Spade Mill Reservoir No.1

Water and moorland meet at this Lancashire reservoir just half a mile from Beacon Fell View Holiday Park - proper handy if you're based there with the caravan. Spade Mill Reservoir No.1 is a working water supply, so don't expect theme park facilities, but that's rather the point. You get a genuine slice of moorland life without the crowds.

The walk around the perimeter is straightforward enough, taking in views across the water to open countryside beyond. Locals use it for walking and the occasional spot of fishing if you've got a license. The moorland setting means it can feel exposed and windswept, which some find bracing and others find a bit bleak - depends on the weather and your mood, really.

This isn't the place to linger for hours. You're looking at thirty minutes to an hour for a circuit, more if you stop to properly appreciate the quiet. Families with young kids might find it a bit sparse - there's no café, no playground, no interpretive boards. Walkers and those after genuine Lancashire countryside will find it worth the trip, particularly if you're staying at one of the parks nearby.

Free to visit, naturally. Best tackled on a dry day when you can actually see where you're going. The moorland gets boggy quickly after rain, so proper boots are essential rather than optional. Preston's close enough if you need supplies or a wet-weather backup plan.