Best lakes around Parish Of Stow are primarily found in the Scottish Borders region, characterized by its rolling hills and tranquil water bodies. This area features several lochs and reservoirs, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. The landscape provides a blend of natural beauty and historical routes, making it suitable for exploration. It is a region known for its peaceful environment and scenic views.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
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Absolutely gorgeous reservoir, great to cycle by, or to stop and enjoy your ride-food while looking at the water.
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Gladhouse Reservoir is just a short drive from Edinburgh and just to the west of the Moorfoot Hills. This peaceful wildlife haven offers visitors great hiking and cycling opportunities. This back-lane road section is no exception. This is a good connecting section between the Gladhouse Plantation on the west side of the reservoir and Rosebery Reservoir a few miles to the north. The road goes past the northern wooded shores of Gladhouse Reservoir, around the bottom of the dam, where just after you turn left or north for Rosebery Reservoir. It is a scenic, tranquil section that is a delight for the eyes and soul.
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A small loch, wooded on its north shore and a great habitat for birdlife. Folklore records that the loch is home to a bogle in the shape of a 'water bull'.
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A very pretty loch between Faldonside and Upper Faldonside that you can enjoy from the track. This is just off the Borders Abbey Way trail, and you will be able to see Cauldshiels Hill in the distance from here (over the loch, to the south). A wonderful, blue-and-green space - just the way you like them!
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A very pleasant walk past these two lovely lochs. These have no names on OS Maps, so the name Byres Lochs is a tentative one after the settlement of Easter Housebyres just down the road from here. It's a lovely place to stop on the side of the track, too, and there are some trees to provide you with shade should you need it.
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East to West takes you up a short climb through the trees, which still has a good view of the reservoir below. Not the smoothest in places but other nearby roads make up for that.
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The most popular lakes and reservoirs in the Parish Of Stow area include Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section, known for its tranquil views and opportunities for hiking and cycling. Another favorite is Faldonside Loch, a very pretty loch just off the Borders Abbey Way trail, offering beautiful blue-and-green scenery.
Yes, several lakes in the Parish Of Stow area are suitable for families. Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section and Faldonside Loch are both highlighted as family-friendly. The area generally offers peaceful environments for walks and enjoying nature with children.
The lakes and reservoirs in Parish Of Stow are set amidst rolling hills and offer tranquil water bodies. You can expect scenic views, wooded shores, and diverse habitats for birdlife. For example, Caulshield Loch is known for its wooded north shore and rich birdlife.
The area around Parish Of Stow's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like those found in the Road Cycling Routes around Parish Of Stow guide, or explore gravel biking trails from the Gravel biking around Parish Of Stow guide. Hiking is also popular, with options available in the Hiking around Parish Of Stow guide.
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. For instance, Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section offers great hiking. You can find more detailed routes, including easy to difficult options, in the Hiking around Parish Of Stow guide, which features trails like the Chester Hill and Lauder Burn loop.
For excellent views, consider Rosebery Reservoir Rolling Road, which offers a good perspective of the reservoir below after a short climb through trees. The Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section also provides tranquil, scenic views along its northern wooded shores.
The lakes around Parish Of Stow, being in the Scottish Borders, offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and longer daylight hours for activities. Autumn brings vibrant colors, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, especially around the tranquil water bodies.
While specific dog-friendly policies for each loch are not detailed, the general nature of the Scottish Borders and its outdoor trails often welcomes dogs, especially on leads. Always be mindful of local signage, livestock, and wildlife when visiting with pets.
The Byres Lochs, though unnamed on OS Maps, are considered a very pleasant stop. They offer a lovely place to pause on the side of the track, with trees providing shade, making them a quiet discovery for visitors.
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful wildlife haven offered by places like Gladhouse Reservoir, enjoying the scenic, tranquil sections for cycling and hiking. The 'blue-and-green space' and views of hills from lochs like Faldonside are also highly valued for their natural beauty and serenity.
Information on fully accessible paths for all mobility levels is not explicitly detailed for every lake. However, many of the roads and tracks around the reservoirs, such as the Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section, are generally well-maintained and may offer easier walking or cycling surfaces.
While the Scottish Borders offer many opportunities for outdoor activities, specific regulations regarding wild swimming in each loch or reservoir are not provided. It is always advisable to check local guidelines and safety information before attempting wild swimming in any body of water.


Still not found your perfect lake around Parish Of Stow? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.