Midhope Reservoir

The walk around Midhope Reservoir is a proper circuit, maybe an hour if you take it easy, and it's the kind of place that rewards you with water views without demanding much effort. You'll find yourself on decent paths that loop the shoreline, with moorland rising up beyond - it's not dramatic stuff, but it's got a quiet appeal that works especially well midweek when Sheffield day-trippers haven't clogged the car park.

Walkers will get the most out of this. It's not a destination for sitting on the grass with an ice cream - the weather up here shifts fast, and there's not really anywhere to laze about. But if you want a clear-headed walk with decent visibility across the water and no particular crowds, it delivers. The reservoir itself is functional rather than scenic, all concrete edges and working infrastructure, though that honest quality is part of its charm.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit thin on entertainment value. Once you've walked round, you've done it. Older children who enjoy proper walking will be fine with it.

There's no charge for access, and it's free parking. Go in the morning if you can - afternoon light flattens things here. If you're staying at Boots and Bubbles or Hoodlands Farm, both just under two miles away, this makes for a solid half-day activity to break up the week. Pair it with a drive down to Sheffield itself for something with more bite to it.