The Lochan

The Lochan sits just outside Moffat, a small dark water that catches you by surprise after the rolling hills around it. It's not dramatic - no alpine peaks or Instagram-famous vistas - but there's something properly calming about it. The walk from town takes about twenty minutes, and you'll find yourself among moorland with the water reflecting whatever sky you've got that day.

This is a spot for people who like their landscape quiet. Families with young kids might manage the easy approach path, though there's not much to do once you're there beyond a bit of paddling or a picnic. Walkers heading into the Southern Uplands will appreciate it as a water break. History buffs won't find much - it's nature rather than heritage - but that's rather the point.

Free to visit, naturally. Allow an hour if you're popping over from Moffat town centre, longer if you're combining it with a wider walk. Spring and early summer are best when the water's full and the moorland's starting to green up. Winter gets bleak here.

If you're staying at Moffat Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Riverside Holiday Park, this works well as a morning outing before heading to the bigger attractions further afield. It's the sort of place that fills a gap nicely rather than anchoring a whole day, but that's not a criticism - sometimes quiet is exactly what you're after.