Blackmoorfoot reservoir

The walk around Blackmoorfoot Reservoir is one of those activities that creeps up on you - you arrive thinking you'll kill twenty minutes, and suddenly three hours have passed. Tucked just outside Holmfirth in West Yorkshire, this modest but proper lovely stretch of water offers something the Peak District's busier spots can't quite manage: actual peace and quiet.

The circuit is roughly three miles, give or take, and genuinely suitable for anyone who can manage a gentle country walk. Families will find it manageable, though younger kids might flag on the way back if they've burned off steam already. The water itself sits in moorland that feels properly remote despite being minutes from civilisation. Birdwatchers get excited here - you'll spot Canada geese, mallards, and if you're lucky, grebes. On a clear day the views across to higher ground are decent without being dramatic.

It's free to access, and there's parking at the reservoir itself. Early morning or late afternoon is when it shines - midday can get a bit busy with dog walkers, but that's hardly a complaint. Allow two to three hours if you're dawdling and taking photos. The path is well-maintained and mostly level, though sections can be boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters.

If you're staying at Secret Valley Escapes or Holme Valley Camping just down the road, this works brilliantly as a half-day outing. It's the sort of walk that doesn't Instagram brilliantly but absolutely makes you feel like you've had a proper day out.