lakes
Wimbleball Lake, Somerset: What to see and do
From boating and biking to walking, birding and camping out beneath the starry night sky, this Exmoor lake has something for everyone
Arrochar to Tarbet walk, Scotland
A beautiful 5-mile circular walk from the north end of Loch Long to the western shores of mighty Loch Lomond in Scotland.
Walk: Howtown to Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria
Board a historic steamer before walking one of Wainwright’s most-loved paths in the Lake District National Park.
Walk: Rydal and Grasmere, Cumbria
On this six-mile walk in Wordsworth country, the Lake District's autumn hues rival those of New England
Llangorse Lake, Powys
Roam the shores of South Wales’ largest natural lake where birds gather in their thousands.
Walk: Linacre Reservoirs, Derbyshire
A few miles south of Sheffield, this waterside walk through spectacular wetlands is perfect for wildlife lovers.
Wild swimming in Britain: water safety and how to get started
Dive into our essential guide to wild swimming with our pick of the best places to swim in the UK, water safety and tips on how to get started.
Day out: Llyn Cwm Llwch, Powys
Climb to the summit of South Wales’ highest peak and cool off in the deep, dark waters of its neighbouring llyn
Walk: Loch Lomond, Scotland
Step into a springtime paradise at this tranquil RSPB reserve
Walk: Greenlee Lough, Northumberland
Lying to the north of the Great Whin Sill, and easily visible from Hadrian’s Wall, Greenlee Lough is the largest natural lake in Northumberland
Walk: Ennerdale and Haystacks, Cumbria
Ennerdale is the most remote valley in the Lake District and one of the National Park’s best-kept secrets – follow this lakeside route to the summit of Haystacks
Day out: Lough Navar Forest Drive, County Fermanagh
The heady scent of pine resin and wildflowers is a constant companion on this springtime
drive through Northern Ireland’s south-western hills
Day out: Easedale Tarn, Cumbria
From one of the Lake District’s favourite villages, saunter into the nearby low fells to an al-fresco dining spot with few equals
Day out: Rutland Water, Rutland
This horseshoe-shaped lake midway between Leicester and Peterborough is a birder’s idyll – explore the water world on foot or bike
Walk: The Loe, Cornwall
Cornwall’s largest natural lake runs deep with history and legend, but it’s the diversity of the trails that trace the banks of The Loe and the richness of its wildlife that make it such a special place
Day out: Loch Maree, Highland
The most scenic loch in all of Scotland has to be seen in its full glory on a hot August day
Day out: Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire
The opening of North Staffordshire Railway brought this placid lake to the attention of the exuberant Victorians. It’s quieter these days but the nostalgia remains
Podcast: a spring walk to explore the dark history of Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons
Take a walk around a stunning lake in the Brecon Beacons and discover the truth about the strange creature said to lurk in its depths in the BBC Countryfile Magazine podcast
Walk: Stronachlachar, Loch Katrine, Stirlingshire
Sheltered among deep-green forest and the peaks of the Highlands is The Pier Café – the perfect waterside retreat for coffee and cake after a ramble through the hills
Swimming back to nature
Carys Matthews on finding sense of freedom swimming outdoors
Llanberis Lake Railway, Snowdonia National Park
Enjoy the delights of a narrow-gauge steam railway in a magnificent setting of mountains and lakes