Cowgill Upper Reservoir

The drive up to Cowgill Upper Reservoir winds through South Lanarkshire moorland that gets progressively quieter and more remote. You're basically in the middle of nowhere by the time you arrive - which is entirely the point. This is a proper upland water supply, not some manicured visitor attraction, so don't expect facilities or crowds or anywhere to buy a coffee.

What you get instead is genuine solitude and surprisingly good birdwatching. The reservoir itself is fairly substantial, ringed by heather moorland and rough grazing land. On a clear day the light across the water is excellent for photography. The surrounding hills offer straightforward walking if you're prepared for boggy ground and variable weather - it changes fast up here.

Families with young kids might find it underwhelming after twenty minutes unless they're keen on birds or water. Walkers and nature types will spend a couple of hours happily enough. There's no admission charge because it's essentially just a Scottish Water asset with public access. You'll need a car to get here from Biggar - it's not a casual stroll into town.

If you're based at Mount View Caravan Park nearby, this works as a half-day outing to break up a quieter holiday. Pair it with a walk on the Clyde Valley trails or a proper town visit to Lanark itself. Don't come expecting drama or facilities. Come for the silence and the sky.