Top 20 Lakes in the Southern Uplands Mountains
Best lakes in the Southern Uplands Mountains are found within a region characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and open moorland. This area offers a less crowded alternative to the Scottish Highlands for outdoor activities. The Southern Uplands feature numerous serene lochs that provide picturesque landscapes and historical significance. It is a rural and agricultural landscape, home to natural and man-made bodies of water.
Best lakes in the Southern Uplands Mountains
- The most popular lakes is Loch Skeen, a…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Loch Trool
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St Mary's Loch
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Loch of the Lowes
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Loch Skeen
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Raiders Road Gravel Track & Stroan Loch
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Loch Dee
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March Wood
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St Mary's Loch
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Bruntis Loch
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Talla Reservoir
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The reservoir …
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Tips from the Community
In calm weather, the loch is a beautiful, mirror-like feature nestled between low hills. Swimming is potentially dangerous because the water level is regulated and cold undercurrents develop. On the shore is the basic but pleasant Tibbie Shiels Inn campsite. Across the road is a bikers' café where hikers are also welcome.
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I did this on my recumbent e-trike at the end of April. Very quiet, only 3 cars. I started from a small campsite near New Galloway via Clatteringshaws Loch and cycled from W to E which was mostly downhill. Rough in places but manageable on the trike.
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The Talla Reservoir is an earth work dam which traps the Talla Water. It opened in 1905 to increase the water supplies for the expanding city of Edinburgh. The reservoir is on the quiet, hilly road that crosses the country between Tweedsmuir and St Mary's Loch. It's quite a climb from the reservoir up to the Megget Stone at the high point but well worth it for the views.
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Stunning place, take a break and enjoy the view. PS: check out the house (like a castle) near the loch, I was so jealous about the people who live there!
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Can be pretty slippery around the Loch and path is narrow in places. Be careful in the dark.
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Please consult the large notice board at the trailhead. This is a commercial forest and currently, timber harvesting is taking place along the southern flank of the Loch (hence tha barriers encountered by abp1). There are diversions in place to avoid the southern flank, rerouting via the north shore. This is detailed on the notice board. Also, please be aware that this is not an official MTB route, and taking a bike along it is not a good idea since the trail will have walkers of all abilities along its length, most of whom will not be expecting MTBs at all.
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We tried to do this tour on June 21, 2023, but had to cancel. After approx. 13 km you come out of the forest into a wide valley. The landscape is very beautiful, but the path is destroyed by a large number of watercourses and you have to dismount every few meters. After that, the path is obstructed by massive willow barriers with barbed wire. The route would have to be laid out differently, otherwise this tour is not recommended.
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Although other tips where saying it can be busy with cars, it wasn't the case when we were there. However, it is the only road in this part of the New Galloway park where (against payment) cars are allowed, so be aware of oncoming traffic behind the corner, or behind the hill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most picturesque lakes in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
The region boasts several stunning lakes. Loch Trool is described as extremely picturesque, resembling a postcard with its surrounding hills and munros, and is considered one of the most scenic lochs in southwestern Scotland. Loch Trool is popular with hikers for its serene environment. St Mary's Loch, nestled in the Yarrow Valley, offers beautiful, mirror-like views in calm weather. Another wonderfully picturesque body of water is the Loch of the Lowes, surrounded by rolling hills.
Are there any lakes with historical significance in the Southern Uplands?
Yes, several lakes have rich historical connections. St Mary's Loch was historically a gathering point for William Wallace and his allies before raids on English settlements. Loch Trool is famous as the site where Robert the Bruce fought the English in 1307, a battle commemorated by Bruce's Stone. Additionally, Talla Reservoir, while man-made, has historical significance as it was opened in 1905 to increase water supplies for Edinburgh.
Which lakes are suitable for families in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
Many lakes in the Southern Uplands are family-friendly. Loch Trool is popular with hikers and offers a 9 km perimeter walk. Loch of the Lowes is also listed as family-friendly. For those interested in watersports, Loch Ken is a haven for activities like sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and even has a wobbly waterpark, making it a great base for family holidays. Clatteringshaws Loch and Bruntis Loch are also noted as family-friendly.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
The lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can find excellent cycling routes, such as the 'St Mary's Loch & Megget Water loop from Peebles' or the 'Clatteringshaws Loch loop from Newton Stewart', which are part of the wider cycling guides. For runners, there's the 'St Mary's Loch loop' and the 'Grey Mare's Tail and Loch Skeen Trail' among other running trails. Hiking is also very popular, with options like the 'Moffat riverside loop' and 'Kirroughtree Forest loop' available in the easy hikes guide.
Are there good hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, hiking is a popular activity around many of the lakes. Loch Trool offers a popular 9 km (5.5-mile) walk around its perimeter. A fine walk can be made around St Mary's Loch using waymarked paths. For a more dramatic landscape, the remote location of Loch Skeen, fed by the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall, makes it an excellent destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts. You can explore various hiking routes in the region.
Which lakes are best for fishing in the Southern Uplands?
Loch Dee is a small loch particularly popular with fishermen. It is also the source of the River Dee and offers a remote wilderness experience within Galloway Forest Park. Visitors should ensure they have plenty of supplies when visiting this secluded destination.
Can I spot wildlife around the lakes?
Yes, the serene environments around the lakes provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. Ospreys can sometimes be spotted around St Mary's Loch. The region's rural and agricultural nature, with forested areas and open moorland, supports diverse wildlife, making many lochs good spots for nature observation.
Are there any facilities or cafes near the lakes?
Some lakes have facilities nearby. There is a cafe located near the Loch of the Lowes. For Loch Dee, while it's a remote area, tips suggest that the Clatteringshaws Cafe at one end of the trail and Glen Trool Visitors Centre at the other can provide refreshments and water. The Tibbie Shiels Inn campsite on the shore of St Mary's Loch also has a bikers' cafe where hikers are welcome.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. The region offers beautiful scenery year-round. For hiking and enjoying the outdoors, spring and summer (late May to early September) generally offer milder weather. However, the serene environment of lakes like Loch Trool can be enjoyed in the morning or late evening for quiet contemplation, and the autumn colours can be spectacular.
Are there any man-made lakes or reservoirs in the region?
Yes, while many lochs are natural, the Southern Uplands also feature man-made bodies of water. Talla Reservoir is an earthwork dam that opened in 1905 to supply water to Edinburgh. Clatteringshaws Loch is another significant man-made lake, part of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, which also increased the water level of Loch Ken in 1936.
What makes the Southern Uplands a unique destination for lake visits compared to other Scottish regions?
The Southern Uplands offer a less crowded alternative to the Scottish Highlands for outdoor activities. The region is characterized by its rural and agricultural nature, with rolling hills, forested areas, and open moorland, providing a serene and peaceful experience. Lakes like Loch Trool are also known for being among the darkest places in the UK at night, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Most popular routes in the Southern Uplands Mountains
Most popular attractions in the Southern Uplands Mountains
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Still not found your perfect lake in the Southern Uplands Mountains? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
