Best time to go
For swimming, choose a warm day and expect the water to feel cold and become deep quickly. Early morning is the quietest bet for a calm picnic and softer reflections. Late afternoon can put warmer light on the ridges and water, while cloudier weather brings more even colour across the reservoir. Weekends and holiday periods are more likely to feel busy, so arrive early if you want the easiest choice of picnic space.

Parkwolf’s verdict
























