Alder Lake

Alder Lake sits on the edge of Dartmoor, just outside Okehampton, and it's a proper working reservoir that's somehow managed to stay quiet while being genuinely lovely to walk around. The water's dark and reflective, ringed by conifers that give it an almost Scottish feel - you half expect to spot an osprey, though realistically you'll see mallards and the occasional heron instead.

It's a straightforward circuit walk, flat enough that families with younger kids won't hate you for suggesting it, but long enough that proper walkers won't feel short-changed. Takes about an hour to do the full loop without dawdling. The views are understated rather than dramatic - no Alpine peaks or turquoise water - but there's something calming about it that makes it worth the detour from Okehampton town centre.

Best visited mid-week if you can manage it. Weekends draw the car-park crowd, which rather defeats the point of coming out here. Bring binoculars if you're into birds, a packed lunch if you want to linger.

If you're staying at Wolf Wood Treehouses nearby, this is an easy morning out before heading back for afternoon activities. It slots nicely into a broader Dartmoor park holiday without demanding much time or energy. Free to visit, naturally - it's moorland and water, not a ticketed attraction. Just park sensibly near the access point and you're sorted.