Gormire Lake

The water sits perfectly still most days, reflecting the steep wooded slopes like dark glass. Gormire Lake, tucked into a valley near York, is one of those places that surprises you with how remote it feels despite being a proper short walk from civilisation.

It's a glacial lake, formed thousands of years ago, and honestly it has an almost eerie quality - the surrounding cliffs are sheer and densely forested, which means light doesn't hit the water quite like you'd expect. The walk around the perimeter takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. You'll do a mix of woodland paths and open stretches, and the whole thing is reasonably well-trodden without being rammed.

Families with older kids will get on fine here. Younger ones might find it a bit samey after twenty minutes, and the walk back up from the water can feel steep if you've got small legs in tow. It's not a swimming spot despite how inviting the water looks - the depth is dodgy and it's cold year-round.

Walkers and photographers absolutely should make the trip. The light in late afternoon transforms the whole scene. Come in autumn or early spring when the crowds thin out and the reflections are best.

It's free and open year-round. Allow a couple of hours if you're stopping to soak it in. From Hillside Caravan Park or The Hideaway at Baxby Manor - both cracking bases near York - it's less than ten minutes' drive. Worth the detour if you're walking-focused; skip it if you're after somewhere to paddle.