Farmwood Pool

Farmwood Pool sits just outside Macclesfield, a proper working reservoir that's been there for donkey's years, now doing double duty as a spot for a quiet walk and a bit of wildlife watching. The water's cold and uninviting for swimming, but that's not really the point - it's the surrounding paths that draw people in, especially on weekends when Macclesfield residents fancy a breath of fresh air without driving far.

You'll find a mix of walkers here, from families with young kids who can manage the flatter sections to serious ramblers using it as part of a longer loop. The shoreline's pleasant enough, with trees and open water stretching out, and on a clear day you might spot a heron or a handful of waterfowl. There's something oddly calming about a reservoir - it's functional, unglamorous, but genuinely peaceful.

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a casual circuit, longer if you're the type to stop and sit. It's free to access, and there's parking nearby. Worth combining with a stay at Royal Vale Caravan Park or Woodlands Park - both within easy striking distance - as a gentle morning outing before heading elsewhere in the area. Not the most dramatic landscape in Cheshire, and I won't pretend otherwise, but if you're after a low-key walk with water views and decent odds of spotting birds, it delivers.