Marton Pool

The water at Marton Pool sits completely still on most days, reflecting the Powys hills like a dark mirror. It's a proper working reservoir rather than a beauty spot engineered for tourists, which is precisely why it's worth the drive from Shrewsbury.

You can walk the perimeter - takes about forty minutes at a leisurely pace - and spot mallards, herons, and if you're lucky, cormorants diving. The walking is flat and undemanding, making it fine for families with younger kids, though honestly there's not much to do once you've completed the circuit. Photography types will find it compelling in low light, especially on overcast afternoons when the water turns gunmetal grey.

Fishing is allowed here with a permit, which tells you this is more functional than decorative. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching. Don't expect cafes or facilities - you'll want to sort yourself out in Shrewsbury beforehand.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Severn Caravan Resort Park is closest at just over four miles - Marton Pool makes a decent half-day outing. It breaks up a holiday nicely without demanding much planning. The walk won't exhaust anyone, and the quiet does grow on you. Worth an afternoon if you're in the area and fancy something low-key, though it's not the sort of place that justifies a special journey on its own.