Bowden Close RAPS I

The water here is surprisingly calm, which catches you off guard if you're coming from the bleaker moorland around Bishop Auckland. Bowden Close RAPS is a modest reservoir that's become something of a local favourite for walkers and fishing types, though it won't set your Instagram on fire.

It's the sort of place where you notice things - the way light hits the water on a clear morning, how the banks have been left to grow wild in places. There's a walking path that loops the perimeter, nothing strenuous, and you'll spot the odd heron if you're patient. The reservoir serves a practical purpose - water management for the area - but it's evolved into a decent spot to break up a moorland walk or bring a packed lunch.

Families won't be disappointed, though small kids might exhaust the novelty within an hour or so. Serious walkers will appreciate it as part of a larger route rather than a destination in itself. If you're based at Bradley Burn Caravan Park just five miles away, it's absolutely worth the short drive - a proper way to stretch your legs without committing to a full day's hiking.

There's a car park, which is helpful. Access appears to be free, though facilities are sparse - this isn't a manicured leisure lake with cafes and facilities. It's refreshingly unpretentious, which is either its greatest charm or its biggest drawback, depending on what you're after.