Top 10 Lakes around Cowie

The komoot community highly recommends several spots. View of North Third Reservoir from the East Bank is a popular viewpoint offering expansive views and a 5.5 km hike. Gartmorn Dam, Scotland's oldest reservoir, is also a favorite, known for its network of paths and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Yes, several locations are great for families. Gartmorn Dam is a country park and nature reserve with paths suitable for walking and cycling, and it's wheelchair accessible. North Third Reservoir also offers a family-friendly hike with beautiful views.

The lakes and reserves around Cowie are rich in wildlife. At Gartmorn Dam, you can spot red squirrels and migratory wildfowl, with cormorants and herons being a common sight. Cambus Pools Wildlife Reserve is a wetland haven for waders, warblers, and wildfowl, and seals have been observed there during high tide.

Yes, Gartmorn Dam offers a good network of paths that are suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding, and it provides wheelchair access. Additionally, the Stirling University Cycle Paths offer pleasant cycling routes with views and connect to the National Cycling Network.

Many of the water bodies in the region have a rich history. Gartmorn Dam Beach, for instance, is part of an artificial body of water created in 1713 to power coal mines. Gartmorn Dam itself is Scotland's oldest reservoir, built to power pumps for coal mines and later supplying water for Alloa's industrial development, including breweries.

Absolutely. The area offers various hiking opportunities. For example, there's a fine 5.5 km hike around North Third Reservoir. You can find more hiking options in the wider area by exploring the Hiking around Cowie guide, which includes routes like the easy 'The Pineapple (Dunmore) – Dunmore House Ruins loop'.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Stirling University Cycle Paths offer scenic rides and connect to the National Cycling Network. For more options, check out the Cycling around Cowie guide, which features routes like the 'Stirling Old Bridge – Stone Bridge (Bridge of Allan) loop'.

The Lake of Menteith is unique as Scotland's only designated 'lake' rather than a 'loch'. It holds historical significance due to Inchmahome Priory and is a popular spot for trout fly fishing. In winter, it occasionally freezes, allowing for the traditional 'Bonspiel' curling tournament.

Beyond the immediate vicinity of Cowie, the Stirling region boasts impressive lochs. Loch Lomond is a vast and beautiful freshwater loch, marking the transition between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands, with popular viewpoints like Conic Hill. Loch Katrine offers serene waters surrounded by mountains and is associated with Rob Roy MacGregor.

Gartmorn Dam Country Park offers a cafe, free parking, and wheelchair access, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for visitors.

The lakes around Cowie offer beauty throughout the year. While summer months can be busy, spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery for walking and cycling. Winter offers a different charm, with the possibility of unique events like the 'Bonspiel' curling tournament on the Lake of Menteith if it freezes.

Yes, the area around Cowie provides options for gravel biking. You can explore routes such as the 'Roughcastle Tunnel – Falkirk Wheel Aqueduct loop' by consulting the Gravel biking around Cowie guide for more details and route suggestions.