Castle Carrock Reservoir

Castle Carrock Reservoir sits about four miles south of Carlisle, a proper working water body that's been there since the 1900s. It's not one of those flashy tourist attractions with visitor centres and tea shops - it's just a decent stretch of water surrounded by moorland and forestry, the kind of place locals know about but outsiders often miss.

The main draw is the walk around it. A circuit of roughly three miles takes you past coniferous woodland on one side and open fell on the other, with decent views across the lake itself. The path is well-trodden but not crowded, which is the appeal really. Bird watchers come here regularly - ospreys have been spotted in recent years if you time it right. The water is calm most days, which means photographers get that mirror-like reflection business if the light cooperates.

This is better suited to walkers and anyone after some low-key countryside time rather than families after a full day's entertainment. Kids might manage the circuit depending on their age, but there's not much else to do once you've done the lap. Allow two hours minimum, longer if you're stopping to look at things properly.

It's free to visit - just turn up and park near the dam. Spring and early autumn work best, when the weather's settled and the midges haven't properly arrived. Several caravan and glamping spots sit within five miles of here - Eden Valley Glamping and Englethwaite Hall are close enough to make it a morning walk between the cafe and returning to site. Worth combining with walks around Hadrian's Wall country, which isn't far north.