Cam Lough

The water here sits absolutely still most days, reflecting the sky like dark glass. Cam Lough is a modest freshwater lake in Mid Ulster, about three miles south of Cookstown, and it's the sort of place locals know better than visitors do. You won't find facilities or crowds - just a quiet spot for walking the shoreline, watching for waterfowl, or simply standing still for five minutes. The Sperrin Mountains rise up in the distance, which accounts for half the appeal.

It's proper cycling territory if you've got wheels. The water itself has a certain pull - peaceful rather than spectacular. Walkers and bird watchers get the most from it; families with young kids might find twenty minutes enough before moving on to something livelier. There's no visitor centre or cafe, so come prepared.

Don't make a special journey from elsewhere just for this. But if you're staying at Sperrinview Glamping or exploring the wider Mid Ulster area, it's a logical detour. The walk around the perimeter takes the best part of an hour depending on your pace and the state of the paths. Early morning or dusk brings out the wildlife - ducks, grebes, the occasional heron. It's the sort of lake that rewards the people who slow down rather than rush through.