Colliford lake reservoir

The water's proper still when you arrive at Colliford, especially early morning. This reservoir sits high on Bodmin Moor and does the job as both a working water supply and a surprisingly good nature reserve - the kind of place where you'll spot herons picking through the shallows and buzzards circling overhead.

It's a straightforward walk around the perimeter, nothing too taxing, though the wind can pick up something fierce out here. The views across the water to the moorland beyond are genuinely worth the trip, and the whole area feels properly remote despite being accessible from Bodmin in under twenty minutes. The reservoir attracts serious birdwatchers - winter brings visiting grebes and divers if you know what you're looking for.

Families will manage the walk fine, though young kids might find it a bit samey after the first lap. It's the kind of place walkers and naturalists come to breathe rather than to do anything specific. No facilities to speak of, so bring everything with you.

If you're staying at Camp De Lank nearby, this makes a solid half-day outing that breaks up the moor nicely. The light's best in late afternoon when the water catches gold and the moorland turns amber. Admission's free and you can show up whenever - though honestly, you'll want decent weather for this one. Rain and Colliford together feel rather bleak.