The best traffic-free bike rides around West Water Reservoir

There are 4 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around West Water Reservoir featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of distances and challenges, perfect for exploring the quiet landscapes of the Pentland Hills.

The terrain around West Water Reservoir varies, offering a mix of gravel paths, old drove roads, and some sections that might feel more like mountain biking trails. You'll encounter ascents and descents, with routes like the Balerno Hill Summit – The Red Road, Pentland Hills loop from Carlops featuring over 480 meters of elevation gain. The area is known for its natural, rugged beauty at the foot of the Pentland Hills.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes here are considered challenging. For example, the Olde Toll Tea House – Old Drove Road Path loop from Carlops is rated 'difficult' and covers nearly 33 kilometers with over 500 meters of elevation. These routes are best suited for riders with good fitness looking for a rewarding experience.

West Water Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Ramsar site, making it a haven for wildlife. You might spot various wildfowl, especially during autumn and winter when it hosts large roosts of pink-footed geese. The reservoir itself is a beautiful feature, and the surrounding Pentland Hills provide stunning scenic views throughout your ride.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the West Water Reservoir – Pasture Path loop from Dunsyre, which offers a moderate challenge over 25 kilometers, circling through the scenic landscape.

The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery. During autumn and winter, the reservoir becomes a significant site for wildfowl, particularly pink-footed geese, adding a unique natural spectacle to your ride. Be prepared for varied weather conditions typical of the Scottish Borders, and check forecasts before heading out.

While the trails themselves are designed for a quiet, natural experience away from traffic, you can find amenities in nearby villages. Carlops, for instance, is a starting point for routes like the Balerno Hill Summit loop and the Olde Toll Tea House loop, and may offer options for refreshments before or after your ride.

The no-traffic gravel bike routes around West Water Reservoir vary in length, generally ranging from around 25 kilometers to nearly 40 kilometers. For example, the Portmore Loch – Toxside Moss Gravel Track loop from Lamancha is the longest at almost 40 kilometers, offering an extensive ride through the landscape.

Yes, many of the routes start from villages or accessible points where parking is typically available. For instance, routes often begin from Carlops, Dunsyre, or Lamancha, which are good places to look for parking before setting off on your no-traffic gravel adventure.

The komoot community rates the experiences around West Water Reservoir highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails, the stunning views of the Pentland Hills, and the sense of escape into nature that these routes provide.