Nethermoor Lake

The water at Nethermoor Lake sits dark and still, hemmed in by woodland that makes the whole place feel properly removed from Sheffield's sprawl just a few miles away. It's a modest reservoir rather than a dramatic landscape feature - nothing that'll take your breath away - but that's rather the point. This is where locals come to walk the perimeter path, cast a line if you're into fishing, or simply sit with a flask and watch the birds work the water.

The walk itself takes about an hour if you don't hang about, with decent paths that don't demand fell boots or serious fitness. Families with primary-school kids manage it fine, though there's nothing flashy to hold their attention - no playground, no café, no visitor centre. What you get instead is quiet. Real, genuine quiet.

Fishing types should check the current regulations and permits before turning up - the lake is managed for angling and not every stretch is open to casual visitors. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when you might actually spot something wildlife-wise rather than just the usual ducks and geese.

If you're based at Rother Valley Country Park just up the road - genuinely excellent, that one - Nethermoor makes a decent second outing on a lazy afternoon. It's the sort of place that works best if you're not expecting much. Go in with big ambitions and you'll leave disappointed. Go to escape for an hour, and you've nailed it.