Chelmarsh Reservoir

The water at Chelmarsh stretches out proper calm on most days, reflecting the Shropshire sky like a mirror that's been left lying about. It's a reservoir, working hard away to supply water to the region, but the payoff for visitors is a peaceful loop walk around the perimeter that takes about an hour if you're ambling.

There's not much in the way of facilities - a car park, a bit of path, some decent views across the water. Walkers will appreciate the straightforward circuit, though it's hardly dramatic stuff. Birdwatchers seem to find their moment here, especially in winter when various ducks and wildfowl show up. Families with young legs might get restless after the first twenty minutes unless you make a whole afternoon of it with a picnic.

It sits just outside Bridgnorth, so it slots nicely between a visit to the town itself and a base at one of the nearby parks. Stanmore Hall and Bank Farm are both strongly rated and close enough that you could pop over to the reservoir for an hour without thinking twice about it. The whole area's got that gentle Shropshire character - not spectacular, but genuinely pleasant if you're after something low-key.

Best visited when the weather's settled. Rain turns it into a rather damp trudge. Free to visit, naturally - it's a public right of way around the water. Don't expect crowds or concessions; bring your own refreshment and reasonable shoes.