Knights Pool

The water at Knights Pool sits dark and still, ringed by woodland that feels properly remote despite being just outside Macclesfield. It's a glacial lake - formed thousands of years ago - and one of those places that rewards the walk in because it's never rammed with day-trippers.

You're looking at a quiet spot for swimming if the weather's decent, though it's not a managed lido. Walkers get the most from it. The footpaths around the perimeter are straightforward enough, and you can stretch a visit into two hours without feeling rushed. The woodland changes character depending on the season - autumn especially makes it worth the detour.

Historically it's interesting for water sports enthusiasts, but these days it's really about the walk and the atmosphere. Bring binoculars if you're into birds. The pool itself doesn't have facilities to speak of, so come prepared.

If you're based at Kisswood Cabins or Avona Escapes nearby, Knights Pool makes a solid half-day outing. It works well combined with other moorland walks in the area rather than as a destination on its own. The water is cold even in summer, so unless you're genuinely keen on swimming, plan for a walk and a sit-down rather than expecting to spend hours there. It's the kind of place that stays with you more for its quietness than for anything dramatic it offers.