Fernworthy Reservoir

The reservoir sits in proper moorland terrain about twenty minutes south of Exeter, surrounded by the kind of landscape that makes you wonder why you didn't head out this way sooner. Fernworthy is a working water supply, so it's not going to have the manicured feel of a leisure lake, but that's rather the point. The walk around it takes roughly forty minutes at a leisurely pace, and the path itself is straightforward enough for families without being boring.

What you actually get is a chance to watch water and sky do their thing against open moorland. On a clear day the light hits differently out here than it does in town. The reservoir attracts birdwatchers and fishermen - the latter by permit - and there's something calming about the way the water reflects the Devon sky rather than demanding your attention.

Walkers will find this genuinely worthwhile, especially if you're based at Woodland Springs Touring Park nearby. It's the sort of place that works as a proper walk if the weather's decent, not a box-ticking exercise. Don't come expecting dramatic scenery or facilities - there's a car park and that's your lot. But if you want an hour or two away from things with nothing forced about it, this delivers. Free to visit, and you can do it in trainers without drama. The surrounding moorland is worth exploring too if you've got the legs for it.