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Moffat And District

Top 15 Lakes around Moffat And District

Best lakes around Moffat And District are characterized by their diverse natural settings within the Scottish Borders. The region features a landscape of rolling hills, valleys, and historical significance, including remnants of the ancient Ettrick Forest. This area offers a variety of water bodies, from expansive natural lochs to man-made reservoirs, providing distinct outdoor experiences. The area is suitable for family friendly walks Moffat lakes.

Best lakes around Moffat And District

  • The most popular lakes is Loch Skeen, a high mountain loch. This loch is surrounded by mountains, with the Tail Burn flowing from it to the Grey Mare's Falls.
  • Another must-see spot is St Mary's Loch, a natural lake and viewpoint. This is the largest natural lake in the Scottish Borders, offering picturesque and peaceful hiking opportunities.
  • Visitors also love Loch of the Lowes, a viewpoint and dog friendly lake. This stretch of water is surrounded by rolling hills and offers lovely views, with benches along the shore path.
  • Moffat And District is known for natural lochs, high mountain lochs, and reservoirs. The region offers a variety of water bodies to see and explore, from expansive natural lakes to man-made features.
  • The lakes around Moffat And District are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 10 photos shared.

Last updated: May 4, 2026

St Mary's Loch

Highlight • Viewpoint

St Mary's Loch is set amidst the stunning scenery of the Yarrow Valley. The largest natural lake in the Scottish Borders, St Mary's edges the historic Ettrick Forest, a place where William Wallace—a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence—and his allies grouped before raiding English settlements nearby. These days, the loch is a very picturesque and peaceful place to hike around.

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Loch of the Lowes

Highlight • Viewpoint

Loch of the Lowes is a wonderfully-picturesque stretch of water surrounded by a ring of rolling hills. It is separated by a small stretch of land from its larger and more famous neighbour, St Mary’s Loch. You get a lovely view over the loch from this position and there is also a cafe nearby.

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Loch Skeen

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The Gray Mare's Tail leads to Loch Skeen. Very boggy up here. Waterproof shoes advantageous. Unfortunately there is no direct way around this lake.

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March Wood

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March Wood is a community woodland in the Yarrow Valley sitting on west the bank of St Mary’s loch and stretching along the fringe of Bowerhope Law and located along the Southern Upland Way. The woodland is shown on one of the earliest maps of Scotland, is situated where the old road from Selkirk to Moffat once was and may be a remnant of the ancient royal hunting ground – the Ettrick Forest.

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Daer Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Daer Reservoir is a stunning stretch of water nestled in the Lowther Hills. It was created after the damming of the Daer Water, a tributary of the River Clyde. The reservoir, which was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1956, supplies water to the Scottish Central Belt.

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Tips from the Community

Paulien / Outdoor Inspiratie
December 13, 2025, St Mary's Loch

In calm weather, the loch is a beautiful, mirror-like feature nestled between low hills. Swimming is potentially dangerous because the water level is regulated and cold undercurrents develop. On the shore is the basic but pleasant Tibbie Shiels Inn campsite. Across the road is a bikers' café where hikers are also welcome.

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Matt Cox
August 22, 2023, Loch Skeen

Can be pretty slippery around the Loch and path is narrow in places. Be careful in the dark.

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51m
April 23, 2023, Loch Skeen

Loch Skeen is a high mountain loch surrounded by mountains. The Tail Burn that feeds out of the loch pours over the Grey Mare's Falls down the valley. You can run a loop staying close to the loch shore or take to the mountains above.

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Yvonne
July 11, 2021, March Wood

March Wood is a community woodland in the Yarrow Valley sitting on west the bank of St Mary’s loch and stretching along the fringe of Bowerhope Law and located along the Southern Upland Way. The woodland is shown on one of the earliest maps of Scotland, is situated where the old road from Selkirk to Moffat once was and may be a remnant of the ancient royal hunting ground – the Ettrick Forest.

