North Pond

The water at North Pond sits dark and still, ringed by Aberdeenshire moorland that stretches on without fuss. It's a proper working landscape rather than a manicured attraction - no visitor centre, no gift shop, just a body of water that's been there doing its thing while the rest of us got on with life.

What draws people here is straightforward: it's a decent spot for a walk, especially if you're based around Forfar and fancy getting out of town for an hour or so. The surrounding moorland offers decent walking routes, and on a clear day the light across the water is genuinely worth a photograph. Birdwatchers tend to find it worthwhile too - the pond attracts various waterfowl depending on season.

There's no admission charge and no formal facilities to speak of, which is either brilliant or annoying depending on how you feel about unmanicured natural spaces. Families with younger kids might find it a bit sparse after 20 minutes unless they're the type who enjoy poking about in long grass. For walkers wanting a peaceful moorland loop, it's undeniably good.

If you're staying at Greenhillock Glamping nearby, North Pond makes a natural half-day excursion - close enough for a relaxed morning or afternoon, far enough from the caravan park to feel like proper countryside. The Highland light does something special to water like this, and on a quieter weekday you'll likely have the place to yourself.