Easy hikes and walks around West Water Reservoir

There are 13 easy hiking trails around West Water Reservoir, offering a variety of routes through upland moorland, rolling hills, and tranquil reservoir shorelines. The komoot community has highly rated these routes, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For a shorter, pleasant walk, consider the Catwalk Den Wood – Olde Toll Tea House loop from West Linton, which is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) and leads through Catwalk Den Wood. It's a great option for a gentle outing.

Yes, the trails around West Water Reservoir are generally dog-friendly. However, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) known for its diverse wildlife, especially birds, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect ground-nesting birds and other animals.

Many of the easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the popular Mount Maw Summit – Baddinsgill Reservoir loop from Pentland Hills, which is 3.4 miles (5.4 km) and offers views towards Mount Maw.

The easy hikes offer views of vast upland moorland, rolling hills, and the tranquil reservoir shorelines. The area is a significant habitat for wildlife, including large numbers of pink-footed geese in winter. You can enjoy open vistas and undulating terrain, characteristic of the Pentland Hills Regional Park.

While specific parking locations for each trail vary, many routes around West Water Reservoir, especially those starting from nearby villages like West Linton, will have accessible parking options. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking.

The area can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush landscapes and longer daylight hours, while autumn brings beautiful colors. Winter walks can be stunning, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and colder weather. The reservoir is a vital winter roost for pink-footed geese, making it a great time for birdwatching.

Yes, nearby villages like West Linton offer amenities. For example, the The Gordon Arms Hotel – Catwalk Den Wood loop from West Linton starts near The Gordon Arms Hotel, and the Catwalk Den Wood – Olde Toll Tea House loop from West Linton is close to the Olde Toll Tea House, providing options for refreshments before or after your hike.

Yes, if you're looking for a trail with a waterfall, consider the View of Rural Landscape – Waterfall and Old Mill loop from Carlops. This easy 6.2 km route also passes by an old mill, offering a scenic and interesting walk.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 70 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil reservoir shorelines, the open vistas of the Pentland Hills, and the opportunity to experience the diverse natural landscape and wildlife, especially the bird populations.

While the primary focus is natural beauty, the area has archaeological significance. The creation of the reservoir exposed an Early Bronze Age cist cemetery. Although not directly on every trail, the historical context adds another layer of interest to the region's landscape.

The easy trails generally feature undulating terrain with paths through upland moorland, along reservoir shorelines, and sometimes through woodlands. While considered easy, some paths may involve gentle ascents and descents, characteristic of the rolling hills within the Pentland Hills Regional Park.