Lakes around Burnfoot, located in the Scottish Borders near Hawick, offer a variety of natural landscapes. The area features lochs and ponds set amidst moorlands and countryside. Visitors can find tranquil spots for observation and walking, often with panoramic views of the surrounding region. This locality provides access to natural reserves and quiet escapes.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
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This loch is right next to the road, so perhaps less quiet than many others; nonetheless, it's a lovely loch to look at, the road is minor, and there is a bench on the other side of the road to sit on and enjoy the view. It's a great place if you want to get out of Hawick for some greater peace.
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Dunhog Moss is located right next to A7, and there is a car parking area, so it doesn't get more easily accessible than this! It is a nature reserve, just like Hare Moss on the other side of the road. It's a lovely place to look at, although I am afraid the proximity of A7 will not allow you to experience it peacefully. But you can't have everything in life!
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Loch Sike is fabulously secluded and with the proper feeling of remoteness, although it is only a few miles from larger settlements. Within the Headshaw and Woolrig Plantations, it is a perfect place to get away from it all!
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Headshaw Loch is a lovely reserve within easy reach of the village of Ashkirk. You can walk around the lake on a well-established path. Very quiet, which is lovely. It's a combination of wind-swept moorlands here and the plantations nearby. You also have Stobshaw Hill (298m), which you could potentially climb, though there is no path to it as such.
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The pond itself is perhaps not that much to look at, but the views from up here of the entire countryside from above (you will see the town of Hawick from up here) are very pleasant indeed.
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For panoramic views of the countryside, including Hawick, consider visiting Ruberslaw Covert Pond. Headshaw Loch offers views of wind-swept moorlands and plantations, while Leahead Loch provides a peaceful setting right next to a minor road.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Leahead Loch is easily accessible and offers a peaceful setting with a bench. Headshaw Loch has a well-established path for walking, and Dunhog Moss Nature Reserve, which includes a lake, is easily accessible with a car park.
For a quiet experience, Headshaw Loch is a lovely reserve with a well-established path, offering a very quiet atmosphere amidst moorlands. Branxholme Easter Loch is also located on a quiet road, providing a peaceful escape.
The lakes in the Burnfoot area, particularly Branxholme Easter Loch, are known for birdwatching opportunities. The broader region, especially in County Donegal (Ireland), features internationally recognized wetland areas like Inch Wildfowl Reserve, home to thousands of migratory birds such as Whooper Swans and Greylag Geese, though this is further afield from the Scottish Borders.
Yes, Dunhog Moss Nature Reserve is located right next to the A7 and has a dedicated car parking area, making it very easily accessible.
The Burnfoot area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Old Country Manor – Leahead Loch loop from Hawick' or the 'Hornshole and Cavers Loop'. Cycling is also popular, with routes like 'The Cross Keys Pub, Ancrum – View from Minto Hills loop from Hawick'. For mountain biking, consider trails like the 'Shankend Viaduct loop from Hawick'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for hiking, cycling, and MTB trails around Burnfoot.
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural features, the broader region of the Scottish Borders has a rich history. For example, the Dunlewey Lakeside Centre near Dunlewey Lough in County Donegal, Ireland, offers cultural insights and boat trips, but this is a different Burnfoot location. The Burnfoot area in the Scottish Borders is more focused on natural landscapes and outdoor recreation.
The lakes around Burnfoot can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful colors to the surrounding moorlands. Winter can provide a tranquil, stark beauty, though paths might be muddy or icy. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.
Many of the lochs and ponds in the Burnfoot area offer quiet, less-trafficked experiences. Branxholme Easter Loch, located on a quiet road, is a peaceful escape often appreciated by those looking for a serene spot away from crowds. Similarly, Headshaw Loch is a quiet reserve within easy reach of Ashkirk.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil spots, panoramic views of the countryside, and the opportunity to connect with nature. The well-established paths at places like Headshaw Loch and the peaceful settings of lochs like Leahead Loch are frequently highlighted. The area's combination of lochs, ponds, and moorland scenery provides a refreshing escape.
Many of the trails and paths around the lakes in the Burnfoot area are suitable for dog walking. For example, Headshaw Loch has a well-established path that is great for walks. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife, and check for any specific local restrictions.


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