Massive lake I like going with my dog to watch the boats and people trying to sail lol and round it…read moreis a near by woods were I can take my dog for a walk and at the end of the woods there a canal were you can have a seat and watch the barges go by

Just 20 minutes by train from Manchester and around 30 minutes from Leeds - sandwiched in the…read morePennines is the glorious Dovestones. Most people walk around the 1st reservoir and enjoy the stroll. You can however walk around as many as 4 reservoirs in total and increase the challenge. If your particularly fit or an experienced Walker then walk to the tops and enjoy some fantastic views. The place changes every day with the weather, and lots of different routes to take so you won't get bored. Always wear good shoes/boots and take your waterproofs just in case. There is ample parking on weekdays, but very busy at weekends.

Our mission to go for at least one walk in the great outdoors each month of 2016 continues - at…read moreDove Stone Reservoir up in the hills of Saddleworth. Hoping lots of folks would have been put off by the cold weather and fallen snow, our group were met by total carmageddon at the official car park (which was full on a Sunday lunchtime and proved difficult to find a space). After a couple of circuits without success, we drove back to the main road, up the hill a few hundred yards and found plenty of room at the Binn Green car park. It's supposed to be pay and display but there were no machines - double winner. We took a stepped path down from this car park (it's a tad muddy in winter so choose appropriate footwear) and then eventually met the main paved/gravelled route around the reservoir. It's pretty flat all the way and there are gorgeous views to be had, so lots of photo opportunities. The shorter circular route is about 3 miles, whereas if you include the route past Yeoman Hey and Greenfield Reservoirs this increases to 5 miles. We were getting hungry by this point so decided to just do the former!

Fantastic marina based in Cheshire buying and selling new and used narrowboats. Friendly and…read moreexperienced staff. Wonderful mooring facilities. well worth a visit if you are interested in boating.

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre is a fantastic new development near Crosby beach. It has replaced…read morethe pretty mediocre sports centre previously situated at Crosby Marina. Lakeside has retained the marine lake to perform numerous wet sports activities such as canoeing and yachting, kayaking, wind surfing and raft building. There are now lots of dry activities also available: cycling climbing and orienteering and a well appointed fitness suite. Lakeside welcome disabled and special needs visitors and people of all abilities. The facilities here are undeniably good and quite unique to the area; an invitaion for tourists and a great boost for the local economy. There is on site accommodation at "Lakeside Lodge", 14 en suite bedrooms with all guest requirements; even more incentive to visti from further afield. The dining facilities at "Lakeside Bistro" make for perfect after sports sustenance or an evening out. enjoy apertifs with sea views from the roof top terrace, or have breakfast overlooking the yachts sailing on the marina.

Nestled between the impressive houses overlooking Crosby's waterfront and the beach itself, the…read moreLakeside Activity Centre is a stones throw away from the cranes and industry of the Port of Liverpool. It looks a fairly new addition to Crosby beach, perhaps cashing in on the success of Antony Gormley's 'Another Place'. On a hot Tuesday we decided to head for the Lakeside Bistro (within the activity centre) for a cold drink and a bite to eat. The décor is modern and clean and the food is extremely well priced, we got two meals and two drinks for less than £7! I had no complaints about the bistro or its service, some of the other diners may have been less content. At one point the kitchen was temporarily closed so it could deal with a back log of orders and the large queue of hungry beach goers looked decidedly put out. The bistro looks out onto its stunning surroundings and also onto the fantastic children's play area, from which my fiancée had to hold me back.

Lyme view marina is a lovely place to have a walk around.. It is predominantly for narrow boats but…read morethere is also a cafe (which is currently being refurbished) here. I only came here due to my job but I will definitely be back in the future to explore further along the tow path which apparently links up to Lyme Park.

Picture-esque views beautifully expected here with good access to the nearby towns Prestbury and…read morePoynton. Local shops are available all around this area to stock up and also easy access to the Peak District just a stone's throw away offering a good number of cycle rides and walks. Definitely a place to stop at if enjoying the waterways and to enjoy the nearby towns. For those who don't own a canal boat, this is still a good place to walk around peacefully and enjoy the bustle of a marina.

Of all the places to have Liverpool's answer to the swanky yacht and sailing clubs featured in The…read moreOC, tiny village Hightown is probably the last place you would expect. As it happens, the sailing club here isn't quite as posh as the ones you see on TV that evidently do actually exist in Orange County, with this cosy little club placing more emphasis on drinking and community spirit than on any escapades on catamarans. Inside the club, the main room features a small bar that is stocked with draught and bottled beers, as well as a modest selection of wines and spirits and walls that are adorned with photos of past members as well as various picturesque scenes from the area. Those who visit generally all know one another (Hightown is so small that it's impossible not to know who everyone is and what they're up to) and generally they do like you to be a member (I was lucky enough to visit with my girlfriend's family) but if you fancy popping in for a pre-Sunday roast pint then the people there would definitely be more than welcoming. Blundellsands Sailing Club might sound very grand, but in reality it is just a lovely little clubhouse filled with friendly people and staff.