Top 5 Lakes around Craigmarloch
Lakes around Craigmarloch, a residential area in Cumbernauld, Scotland, offer various recreational opportunities in nearby lochs and reservoirs. While Craigmarloch itself features water elements and is situated near the Forth and Clyde Canal, the surrounding region provides access to several notable bodies of water. These areas are characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including woodlands and hills, making them suitable for outdoor activities. The region's lochs and reservoirs serve as significant wildlife habitats and provide settings for walking and cycling.
Best lakes around Craigmarloch
- The most popular lakes is Fannyside Lochs, a lake that consists of two lochs adjacent to Palacerigg Country Park. This tranquil place offers a sailing club, fishing, and walking trails with views across calm waters to surrounding hills.
- Another must-see spot is Carron Valley Reservoir, an other man-made lake. This scenic reservoir, built for a hydroelectric power project, features a flat tarmacked road along its length, suitable for cycling.
- Visitors also love Lochend Loch, an other natural loch set within Drumpellier Park. It offers light gravel paths through woodlands and around the lochs, providing opportunities for spotting resident and migratory waterfowl.
- Craigmarloch is known for both natural lochs and man-made reservoirs. These include bodies of water suitable for wildlife observation, walking, cycling, and fishing.
- The lakes around Craigmarloch are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Lochend Loch
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Fannyside Lochs
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Carron Reservoir Dam
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Banton Loch
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Broadwood Loch
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Tips from the Community
Always great pictures, beautiful impressions, or amazing panoramic shots... A worthwhile ✅🚲—tour around the loch (lake)😅😅
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These are two really pretty lochs here that are located adjacent to Palacerigg Country Park. There is a sailing club there, fishing and some nice walking trails too. There are acually several combinations of trails here, but if you combine a walk through the park and the lochs, then keep an eye out for the wildlife. It's also a very tranquil place with lovely views across the calm waters to the surrounding hills and countryside.
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Ah, Banton Loch, or as it was once known, Townhead Reservoir. Now, there’s a place that’s brimming with stories. It’s nestled on the east side of Kilsyth in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, a mere 21 kilometres north-east of Glasgow. This man-made marvel, built in 1770 to feed water into the canal, was once the largest reservoir in Scotland. It’s a freshwater lake, impounded by earthwork dams, sitting pretty at 86 metres above sea level. The loch stretches about 1 kilometre in length with a maximum width of about 280 metres1. It’s fed by a number of burns draining the Kilsyth Hills to its north. Now, if you’re a history buff, you’ll be thrilled to know that the battlefield of the 15 August 1645 Battle of Kilsyth between Scottish Royalists and Covenanters is thought to be in the vicinity of the loch. The exact position remains a subject of debate, but it’s a fascinating piece of history nonetheless.
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Opened in 1939 Carron Valley Reservoir provides water for about 135,000 people. There are nice easy trails around the reservoir or the managed woodland or use this as a base to start a longer run up Meikle Bin or one of the other hills.
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Braodwood Loch was created in 1994 when a dam was built across the burn as part of a flood remediation scheme, it helps control water downstream. Today it's a beautiful wildlife habitat within the urban area of Cumbernauld. The loch is home to flocks of swans and other water birds as well as lots of insects and underwater life. The circular trail around the loch is popular with local families and dog walkers.
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Set in the beautiful Drumpellier Park, Lochend Loch is one of two natural lochs here. With a number of light gravel paths through the woodland and around the lochs it's a lovely place to while away a few hours, with plenty of wildlife to spot too. Keep your eyes open for resident and migratory waterfowl, as well as fungi in the autumn months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes to visit near Craigmarloch?
Among the most popular lakes are Fannyside Lochs, known for its tranquil setting, sailing, and fishing, and Carron Valley Reservoir, which offers scenic cycling along its flat tarmacked road. Lochend Loch in Drumpellier Park is also highly regarded for its peaceful woodland paths and wildlife spotting.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Craigmarloch?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Fannyside Lochs and Lochend Loch both offer easy walking trails through woodlands, perfect for leisurely strolls. Broadwood Loch, located within Cumbernauld, also features a popular circular trail ideal for families and dog walkers.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Walking and cycling are popular around many of the lochs, such as the scenic route along Carron Valley Reservoir. Fannyside Lochs offers sailing and fishing. For more structured routes, you can explore options like gravel biking or mountain biking. Find more details on routes in the Gravel biking around Craigmarloch or MTB Trails around Craigmarloch guides.
Are there good places for wildlife observation near Craigmarloch's lakes?
Absolutely. Broadwood Loch is a significant wildlife habitat, home to swans, other waterfowl, insects, and aquatic life. Lochend Loch in Drumpellier Park provides opportunities to spot resident and migratory waterfowl, as well as fungi in autumn. Fannyside Lochs also offers good chances for wildlife spotting amidst its tranquil waters and surrounding hills.
What are the best lakes for cycling around Craigmarloch?
For cyclists, Carron Valley Reservoir is an excellent choice. It features a flat, tarmacked road that follows the entire length of the reservoir, making for a very scenic ride. You can find more cycling options in the Road Cycling Routes around Craigmarloch guide.
Are there any historical sites associated with the lakes in this area?
Yes, Banton Loch (formerly Townhead Reservoir) has significant historical ties. Built in 1770 to feed the Forth and Clyde Canal, it was once Scotland's largest reservoir. The battlefield of the 1645 Battle of Kilsyth is also thought to be in its vicinity, adding a layer of historical intrigue.
What kind of walking trails can I find around the lakes?
The lakes offer a range of walking experiences. Broadwood Loch has a popular circular trail suitable for leisurely strolls. Lochend Loch features light gravel paths through woodlands. Fannyside Lochs provides several combinations of walking trails, often combined with explorations of Palacerigg Country Park. For more challenging hikes, the area around Carron Reservoir Dam can serve as a base for longer runs up hills like Meikle Bin.
Is there parking available at the lochs near Craigmarloch?
While specific parking details for each loch are not always listed, popular spots like Broadwood Loch, Lochend Loch (within Drumpellier Park), and Fannyside Lochs (adjacent to Palacerigg Country Park) typically have visitor parking facilities due to their recreational nature. It's always advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Craigmarloch?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Autumn is also beautiful, with opportunities to see fungi around places like Lochend Loch. Winter walks can be tranquil, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions.
Are the lakes around Craigmarloch dog-friendly?
Many of the trails around the lakes are popular with dog walkers. Broadwood Loch, for instance, is frequently used by local dog walkers. When visiting, always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife, and adhere to any local signage regarding leash requirements or restricted areas.
What makes the lakes around Craigmarloch unique?
The lakes around Craigmarloch offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. From the tranquil, wildlife-rich natural lochs like Lochend Loch to the impressive man-made reservoirs such as Carron Valley Reservoir, built for hydroelectric power, each body of water has its own character. The area also features historical sites like Banton Loch, which once fed the Forth and Clyde Canal.
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