Top 12 Lakes around Upper Teviotdale And Borthwick Water

Visitors often enjoy Alemoor Loch, known for its fishing and stargazing opportunities. St Mary's Loch, the largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders, is also very popular for its scenic beauty and various activities. Williestruther Loch offers a pleasant walking path and fishing, while Lindean Loch is a beautiful nature reserve known for wild swimming.

Alemoor Loch is a popular spot for coarse fishing, with pike, perch, and roach. St Mary's Loch also offers fishing for brown trout, pike, perch, and eels. Williestruther Loch is managed by Hawick Angling Club and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout for bank-only fishing.

Yes, Lindean Loch is a lovely spot for wild swimming, though it's requested to swim only from the old boathouse due to its nature reserve status. Alemoor Loch also offers opportunities for swimming in a quiet setting.

Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities at Alemoor Loch. However, at Lindean Loch, due to its status as a nature reserve, paddleboarding and kayaking are generally not recommended.

Yes, there are several options. St Mary's Loch is excellent for walking, with the Southern Upland Way passing along its shores. Williestruther Loch has a developed walking path with boardwalks and picnic benches. Headshaw Loch also features a well-established path around the lake.

Beyond watersports and lake walks, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes like the Borders Abbeys Way: Hawick Loop, or more challenging routes such as the Teviot Stone loop. For cycling, options include the Robertson Cycle Route or longer tours like the Ettrickbridge and Selkirk loop. Explore more routes on the hiking and cycling guide pages.

Many lakes in the area are suitable for families. Alemoor Loch is listed as family-friendly, as is Leahead Loch, which has a bench to enjoy the view. Headshaw Loch also offers a quiet, accessible path for a family stroll.

The lakes are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. At Alemoor Loch, you might spot ospreys. St Mary's Loch is known for its stunning reflections and wildlife like curlews, golden plovers, and lapwings. Girnwood Loch, within Craik Forest, is surrounded by purple heather in summer, and Headshaw Loch is nestled between wind-swept moorlands and plantations.

Yes, St Mary's Loch has significant historical connections, including an old arched bridge leading to Tibbie Shiel's Inn, frequented by poet James Hogg, and potential links to William Wallace. Alemoor Loch has local folklore tales of a 'water-cow' or kelpie, and chimney pots from a submerged farmhouse can sometimes be seen when water levels are low.

Visitors appreciate the tranquil beauty and diverse activities offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the quiet settings for fishing, stargazing, or simply relaxing. The stunning scenery, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and well-maintained walking paths are frequently highlighted. The historical context of places like St Mary's Loch also adds to the appeal.

Yes, Ruberslaw Covert Pond offers pleasant, expansive views of the surrounding countryside, including the town of Hawick, from its elevated location. Alemoor Loch also provides beautiful views, especially from the causeway.

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Summer is ideal for enjoying watersports and seeing heather in bloom around places like Girnwood Loch. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with vibrant foliage. Winter can offer serene, quiet landscapes, especially around St Mary's Loch, though some facilities might have reduced hours.