Camphill Reservoir

The water here sits dark and still, surrounded by moorland that feels genuinely remote despite being only a handful of miles from Lochwinnoch. Camphill Reservoir isn't dramatic - no sheer cliffs or picture-postcard drama - but it's the kind of place that quietly rewards a walk.

You can circuit most of it on foot, following rough paths that wind round the shoreline. The walk takes a couple of hours at a decent pace, longer if you stop to look at birds, which you probably will. Herons work these shallows regularly, and the water draws everything from greylag geese to the odd osprey if you're lucky in summer. The paths aren't manicured - expect mud after rain and proper waterproof boots rather than trainers.

Families with young kids might find it a bit too undeveloped for a full morning out, though teenagers who actually want to walk rather than be entertained will get something from it. This is genuinely free and open access, no visitor centre nonsense, which is either brilliant or a bit sparse depending on your mood.

It works well as a half-day break when you're staying at The Pods at Auchenhean, just down the road - give yourself a couple of hours and do the circuit without rushing. Best in late spring or early autumn when the light's good and you won't be eaten alive by midges. Winter's fine too if the weather's behaving.