Top 12 Lakes around Bonnyrigg / Lasswade

The most popular lakes for outdoor activities are primarily found in the surrounding Pentland Hills. Glencorse Reservoir is highly regarded for its picturesque setting and scenic walks. Torduff Reservoir and nearby Clubbiedean Reservoir are popular for their network of bike routes and tranquil environment.

Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. Glencorse Reservoir offers easy-underfoot terrain along its northern shore, suitable for family walks. Torduff Reservoir is also family-friendly, offering a more intimate natural experience. Additionally, Dunsapie Loch in Holyrood Park is a small, artificial loch known for its abundant swans, geese, and ducks, making it a pleasant spot for families.

The lakes around Bonnyrigg / Lasswade, particularly the reservoirs in the Pentland Hills, offer stunning natural scenery. You'll find picturesque water bodies nestled within rolling hills, surrounded by vegetation and rocky outcrops. Areas like Glencorse Reservoir provide expansive views across the water and the surrounding landscape, while Dunsapie Loch is known for its birdlife, including swans, geese, and ducks.

Yes, Glencorse Reservoir has a rich history, constructed between 1820 and 1824 to supply water to local mills and Edinburgh. It continues to serve as a significant water supply today. The reservoir is held back by an impressive earth dam, 77 feet (23.5 meters) high. Dunsapie Loch was also created at the initiative of Prince Albert in 1844.

Absolutely. The area around Torduff Reservoir and Clubbiedean Reservoir is particularly known for its good network of bike routes, allowing you to explore the scenic Pentland Hills. For more cycling options, you can explore the various routes listed in the Cycling around Bonnyrigg / Lasswade guide or the MTB Trails around Bonnyrigg / Lasswade guide.

Yes, the lakes offer excellent opportunities for walking and hiking. The northern shore of Glencorse Reservoir features an access road that provides easy, underfoot terrain for walks. The Pentland Hills, where many of these reservoirs are located, are crisscrossed with trails. You can find detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Bonnyrigg / Lasswade guide.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly stunning scenery with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer provides longer daylight hours for extended outdoor activities, while winter can offer crisp, clear views, though trails might be muddy or icy. Always check local conditions before your visit.

The trails vary in difficulty. For instance, the access road along the northern shore of Glencorse Reservoir offers easy, smooth terrain suitable for most fitness levels. Other routes in the Pentland Hills can range from easy to moderate, with some more challenging sections involving elevation. Many routes are designed to be accessible, as noted by visitors describing Torduff Reservoir as 'free and easy to any fitness level'.

Yes, parking is generally available near the popular reservoirs in the Pentland Hills. For example, visitors often access Glencorse Reservoir from the Flotterstone Inn, which typically has parking facilities. Specific parking details for other trailheads can often be found within individual route descriptions on Komoot.

While direct public transport to every specific trailhead might be limited, many areas in the Pentland Hills are accessible via bus routes from Edinburgh, which can get you close to the reservoirs. From Bonnyrigg or Lasswade, local bus services can connect you to these main routes. It's advisable to check current bus schedules and routes for the most up-to-date information.

Most trails around the lakes in the Pentland Hills are dog-friendly, making them great for walks with your canine companion. However, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock or wildlife, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Always carry bags to clean up after your dog.

Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The picturesque settings, especially around Glencorse Reservoir, are frequently highlighted. The network of walking and cycling routes, the sense of a 'secret of nature' at places like Torduff Reservoir, and the abundant wildlife at Dunsapie Loch are also highly appreciated.