Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Lakes
United Kingdom
Scotland
South Scotland
Scottish Borders

Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Top 5 Lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Best lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District are found in the Scottish Borders, a region characterized by its picturesque lochs and reservoirs. The area features diverse landscapes, including glens, forests, and hills, offering a range of outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore both natural lochs and man-made reservoirs, many of which provide opportunities for walking and cycling. The district is known for its tranquil settings and scenic routes.

Best lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

  • The most popular lakes is Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section, a trail that offers great hiking and cycling opportunities. This peaceful wildlife haven provides scenic, tranquil sections for exploration.
  • Another must-see spot is Portmore Reservoir, a forest and lake area with beautiful landscapes, forests, and hills. It features intermediate paths, some with steep sections, suitable for hiking.
  • Visitors also love View of St Mary’s Loch from the A708, a viewpoint overlooking a lake, offering views of the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Borders. This route provides a scenic ride with good views.
  • Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District is known for its natural lochs and man-made reservoirs. The area offers a variety of water bodies, from secluded lochs in glens to larger reservoirs with accessible paths.
  • The lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 11 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 2, 2026

Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Gladhouse Reservoir is just a short drive from Edinburgh and just to the west of the Moorfoot Hills. This peaceful wildlife haven offers visitors great hiking and cycling opportunities. This back-lane road section is no exception. This is a good connecting section between the Gladhouse Plantation on the west side of the reservoir and Rosebery Reservoir a few miles to the north. The road goes past the northern wooded shores of Gladhouse Reservoir, around the bottom of the dam, where just after you turn left or north for Rosebery Reservoir. It is a scenic, tranquil section that is a delight for the eyes and soul.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Gladhouse Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Lovely roads nearby. Often busy with visitors on nice days.

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

Portmore Reservoir

Highlight • Forest

Portmore Reservoir is a hidden gem with some beautiful landscape, forests, hills and glen walk towards Eddleston. Intermediate paths with some steep parts and steady footwear are recommended.

Tip by

Save

Portmore Loch Woods

Highlight • Lake

Portmore Loch woods and forest paths at their best. Magic*

Tip by

Save

Megget Reservoir

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

Lovely traffic free and well paved road alongside Megget Water passed the dam, with fantastic views of the reservoir. Plenty of benches and stopping points if you want to refuel and rest with an amazing view.

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Hike in the footsteps of history – Cross Borders Drove Road

Scotty's Scotland Showcase — A sustainable tour of the country's best trails

The Tweed Valley — Scotty's Scotland Showcase

Glentress Forest — 7Stanes mountain biking in the Tweed Valley

The Tweed Valley — Biking the Borders

Exploring the Scottish and English Borderlands by bike — Borders 350

Edinburgh's Bikepacking Escape — The Capital Trail

Hiking around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Road Cycling Routes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Cycling around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Other adventures around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Hike in the footsteps of history – Cross Borders Drove Road

Hiking Collection by

Grace Mulligan

Tips from the Community

Anindya
April 26, 2025, Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section

Absolutely gorgeous reservoir, great to cycle by, or to stop and enjoy your ride-food while looking at the water.

0

0

Gladhouse Reservoir is just a short drive from Edinburgh and just to the west of the Moorfoot Hills. This peaceful wildlife haven offers visitors great hiking and cycling opportunities. This back-lane road section is no exception. This is a good connecting section between the Gladhouse Plantation on the west side of the reservoir and Rosebery Reservoir a few miles to the north. The road goes past the northern wooded shores of Gladhouse Reservoir, around the bottom of the dam, where just after you turn left or north for Rosebery Reservoir. It is a scenic, tranquil section that is a delight for the eyes and soul.

2

0

51m
April 22, 2023, Gladhouse Reservoir

Gladhouse Reservoir was built in 1879 to supply water to Edinburgh. It's an important overwintering site for Pink Footed Geese and also has a large population of Greylag Goose as well as other water birds.

0

0

A water sports and fishing highlight, the reservoir is a fine place to stop for a break. If it's warm enough then open water swimming is encouraged.

