Pepper Arden Bottoms

The water at Pepper Arden Bottoms sits still and dark, reflecting whatever sky decides to show up that day. It's a proper lake, the kind you find tucked into North Yorkshire's folds, about a 20-minute drive from Richmond. Walkers love it here - the footpaths around the perimeter are straightforward without being dull, and you get the sense the place isn't mobbed with day-trippers. The lake itself is the draw, obviously. You won't find restaurants or facilities, but that's rather the point. Bring binoculars if you're keen on birdwatching; the water attracts decent numbers, especially in winter. Allow a couple of hours for a circuit walk, less if you're just having a poke about. Winter visits can be atmospheric, though muddy - proper boots required.

Families with older children will manage fine. Little ones might get restless after an hour without much going on beyond water and sky. It's the sort of place that appeals to people who want a walk without the crowds, or those documenting North Yorkshire's quieter corners. If you're staying at Kiplin Country Park, just three miles away, you could easily string together a day combining the two - the park has more facilities and structure, while Pepper Arden Bottoms offers silence. The lake isn't famous for a reason. That's its strength.