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Yvonne
July 11, 2021, St Mary's Loch

Set in a remote location half way along the Selkirk to Moffat road, St Mary's Loch ranks amongst the most attractive lochs in the Borders. Way marked paths enable walkers to make a complete circuit of the loch with only short sections on the road - a fine walk.

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Loch of the Lowes is a picturesque loch right next to St Mary's Loch in the Scottish Borders. The road is very popular with bikers in the summer, who often meet at the café. The café is a welcome treat as there is no other refreshments for miles.

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Good pathway steep ascent from car park but watch the small stones on decent. It was reasonably dry in early June

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Stunning views over the loch. Before and after the wooded section (you walk along the edge of the wood) there’s places to stop for a break.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly lakes around Moffat And District?

Yes, Loch of the Lowes is noted as family-friendly, offering lovely views and benches along its shore path. Additionally, March Wood, located near St Mary's Loch, is a community woodland with stunning views that is also family-friendly.

Which lakes are suitable for dog walking in the area?

Loch of the Lowes is a dog-friendly lake. When walking through fields with sheep, remember to keep your dog on a lead. Once past the initial sheep fields, there are sections where dogs can run off-lead for about 2km.

What kind of hiking opportunities are available near the lakes?

The Moffat And District area offers diverse hiking opportunities. You can find routes ranging from easy riverside loops to challenging mountain trails. For example, there are moderate hikes like the "Loch Skeen return via Grey Mare's Tail" and more difficult options such as the "Grey Mare's Tail and Loch Skeen Trail." You can explore more hiking routes in the region on the Hiking around Moffat And District guide.

Can I find circular walks around the lakes?

Yes, for instance, St Mary's Loch has waymarked paths that allow walkers to complete a full circuit of the loch, with only short sections requiring walking on the road.

Are there any cafes or places to eat near the lakes?

Yes, near Loch of the Lowes, there is a cafe nearby. Additionally, close to St Mary's Loch, you'll find a bikers' café across the road from the Tibbie Shiels Inn campsite, which also welcomes hikers.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Moffat And District?

The region's lakes offer beauty year-round. In calm weather, St Mary's Loch is particularly stunning, appearing mirror-like. Early June can offer reasonably dry conditions for walks, as noted for the ascent to Loch Skeen.

What should I wear for hiking around the lakes, especially in autumn or winter?

Given the potentially boggy conditions, especially around Loch Skeen, waterproof shoes are highly recommended. Layered clothing suitable for varying Scottish weather, including waterproof outer layers, would be advisable for autumn and winter visits.

Are there any historical sites or natural features of interest near the lakes?

Yes, St Mary's Loch edges the historic Ettrick Forest, a place associated with William Wallace. March Wood is also a remnant of this ancient royal hunting ground. Additionally, Loch Skeen is notable as the source of the Tail Burn, which flows over the impressive Grey Mare's Falls.

Can I go wild swimming in the lakes?

While the lakes are beautiful, swimming in St Mary's Loch is potentially dangerous due to regulated water levels and cold undercurrents. Always exercise caution and be aware of local conditions and safety advice if considering wild swimming.

What are some unique natural features to look out for?

The region features diverse natural settings. Loch Skeen is a high mountain loch surrounded by mountains, with the Tail Burn flowing from it to the Grey Mare's Falls. St Mary's Loch is the largest natural lake in the Scottish Borders, offering picturesque and peaceful scenery.

Are there cycling routes near the lakes?

Yes, the area provides various cycling routes. You can find moderate to difficult road cycling routes such as the "Megget Water loop from Moffat" or the "Loch of the Lowes – Yarrowford Scenic Road loop from Moffat." More details on cycling routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Moffat And District guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Moffat And District?

Visitors appreciate the picturesque and peaceful hiking opportunities, especially around St Mary's Loch. The stunning views over the lochs, such as those from Loch of the Lowes and March Wood, are also highly valued. The diverse natural settings, from high mountain lochs to man-made reservoirs like Daer Reservoir, provide a variety of outdoor experiences.

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