Kennick Reservoir

The water at Kennick sits perfectly still on most mornings, which makes the walk around it proper worthwhile. It's a working reservoir rather than a beauty spot designed for tourists, but that's precisely why it works - you get the sense you've found something real rather than another manicured attraction.

The walk takes you through moorland that opens up to views across the water, and you're genuinely in Dartmoor territory here despite being only a few miles from Newton Abbot. A full circuit takes around an hour, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to watch the light change on the surface. It's a walkers' spot, straightforward, no drama - the kind of place where you'll see locals with dogs rather than coach parties.

Bring proper footwear. The paths are well-trodden but muddy after rain, and there's a decent bit of exposed moorland where the wind can catch you off-guard. Swimming isn't permitted - it's a water supply - but the fishing community uses it regularly, which tells you something about the quality.

If you're staying at Oakmoor or Sunsets & Marshmallows, both within five miles, this makes an excellent half-day excursion that doesn't require much planning. It's free to walk around, though parking facilities are basic. Go early to avoid what little traffic builds up on weekends. Not a destination in itself, but a genuinely good use of a morning if you're based in the area.