Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Lakes
United Kingdom
Scotland
Aberdeenshire

Carnoustie

Top 4 Lakes around Carnoustie

Best lakes around Carnoustie are found in the surrounding area, offering diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. While Carnoustie is known for its coastal bay, the nearby region features several notable freshwater bodies. These include man-made reservoirs and natural lochs, providing varied environments for visitors. The area's geography supports a range of habitats, from woodlands to wetlands.

Best lakes around Carnoustie

  • The most popular lakes is Morton Lochs Bird Hide, an other man-made structure that is part of three…

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Tayport Harbour

Highlight • Structure

Tayport has a lovely harbour on tha banks of the River Tay. It's a nice place to stop and watch the boats as they travel towards the River Eden. Tentsmuir Forest lies to the east of the harbour.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Morton Lochs Bird Hide

Highlight • Structure

Morton Lochs is part of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve (NNR) located near Tayport, in the north east of Fife, Scotland. It consists of three small lochs important for a variety …

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Crombie Loch

Highlight • Trail

You can choose between 4 different trails of different lengths in Crombie Country Park. Fantastic strolls through the forest are guaranteed!
My walk, following mostly the “Discovery Trail”, offers also …

Tip by

Save

Enjoy the little oasis that is Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve. The reserve is situated in the Trottick area of Dundee and is home to two small ponds that …

Tip by

Save

Monikie Reservoirs

Highlight • Lake

Monikie Country Park is a beautiful public space situated near Dundee in Scotland. The park features two large freshwater reservoirs and invites visitors to fish, sail, walk, and just generally enjoy this refreshing outdoor space.

Tip by

Save

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Carnoustie

Around the edge in 80 days — cycling the coastline of Britain

Road Cycling Routes around Carnoustie

Cycling around Carnoustie

MTB Trails around Carnoustie

Hiking around Carnoustie

Running Trails around Carnoustie

Gravel biking around Carnoustie

Other adventures around Carnoustie

Around the edge in 80 days — cycling the coastline of Britain

Cycling Collection by

Alice Baddeley

Tips from the Community

Chris Jones
August 11, 2025, Tayport Harbour

Try the harbour cafe, excellent cake and coffee. Open every day and run by volunteers.

0

0

Definitely a very nice waypoint on the cycle route that's worth a pause for that photo.

0

0

A worthy waypoint on a ride. Worth the wee detour off the main road for a photo opportunity and maybe take a somewhat scenic break for refreshments.

0

0

Enjoy the little oasis that is Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve. The reserve is situated in the Trottick area of Dundee and is home to two small ponds that were built almost 200 years ago. The reserve is home to some diverse wildlife including birds, frogs, swans, water voles and the wonderful otter.

2

0

Monikie Country Park is a beautiful public space situated near Dundee in Scotland. The park features two large freshwater reservoirs and invites visitors to fish, sail, walk, and just generally enjoy this refreshing outdoor space.

2

0

A good spot to watch the small boats coming in and out. Decent cafe and pub options too.

1

0

Amy
September 25, 2021, Tayport Harbour

Tayport has a lovely harbour on tha banks of the River Tay. It's a nice place to stop and watch the boats as they travel towards the River Eden. Tentsmuir Forest lies to the east of the harbour.

1

0

Allan P.
August 27, 2021, Tayport Harbour

Picturesque harbour on cycle route to an from Tentsmuir Forest.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes near Carnoustie are best for wildlife observation?

For exceptional wildlife viewing, visit Morton Lochs, part of the Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve. It's known for over 113 bird species, including kingfishers and teal, and you might spot red squirrels. Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve also offers diverse wildlife, such as swans, herons, water voles, and even otters.

Are there family-friendly lakes with activities near Carnoustie?

Yes, Monikie Reservoirs in Monikie Country Park is ideal for families, offering an adventure play area, picnic spots, and water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. The Angus Aqua Splash inflatable water park is also a popular attraction. Crombie Loch also provides various trails suitable for family strolls through the forest.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around the lakes?

The lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. At Monikie Reservoirs, you can enjoy walking, cycling, angling, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Crombie Loch features various trails for walking through its surrounding forests. For more extensive cycling or running, explore the nearby routes available in the region, such as those found in the Road Cycling Routes around Carnoustie or Running Trails around Carnoustie guides.

Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs or easy walking around the lakes?

Yes, Morton Lochs offers easy, accessible paths suitable for walking, cycling, and wheelchairs. Similarly, Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve is known for its easy and accessible paths, making it popular with walkers and families.

What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Carnoustie?

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. For birdwatching, Morton Lochs is particularly significant in winter when hundreds of teal gather. During warmer months, Monikie Reservoirs is a hub for water sports and outdoor recreation.

Do any of the lakes have historical significance?

Yes, Monikie Reservoirs were originally built in the 19th century to supply water to Dundee. Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve features two ponds constructed over 200 years ago to provide water for the Claverhouse Bleach Works, a linen production mill.

Are there cafes or facilities available at the lakes?

At Monikie Reservoirs, located within Monikie Country Park, you'll find a café, picnic areas, toilets, and a ranger information service. Crombie Loch also has benches for picnics.

Where can I find parking for the lakes?

There is a small car park beside Morton Lochs. For Crombie Loch, parking is available, with a fee of approximately 2.80 GBP for the whole day (as of May 2020).

Can I go mountain biking near the lakes?

While specific mountain biking trails directly around the lakes are not detailed, the wider Carnoustie area offers various MTB trails. You can explore options in the MTB Trails around Carnoustie guide, which includes routes like 'From East Haven to St Vigeans Ancient Village loop'.

What makes Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve worth visiting?

Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve is a popular spot for walkers, families, and school groups due to its easy and accessible paths. It's an excellent location for wildlife observation, home to birds like swans and herons, as well as frogs, newts, water voles, and even otters. The reserve has also been awarded a Green Flag for its high maintenance standards. For more details, you can visit the Dundee City Council website.

Are there opportunities for angling or fishing at the lakes?

Yes, Monikie Reservoirs is a popular spot for angling, particularly for brown and rainbow trout. Equipment hire and lessons are often available at the park.

What kind of trails are available at Crombie Loch?

Crombie Loch, located within Crombie Country Park, offers a choice of four different trails of varying lengths. These trails provide fantastic strolls through the surrounding forests and offer splendid views of the loch.

Most popular routes around Carnoustie

Road Cycling Routes around Carnoustie

Most popular attractions around Carnoustie

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found your perfect lake around Carnoustie? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

BraemarBallater And CrathieAberdeenshireMid DeesideKirriemuir Landward EastDonsideKirriemuir Landward WestCromarInvereskAngusTealingNewtyle And EassieMurroes And WellbankStrathmartineGlamisBirse And BallogieDeerAuchterhouseMuirhead, Birkhill And LiffMonikie And NewbiggingMonifiethFinzeanCrudenYthan

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Monikie And Newbigging

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy