Lake Bala
In whitewater destinations such as Slovenia, they pray to the weather gods for sufficient meltwater for rapids. In Lake Bala, mid-Wales, they cheat. A dam release on the Tryweryn river guarantees grade 3-4 rapids for every visitor to the National White Water Centre. It may sound hairy-chested, but it’s great family fun: either two hours’ guided rough ’n’ tumble or a rafting safari – a bobble down the lower Tryweryn, a swirl through ancient woodland, then bara brith and a cuppa in handsome Bala town. If that makes Lake Bala sound a throwback to traditional jolly hols, well, it is – elsewhere, there’s cycling and steam-train rides. Rafting costs from £90pp. Stay in Dolgellau at the Slate Shed (doubles B&B from £80) or opt for glamping in a yurt on the attached campsite, from £80, at Graig Wen.