Scarva Lough

A shallow, reedy lake just outside Markethill, Scarva Lough is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - which is precisely why it works. The water's murky enough that you can't see the bottom, the margins thick with rushes and sedge, and on a decent day the reflections are genuinely striking. It's popular with birdwatchers and fishermen, both of whom seem perfectly content to spend hours here without fuss.

This isn't a destination in itself. But if you're camped at Tepee Valley Campsite nearby, it's a lovely twenty-minute walk to clear your head between sessions on the grass. The lough rewards patience - hang about for half an hour at dawn or dusk and you'll spot wildfowl, wading birds, the odd heron. Children will get bored after ten minutes unless they're genuinely into wildlife. Families wanting a quick leg-stretch with a bit of nature watching will find it satisfying enough.

There's a rough track around parts of it, though nothing formal or maintained. Free to access, open whenever you fancy. The ground can be boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters. It's that characterful, slightly unkempt corner of the countryside that doesn't need a café or visitor centre to justify its existence. Go if you're in the area hunting for quiet. Skip it if you're after manicured lakeside walks or amenities.