the effort with sweeping vistas across the reservoir and surrounding peaks like Pen-Bwlch-Y-Groes and Golygfa Llyn Clywedog. Pack a thermos - the wind up there has a bite even in July.