Daer Reservoir

Water stretches out across moorland near Moffat in a way that makes you forget you're still in the Lowlands - Daer Reservoir has that wild, open feeling you'd expect from somewhere much higher up. It's a proper working reservoir, so don't expect theme park infrastructure, but that's precisely why it works. The walk around the water is straightforward and scenic, with views across the hills and often enough wildlife to keep binoculars useful. On a clear day the light on the water is genuinely lovely, and the moorland colours shift through the seasons in ways that photographers actually bother turning up for.

Families will get a solid afternoon here rather than a full day - the walking's accessible but there's not much to do once you've done the loop, so restless kids might get bored after a couple of hours. Walkers and bird-watchers, though, will find it rewarding. The reservoir sits at reasonable elevation without being brutal, and the peace of the place is the real draw. There's a decent car park at the start, which is handy given the remote location.

If you're staying at Howslack Farm caravan site or basing yourself near Moffat, slot this in alongside the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall - they're close enough to do both in a day without rushing. Bring a packed lunch and give yourself at least two hours. It's free to visit, and you won't need to book anything. Best avoided on genuinely grim, wet days when the moorland just turns grey, but almost any other time it's worth the detour.