Roscobie Reservoir

The water sits there, proper still on a calm day, reflecting the sky back at you like a mirror that's gone slightly grey. Roscobie Reservoir, just outside Kinross, is one of those places you stumble upon rather than plan for - a working water supply that the locals seem to have kept largely to themselves.

What you're doing here is straightforward: walking round the perimeter, spotting whatever birds have bothered to show up, maybe bringing a flask if you're that way inclined. It's not dramatic scenery - no mountains, no drama - but there's something calming about it. The banks are accessible enough, though you'll want decent shoes because it can get muddy after rain. Walkers and birdwatchers will get the most from it; families with young kids might find it a bit samey after half an hour.

You can walk most of the circuit in about an hour at a comfortable pace, longer if you're stopping to identify every bloody waterfowl. There's no admission charge that I'm aware of, and no visitor centre nonsense to slow you down. It's free and straightforward.

If you're staying at Fossoway Cabins nearby - which is excellent for a quiet break - this fits in nicely as a morning walk before heading into Kinross proper for lunch. It's the sort of place that works well as a break between proper sightseeing, not something you'd travel miles specifically to see. Reliable, pleasant, forgettable in the best way.