Inchgarth Reservoir

The water sits perfectly still most days, reflecting the grey Scottish sky like a sheet of slate. Inchgarth Reservoir, just outside Cults in Aberdeenshire, isn't a flashy attraction - no visitor centre, no cafe, no faffing about. What you get is a proper working water supply and a genuinely peaceful spot for a walk.

The reservoir itself is the draw here. There's a decent path around it, and the walking is straightforward without being boring. The surrounding landscape is typical Deeside - gentle rolling terrain with enough trees to break up the view without making you feel hemmed in. On a clear day you can see across the water properly; on a grey one (which is most of them) it's got a moody, reflective quality that somehow works in its favour.

Walkers will get the most out of this. Families with young kids might find forty minutes to an hour enough before restlessness sets in. History enthusiasts won't find much to grip onto here - it's functional rather than significant. Birdwatchers occasionally report decent sightings, though you'll need patience and binoculars.

It's free, accessible year-round, and makes a sensible add-on if you're staying at Deeside Holiday Park, only 3.5 miles south. The walk clears your head without demanding much effort, which is precisely what a reservoir should do. Nothing fancy. Just water, sky, and the occasional duck.