The best cycling routes around Gladhouse Reservoir

There are over 30 touring cycling routes available around Gladhouse Reservoir, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options to explore the area's beautiful landscapes.

The routes around Gladhouse Reservoir feature a diverse terrain, including picturesque rolling hills and ascents into the Moorfoot Hills for panoramic views. You'll encounter a mix of smooth tarmac lanes and unpaved tracks, offering varied cycling experiences. Many paths also provide open water views of the reservoir itself.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. These often feature smooth, quiet roads directly around the reservoir, which are described as having virtually no cars. An example is the Gladhouse Reservoir – Gladhouse Reservoir loop from Gladhouse Reservoir, an easy 11.2 km path with gentle ascents and open water views.

Gladhouse Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Ramsar site, making it a haven for wildlife. You might spot nesting ospreys on its islands, large flocks of wintering pink-footed geese, and other birds like mallards, tufted ducks, teal, and grebes. The area also boasts scenic woodlands and lush greenery, particularly vibrant in spring and autumn.

Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, routes extend into the surrounding Moorfoot Hills, offering significant elevation gains and expansive views. A difficult option is the Elibank Craig Road – Rolling Hills Road loop from Gorebridge, which covers over 80 km and includes substantial climbing.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This is ideal for exploring the reservoir and its surroundings without retracing your steps. For instance, the Gladhouse Reservoir loop from Gorebridge is a moderate 29.7 km circular trail.

Some cycling routes can be combined with visits to cultural highlights. The ruins of the 16th-century Hirendean Castle are nearby, and the famous Rosslyn Chapel, dating back to the mid-15th century and known for inspiring 'The Da Vinci Code,' is also within reach for longer rides.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful rural escape, the smooth and quiet roads around the reservoir, and the stunning open water views combined with the backdrop of the rolling Moorfoot Hills.

The Gladhouse Reservoir area is particularly vibrant with lush greenery in spring when wildflowers bloom, and in autumn with colorful foliage. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for touring cycling. While accessible year-round, checking local weather conditions is always advisable, especially during winter months.

Yes, some routes offer connections to other scenic areas. For example, the challenging Loganlea Reservoir – Threipmuir Reservoir loop from Rosewell is a longer route that takes you past multiple reservoirs, providing a diverse touring experience through the wider region.

Routes vary significantly to suit different preferences. Easy loops around the reservoir can be as short as 8 km, taking about 30-40 minutes. Moderate routes might be around 30 km, taking a couple of hours, while difficult excursions can extend to over 80 km, requiring several hours to complete.