Blea Tarn Reservoir viewing point

The viewing platform at Blea Tarn Reservoir sits high enough to give you proper perspective on the water below - a dark, clean sheet of it that reflects the fell sides on calm days. You're looking at the main water supply for Lancaster and the surrounding area, which sounds utilitarian until you actually stand there and realise how quietly beautiful it all is.

It's a short walk from the car park, nothing strenuous, and the path is well-maintained. The reservoir itself was dammed back in the 1870s, so there's a bit of Victorian engineering prowess on display if you're into that sort of thing. Most visitors spend twenty minutes here - long enough to take in the view, snap a photo or two, maybe have a sit on the benches if the wind isn't coming off the fells at full force.

Walkers heading towards the higher moorland often stop here as a warm-up point. It's not a destination that'll occupy your afternoon, but it works brilliantly as a break during a longer route around the Lancaster area. The drive from Moss Wood Caravan Park takes roughly half an hour, making it an easy add-on to a holiday in the region.

Go mid-morning if you want to avoid any weekend foot traffic. The light's better then too, and the water tends to be calmer. Bring a windproof - the exposure up here means the breeze can catch you off guard.