Greendale Tarn

The tarn sits in a proper little bowl of fell, about twenty minutes' walk from Holmrook if you know where you're heading. It's not vast - more of a moody mountain pool than a sprawling lake - but that's rather the point. The water's dark and still on calm days, reflecting the slopes around it with an almost eerie clarity.

You'll want to allow a couple of hours if you're doing the walk in from the village and back. The path's straightforward enough, though it's uphill both ways if you're unlucky with the terrain. Fell walkers get the most from it - it's a decent objective rather than a casual stroll, and the sense of isolation once you're up there makes it feel miles from anywhere, even though Holmrook's just down the valley.

Families with older kids will manage fine, but it's not a destination for toddlers or anyone after a lakeside cafe experience. There's nothing commercial up there, which is exactly why it works. Bring a packed lunch if you're planning to linger.

If you're based at Fisherground Campsite - a solid spot about four miles away - this makes a natural half-day excursion. The tarn's free to visit, naturally, and there are no restrictions on access. The best light's usually late morning or late afternoon when the angles catch the water properly. Winter visits are stark and beautiful if you don't mind the cold.