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.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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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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Can be pretty slippery around the Loch and path is narrow in places. Be careful in the dark.
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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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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