Locker Tarn

The walk to Locker Tarn is the sort of thing that makes you remember why you came to North Yorkshire in the first place. You're looking at a moorland pool tucked into the Pennines, reached on foot from the high country above Leyburn - it's not the kind of place you stumble upon by accident. The water sits dark and still, proper moorland tarn, with rough grass and heather running right up to the edge. On a clear day you get views that stretch across the valley; on a misty afternoon it feels genuinely remote.

It's a walker's destination, full stop. The approach demands proper boots and an hour or so of your time, so don't bring the toddlers expecting an easy stroll. But if you're comfortable on open moorland and want something honest - no crowds, no cafe, no visitor centre - this delivers. The tarn itself is small enough that you're done in twenty minutes or so, but the route is the thing. Locals hike it, photographers hunt for light across the water, and on weekends you'll share it with perhaps half a dozen others if you're unlucky.

If you're staying at Cherish Glamping nearby, this is a cracking morning walk before heading back for a late breakfast. Spring and early summer are best - the ground dries out and the light hangs longer. Winter is grim without proper kit. Free to access, of course. The Yorkshire moors don't charge entry.