Top 4 Lakes around Gifford
Lakes around Gifford, a region in Scotland, are characterized by their location within the Lammermuir Hills. This area features a mix of natural and man-made water bodies, many of which serve as reservoirs. The landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities amidst rolling hills and forested edges.
Best lakes around Gifford
- The most popular lakes is Whiteadder Reservoir, a lake that was created in 1964 to provide water to the local area. It is a location for wild swimming.
- Another must-see spot is Watch Water Reservoir, a man-made reservoir. It is a popular location for sports fishing and is stocked with brown and rainbow trout.
- Visitors also love Hopes Reservoir, a man-made reservoir located remotely in the Lammermuir Hills. The reservoir, built in the 1930s, features tree-lined edges and wide off-road vehicle access roads for easy walking.
- Gifford is known for its reservoirs and lochs, many of which are man-made. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those used for water supply to those supporting watersports.
- The lakes around Gifford are appreciated by the komoot community, with 7 upvotes and 11 photos shared.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Whiteadder Reservoir
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Hopes Reservoir
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The reservoir was built in the 1930's to provide water to the surrounding area.
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Watch Water Reservoir
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Whiteadder Watersports Centre
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Danskine Loch
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful location, although it requires some effort to get there by bike.
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Hopes Reservoir sits remotely in the Lammermuir Hills. The edges are tree lined and the dam to the east. The tracks to the south are wide off road vehicle access roads so the running is easy and you have plenty of time to look at the views. The reservoir was built in the 1930's to provide water to the surrounding area.
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Hopes Reservoir sits remotely in the Lammermuir Hills. The edges are tree lined and the dam to the east. The tracks to the south are wide off road vehicle access roads so the walking is easy and you have plenty of time to look at the views. The reservoir was built in the 1930's to provide water to the surrounding area.
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Charity run water sports centre in the middle of the Lammermuir Hills. In season you'll see people fishing, sailing, swimming and paddle boarding. It's a great place to stop for a break.
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Created in 1964 to provide more water to the local area. It's a lovely spot for a wild swim if the weather is warm enough.
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Follow the path all the way round clockwise (there's signs asking you to do this) until you get to around 3 o'clock and you'll find a jetty to rest your legs for a while.
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Watch Water Reservoir is a man-made reservoir that opened in 1954. Fed by the Watch Water river, the reservoir is held by an earth bank dam. It is a popular location for sports fishing and is stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The Southern Upland Way passes the northern end of the reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Gifford?
The most popular lakes appreciated by the komoot community include Whiteadder Reservoir, known for wild swimming, and Hopes Reservoir, which offers easy walking paths in a remote setting. Watch Water Reservoir is also highly regarded, especially for sports fishing.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Gifford?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Hopes Reservoir features wide off-road vehicle access roads, making for easy walking. Watch Water Reservoir and Danskine Loch are also noted as family-friendly. Additionally, the Whiteadder Watersports Centre at Whiteadder Reservoir offers various activities for all ages.
Where can I go wild swimming around Gifford?
For wild swimming, Whiteadder Reservoir is a popular choice. It was created in 1964 and is a lovely spot for a swim when the weather permits. The Whiteadder Watersports Centre also facilitates swimming activities.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The area around Gifford's lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Gifford, Road Cycling Routes around Gifford, and Cycling around Gifford guides.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. Hopes Reservoir offers easy walking on wide off-road vehicle access roads. The Southern Upland Way also passes the northern end of Watch Water Reservoir. For more hiking options, including a moderate 'Lammer Law and Hopes Reservoir loop', refer to the Hiking around Gifford guide.
Which lakes are good for fishing?
Watch Water Reservoir is a popular location for sports fishing and is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The Whiteadder Watersports Centre also supports fishing activities at Whiteadder Reservoir.
Can I cycle around the lakes?
Yes, the area is suitable for cycling. You can find various routes for both road cycling and touring cycling that pass by or near the lakes. Check the Road Cycling Routes around Gifford and Cycling around Gifford guides for specific routes and difficulties.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes around Gifford are set within the Lammermuir Hills, offering a landscape of rolling hills and forested edges. Hopes Reservoir, for example, is known for its tree-lined edges and remote setting, providing scenic views of the surrounding nature.
Are the lakes around Gifford natural or man-made?
Many of the lakes around Gifford are man-made reservoirs, created to provide water to the local area. Examples include Whiteadder Reservoir (created 1964), Watch Water Reservoir (opened 1954), and Hopes Reservoir (built in the 1930s).
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the mention of wild swimming at Whiteadder Reservoir suggests warmer months are ideal for water activities. The wide off-road paths at Hopes Reservoir make for easy walking, likely enjoyable in most seasons, weather permitting.
Are there any facilities or watersports centers near the lakes?
Yes, the Whiteadder Watersports Centre is located in the middle of the Lammermuir Hills, near Whiteadder Reservoir. It's a charity-run center where you can find people fishing, sailing, swimming, and paddle boarding during the season, making it a great place to stop for a break.
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