Smeaton Lake

The water here is remarkably still, especially on a grey Scottish morning when the sky and surface merge into one. Smeaton Lake sits just inland from the Dunbar coast, a freshwater body that most visitors to East Lothian completely miss in their rush toward the seaside.

It's a proper place for a walk rather than a destination in itself - the shoreline path takes maybe forty minutes at a gentle pace, and it's the sort of spot where you might actually see birds rather than crowds of tourists. The landscape is quietly impressive: open moorland sloping down to the water, with views across to the Lammermuir Hills. On a clear day you can make out the Bass Rock from certain points.

Walkers will get the most from it, particularly those already staying at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park just down the road. Kids might enjoy it for half an hour or so, but there's not much to actually do - no café, no facilities, just water and space. That's rather the point. The walk is gentle enough for most ages, though the surface can be boggy after rain.

Timing-wise, late afternoon in spring or early autumn works best - the light's better and the midges less persistent. It's free to access, as far as anyone can tell, and you can combine it easily with a trip into Dunbar itself or a visit to one of the nearby coastal spots. Worth the detour if you're already in the area, but don't make a special journey.