A beautiful lake to visit when in north Wales and somewhere we've been several times. It's four…read moremiles long and one mile wide (the largest lake in Wales in fact) and near to the little town of Bala which is close to its northern end. It's a great lake for watersports of all kinds and kayaks and yachts can be hired locally. It's also a protected wildlife site; there are many species of fish which live in the depths of the lake, including a fish called a gwyniad which is no longer found anywhere else in the UK! The Bala Lake Railway is a narrow gauge steam railway which travels around the eastern banks of the lake. The primary station is at Llanuwchllyn at the southern end and the trip takes about an hour. A marvellous area for walking too.

These six Elan Lakes are altogether around 7 miles long and the whole area is great for walkers…read more Each reservoir has a different character - my own favourite being Penygarreg as it is surrounded more by trees than moorland, and is particularly beautiful. The stone dams and their valve towers are very picturesque. You can see why this area is called the 'Lake District of Wales'!

In the hills of Happy Valley (real name) and along the ridgeline to Aberdyfi lies the Bearded Lake…read more It's not particularly beardy, though if you choose to swim in it's dark blue waters your legs will no doubt be brushed by lots of vegetation. It's an unexpected thing and a nice place to stop if you're doing the whole day's walk along the mountains to the beach at lovely Aberdyfi. If you're driving, there is a car park next to the narrow road through the valley.

I love coming here and have walked on both sides of the estuary, up on the side of one of the…read moremountains and along the connecting road/rail bridge between Barmouth and Fairbourne. There are wonderful views wherever you are. On the south side the footpath takes you through Abergwynant Woods and there is an RSPB Nature Reserve nearby. Well worth a visit, particularly if you like walking or cycling.

Parked by the railway just outside Fairbourne and walked across the estuary toll bridge to…read morebarmouth. 70p fee but lovely views. Will do this again.