Whitaside Tarn

You'll find Whiteside Tarn tucked into the Pennine landscape a short drive from Richmond, North Yorkshire - a proper little mountain lake that rewards the effort to get there. The walk in is straightforward enough, taking you through open moorland with views that just keep improving the higher you climb. Once you reach the tarn itself, the water sits in this natural bowl surrounded by fell sides, with a real sense of isolation despite being accessible from a market town.

It's the kind of place that appeals most to walkers and photographers rather than casual tourists. The lake itself isn't huge, and you won't find facilities or cafes, but that's rather the point. Spend an hour exploring the shoreline, scrambling up the nearby fell if you're feeling energetic, or just sitting quietly watching the light change across the water. Families with older children will manage fine; anyone expecting an easy afternoon stroll might find it a bit steep for what it is.

Coming out here works brilliantly if you're staying at Usha Gap Farm or Cherish Glamping, both within five miles. You can make it part of a wider day exploring the Richmond area - combine it with a morning in town, then head up to the tarn in the afternoon when the light's better. Allow three to four hours return from the car park, depending on how much time you spend at the water's edge. Free to visit, naturally, as it's just moorland and open fell.