Barnes Loch

The water sits proper still most days, reflecting the rolling hills that surround it. Barnes Loch, near Hawick in the Scottish Borders, is a modest body of water that doesn't announce itself - you need to know where to look. It's the kind of place locals fish for trout and birdwatchers creep about with binoculars, scanning for grebes or the occasional osprey.

There's a walking path that loops round, manageable in an hour or so, and the landscape is open moorland - no crowds, no visitor centre, no souvenir shop. That's rather the appeal. Bring a flask, bring patience, and you might see something worth the drive. On grey days it's moody; on clear ones it's almost pretty, though "pretty" hardly captures the scale and emptiness of the Borders.

Families with young kids might find it a bit quiet after twenty minutes - there's nothing to do except walk and look. But if you're into fishing, wildlife, or just want a proper walk without tourist infrastructure, this works. The loch suits a half-day outing, easily paired with a visit to Hawick itself or as a break between longer explorations of the region.

If you're staying at Stouslie Snugs Luxury Farm Glamping nearby, it's a straightforward drive over. The Borders are all about space and solitude, and Barnes Loch delivers that in spades.