Spring is on the way, the clocks go forward this weekend and nature is in bloom.
It is the perfect time for a day in the great outdoors- and in Greater Manchester we are blessed with a huge choice of lakes under a two hour drive from the region.
Strap on the walking boots, pack a picnic and find tranquility at these 18 hidden lakes - all well worth the journey from home.
1. Hatchmere Lake
Hatchmere Lake, in Delamere Forest, Frodsham takes just under an hour to get to in a car from Greater Manchester.
The lake is popular with swimmers and is often listed as one of the top places in the UK for wild swimming.
Angling is also permitted, with Bream, Tench, Pike, Roach and Carp present in the water.
2. Lake Vyrnwy
This lake is technically a reservoir, created back in the 1880s to supply fresh water to Liverpool.
In Powys, Wales, around two hours from Greater Manchester via the M56, it's surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, a 12 mile cycle patch and picturesque walking routes.
3. Bala Lake
Nestling in southern Snowdonia, it takes around two hours to get to Bala from Manchester, again via the '56.
Surrounded by mountains, it's nearly four miles long and 140ft deep in some places, making it the largest natural lake in Wales.
4. Llyn Crafnant
This lake is found in a valley near the Carneddau mountains and the edge of the Gwydir Forest,
And takes about two hours and a quarter to get to from Manchester, via the M56 and A55.
Llyn Crafnant is a good option for those wanting to avoid the higher reaches of Snowdonia, but offers some breathtaking views.
5. Llyn Geirionydd
Llyn Geirionydd, neighbours Llyn Crafnant, near Betws y Coed. Almost a mile long and covering an area of 45 acres, it is the only one in Snowdonia where power boats and water skiing are permitted.
6. Llyn Cwm Idwal
Llyn Cwm Idwal can only be found on foot, but isn't too far from Bangor.
It lies at the bottom of Cwm Idwal, a hanging valley located in the Glyderau mountain range, and has a pebble beach, often used for bathing in summer.
7. Llyn Caseg-fraith, Snowdonia
You are well into the wilds of northern Snowdonia here.
It is about a 15 minute drive away from the nearest accommodation - The Caseg Frait Hut.
This remote lake is popular with wild campers and requires some hiking ability to reach it.
8. Llyn Bodgynydd, Llanrhychwyn
Llyn Bodgynydd is located in the Gwydir Forest in North Wales.
In Conwy, it covers an area of 14 acres.
The lake is locally known as 'Llyn Bod' or 'Bod Mawr' to distinguish it from a smaller lake nearby.
9. Gaddings Dam
Gaddings Dam, on the outskirts of Todmorden, West Yorkshire, is just under an hour's drive from Manchester city centre - and has a beach.
You can get there via the M60 and M66, or via Rochdale.
It is 355 metres above sea level, making it the highest beach in the UK.
Swimmers are advised to stay near the walls and diving is banned due to rocks under the water.
Bring your walking boots as it is a steep trek up the hill from the road, while the footpath can be muddy and slippery.
10. Higher Swineshaw
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir is the highest reservoir in a series of four, just above the Brushes valley above Stalybridge.
It only takes 40 minute drive to get there from Manchester city centre and is located not far from Glossop.
The reservoir is a popular walking route and there are stunning views on clear, crisp days.
11. Chew Reservoir
It takes just under 50 minutes to get to Chew Reservoir, in Oldham's corner of the Peak District.
The reservoir is connected to the larger Dovestone Reservoir and is a three mile walk from its car park.
It is a bit of a climb, but from the high points there are stunning views of Saddleworth moors and hills.
12. Castleshaw
Another lake located in Greater Manchester - Castleshaw Reservoir takes just under 40 minutes to get to via the A62.
The woodland walk with a waterfall and ancient hidden castle just an hour's drive from Manchester
There are two reservoirs, known as Upper and Lower, which are surrounded by Pennine Scenery.
Park up at the Castleshaw centre car park in Delph and follow the walking path for a circular route around the water.
13. Readycon
Readycon Dean Reservoir, also in Delph, is just a 38 minute drive from Manchester centre.
The reservoir dates back to 1876, when it was built to supply the growing industrial town of Oldham with water.
Visitors can admire stone walls, earthworks and other architectural features of the former site.
14. Green Withens
This reservoir is located in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorks, and takes just over 30 minutes to get to via the M62.
It is popular with watersports fans, with rowers often seen on the lake.
15. Lumb Falls
Lumb Falls, located just north of Hebden Bridge, takes just over an hour to get to.
It's a stunning spot for wild swimming, paddling and picnicking.
Local swimmers have partially dammed up the stream to ensure the water maintains a decent depth.
16. Gorple Upper Reservoir
This man-made lake takes just one hour to get to from Manchester city centre via the M66.
It is just a few miles north of Hebden Bridge. Walkers will be treated to spectacular views of the hills and water.
17. Widdop Reservoir
Widdop is less than ten miles north of Hebden Bridge and takes an hour to get to from Manchester city centre.
The reservoir is nestled in the Widdop Valley, with moorland and rocking crags surrounding the water.
It's free to park in the car park located off Ridehalgh Lane.
18. Walshaw Dean Reservoirs
These three reservoirs are also located near to Hebden Bridge and take just over an hour to get to from Manchester city centre.
Nearby is Top Withins, a ruined farmhouse near Haworth, which is thought to be the inspiration behind Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
The reservoirs' catchments are dominated by peatland habitats and drain into the Calder Valley.
Things to do with the kids in and around Manchester: An A-Z of family days out
