Blake Mere Mermaid Pool

The pool sits in moorland just outside Leek, and it's one of those places that stops you mid-walk. Blake Mere's claim to fame is the mermaid legend - supposedly a mermaid was spotted here centuries ago, which is exactly the sort of local folklore that makes the Peak District feel properly alive. What you actually get is a modest body of water surrounded by open moorland, the kind of spot that's lovely for a breather on a longer walk rather than a destination in itself.

Historically minded types will find the legend intriguing enough to seek it out. Walkers definitely get the most from it - it's a natural pause point on moorland rambles, and the views across the moor are proper decent. Kids might find the mermaid story engaging for ten minutes, then want to move on. The water itself is fairly unremarkable unless conditions are right and the light catches it well.

You can access it freely on foot from the moorland paths. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared for exposed Staffordshire moor - bring waterproofs even when the sky looks clear. Best visited as part of a wider walk rather than a solo trip. If you're camping at Blackshaw Moor or Leek's Caravan and Caravanning Club Site, it's close enough for a morning ramble. Worth the detour if you're already exploring the moors around Leek, but don't plan your whole holiday around it.