Bowden Close RAPS II

Water and woodland collide at Bowden Close RAPS II, a modest lake sitting quietly in the Durham countryside a few miles from Bishop Auckland. It's the sort of place that doesn't announce itself, which is rather the point - you get real tranquility here without the tour bus crowds.

The lake itself is small but genuine, fringed with trees and backed by open moorland that shifts colour with the seasons. There's decent walking around the perimeter if you fancy stretching your legs, and the whole setup has a proper working-landscape feel to it - this isn't a manicured attraction, it's a functioning water resource that happens to be rather pleasant.

This works well for walkers more than anyone else. Birdwatchers might find something of interest depending on the season, and families won't find it tedious as a quick stop between other activities, though it's not somewhere that'll occupy kids for hours. The real appeal is for people who want a straightforward walk without the Pennine climb - you can knock out a couple of miles, breathe some fresh air, and move on to the likes of Bradley Burn Caravan Park sits five miles away if you're based locally.

Access details are thin on the ground, so ring ahead or check locally in Bishop Auckland before you head out. It's free to visit as far as we can gather, which is always welcome. Best visited on a clear day when you can see across the water to the hills beyond - misty mornings here feel properly atmospheric, though visibility obviously takes a hit.