Top 5 Lakes around West Calder And Harburn

Harperrig Reservoir, located on the north-west slopes of the Pentland Hills, offers a remote Scottish loch feel despite being close to Edinburgh. It is the only brown trout fishery in the Lothians, exclusively for fly-fishing from March 15th to October 15th. The area also features historical elements like Bronze Age monuments and the ruins of Cairns Castle. You can find more details about its fishing opportunities on Visit West Lothian.

Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. Beecraigs Loch within Beecraigs Country Park is a popular spot for walking and fishing. Harperrig Reservoir and Baddinsgill Reservoir also offer pleasant settings for families to enjoy the outdoors.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. Harperrig Reservoir is known to be populated by otters and several species of wetland birds, including the rare stonefly. Bogburn Flood Lagoons, near Bathgate, are particularly favored by wildfowl due to their marshy grassland and swamp habitats. West Water Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, hosting over 40,000 pink-footed geese in autumn and winter.

Yes, the region has historical significance. Harperrig Reservoir is near ancient monuments on East and West Cairn Hill dating from the Bronze Age, and the ruins of Cairns Castle from around 1440. Beecraigs Loch itself was originally a reservoir built by German prisoners of war between 1914-1918.

The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Hermand Rows loop' or 'Campbridge Pond – West Calder Wee Forest loop'. For mountain biking, explore routes like the 'North Esk Reservoir loop'. There are also easy hikes, including the 'Mount Maw Summit – Baddinsgill Reservoir loop'. For more details on these activities, check out the MTB Trails, Running Trails, and Easy Hikes guides for the region.

Yes, many lakes offer easy walking opportunities. The path around Beecraigs Loch is a nice short walk, mostly under tree cover. West Water Reservoir has an easy 5k walk from the village or golf course. Harburn House Estate also features paths around its main lake, adorned with rhododendrons, offering a peaceful setting.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. For fly-fishing at Harperrig Reservoir, the season runs from March 15th to October 15th. For birdwatching, particularly to see pink-footed geese, autumn and winter are ideal at West Water Reservoir. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and enjoying the scenery, while the tranquil settings can be appreciated year-round.

While specific dog-friendly policies vary by location, many of the natural and country park areas around the lakes are generally welcoming to dogs, especially on leads. Always check local signage for any restrictions, particularly around wildlife habitats or fishing areas, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Parking availability varies. For West Water Reservoir, you can park in the nearby village or a public car park near the golf course (note: golf course car park is for members only). Allandale Tarn Fisheries and Selmmuir Fishery, being dedicated fishing venues, typically have their own parking facilities. It's always advisable to check specific location details before your visit.

While the lakes offer scenic beauty, wild swimming is generally not encouraged or officially permitted in many of these reservoirs due to safety concerns, water quality, and their primary use (e.g., fishing, water supply). It's best to enjoy the views and walking trails rather than entering the water.

Facilities vary by location. Allandale Tarn Fisheries has a well-stocked tackle shop. Beecraigs Loch is within Beecraigs Country Park, which typically offers visitor facilities. For other, more remote lakes like Baddinsgill Reservoir, facilities are limited, so it's recommended to bring your own provisions for a picnic.

Allandale Tarn Fisheries, located in Gavieside, is celebrated for its spring-fed lakes and diverse trout species, making it a popular fly-fishing destination. Selmmuir Fishery, within Selmmuir Forest, is a 3-acre stillwater reservoir known for excellent fly fishing for quality rainbow, blue, and brown trout, stocked daily. Both are easily accessible and open year-round (Allandale Tarn is closed on Tuesdays).