Glamping with hot tubs near Rhayader

Elan Village is at the beginning of the Elan Valley as you ascend from Rhayader and reach Caban Coch, the first of six dams creating the five vast reservoirs stretching away from here. One of the area's best campsites is just before the visitor centre, where deep valleys and lakes divide the bald hills. Fantastic hiking and biking trails thread it all together.

Easter through September is the busiest time for Rhayader camping. Outside of this season, many campsites and tourist facilities are closed due to the brunt of the year's bad weather. For the best weather and the fewest visitors, try pitching a tent in early spring or late summer. Even the warmest days rarely pass 20°C (68°F), while rain, strong winds, and below-freezing temperatures can arrive any time.

• On public transport, Rhayader is only accessible by bus, mainly from Llandrindod Wells and Aberystwyth.
• Rhayader is the only town with camping supply stores for a long way.
• Wales' official take on wild camping is that you must ask for landowner permission first. In practice, finding the landowner to ask can be tough. If you do camp, stay on moorland and out of cultivated land. Many areas, including Elan Valley Lakes, strictly prohibit wild camping.
• Shelter in the moorland around Rhayader is scant—come prepared with full, wet-weather gear.