Bottoms Reservoir

The water stretches out grey-green under a proper Midlands sky, and you immediately understand why people trek out here from Macclesfield and beyond. Bottoms Reservoir is the sort of place that rewards a quiet morning walk more than it demands one - no crowds, no gift shop, just a working reservoir that's been part of the landscape since Victorian times.

Walking the perimeter takes a couple of hours at a sensible pace, and the path is straightforward enough. You get decent views across the water, especially from the eastern bank where the landscape opens up a bit. It's not dramatic - you won't find yourself gasping at vistas - but there's something calming about it. Birdwatchers get genuinely excited here. If you're into that sort of thing, bring binoculars and time.

Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming after the first thirty minutes unless someone's keen on spotting ducks. Walkers heading out from one of the nearby parks - Kisswood Cabins is just under four miles away, or Avona Escapes if you're bringing the bikes - will find this a solid morning activity rather than a full-day destination.

There's free access and no formal opening hours to speak of, which is refreshing. Go early if you can, especially on weekends. It's the kind of place that's genuinely lovely when you've got it mostly to yourself, a bit soulless when it's rammed with weekend joggers.