Harlaw reservoir

Water stretches out flat and grey under Scottish sky, ringed by birch and pine - this is Harlaw Reservoir, a proper working water supply that's become something of a magnet for birdwatchers and walkers heading west from Edinburgh. The reserve sits just beyond Newbridge, far enough out that you feel properly removed from the city sprawl yet close enough for a half-day trip.

It's not dramatic or showy. There's no visitor centre, no café, no facilities to speak of. What you get instead is a decent circuit walk around the shoreline - takes about an hour without rushing - where you might spot great crested grebes, tufted ducks, and if you're lucky, some of the osprey that pass through on migration. Binoculars essential; camera highly recommended.

This is squarely for walkers and twitchers rather than families looking for entertainment. Young kids will find it a bit long and samey unless they're genuinely into spotting birds. The paths are well enough maintained but can get boggy after rain, so proper boots worth the effort.

Stay at Linwater Caravan Park five miles south and you've got a solid base for exploring this corner of the Lowlands - mix the reservoir walk with a trip to Blackness Castle or the Union Canal, and you've got a decent couple of days sorted. Free to access, open year-round. Autumn and spring bring the best migration activity if you're keen on that sort of thing.