0

0

Lovely traffic free and well paved road alongside Megget Water passed the dam, with fantastic views of the reservoir. Plenty of benches and stopping points if you want to refuel and rest with an amazing view.

0

0

Lovely roads nearby. Often busy with visitors on nice days.

2

0

Portmore Reservoir is a hidden gem with some beautiful landscape, forests, hills and glen walk towards Eddleston. Intermediate paths with some steep parts and steady footwear are recommended.

2

0

Portmore Loch woods and forest paths at their best. Magic*

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular lakes to visit in the Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

The region offers several picturesque lochs and reservoirs. Popular choices include Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section, known for hiking and cycling, and Portmore Reservoir, which features beautiful landscapes and diverse terrain for hiking.

Are there family-friendly lake walks in the Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

Yes, several areas are suitable for families. Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section and Megget Reservoir are both categorized as family-friendly. Megget Reservoir, in particular, has a lovely traffic-free and well-paved road with plenty of benches for resting.

What kind of hiking trails can I find near the lakes?

You'll find a variety of hiking trails. For instance, Portmore Reservoir offers intermediate paths, some with steep sections, requiring steady footwear. Loch Eddy also has a pleasant 6-mile circular walk around the Glen Estate on well-maintained farm tracks. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District.

Can I cycle around the lakes in the Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

Absolutely. Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section is excellent for cycling, offering a tranquil experience. Megget Reservoir also features a traffic-free, well-paved road alongside Megget Water, ideal for a scenic ride. You can find more cycling options in the road cycling guide for the region.

Are there any hidden gems among the lakes in the region?

Yes, Portmore Reservoir is often described as a hidden gem, offering beautiful landscapes, forests, and hills. Loch Eddy, tucked away in a glen in the Manor Hills, provides a secluded and idyllic setting for a peaceful walk.

What unique natural features can I find around the lakes?

The region boasts diverse natural beauty. Loch Eddy features pine-clad shores and a fine little waterfall as the Quair Water continues its journey. Gladhouse Reservoir is known as a peaceful wildlife haven, while Portmore Reservoir offers beautiful forests and glen walks.

Are there any historical points of interest near the lakes?

While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or man-made for water supply, some have historical connections. Loch Eddy was created in the mid-to-late 1800s and named after Edward Wyndham Tennant. Near St Mary’s Loch, the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Borders, you can find a graveyard marking the site of a former chapel.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings and scenic routes. Many enjoy the opportunities for hiking and cycling, especially the well-maintained paths and traffic-free roads. The amazing views and peaceful atmosphere, such as those found at Megget Reservoir, are frequently highlighted.

Is there a good viewpoint to see St Mary's Loch?

Yes, the View of St Mary’s Loch from the A708 offers fantastic vistas of the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Borders. It's a popular spot for a scenic ride with great views.

Are there any lakes suitable for easy walks?

Yes, Megget Reservoir provides a lovely, well-paved road that is traffic-free, making it ideal for easy walks with fantastic views. The circular walk around Loch Eddy also features well-maintained farm tracks, offering a gentle experience.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?

Gladhouse Reservoir is particularly noted as a peaceful wildlife haven, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing local fauna in its natural habitat.

Most popular routes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Hiking around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Most popular attractions around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

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 Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

CarlopsWest LintonEddleston And DistrictLamancha, Newlands And KirkurdEttrick And YarrowInnerleithen And DistrictTweedsmuirManor, Stobo And LyneLilliesleaf, Ashkirk And MidlemHawickRoyal Burgh Of Selkirk And DistrictBowden VillageGalashielsMelrose And DistrictClovenfords And DistrictAncrumUpper Liddesdale And HermitageDenholm And DistrictNewtown And EildonSt. Boswells ParishUpper Teviotdale And Borthwick WaterTweedbankLauderdaleLammermuirParish Of StowCockburnspathGordon And WestrutherBurnfootUpper TweedMaxton And MertounEarlstonGrantshouseChirnsideReston And AuchencrowHobkirkNewcastleton And DistrictAbbey St. Bathans, Bonkyl And PrestonWalkerburn And DistrictSouthdean

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Glentress Forest

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