Top 4 Lakes around Mid Craigie/Linlathen

While the immediate Mid Craigie and Linlathen areas don't feature large natural lakes, you'll find significant parks with notable water bodies. These include reservoirs, such as the one at Clatto Country Park, and historical burns like the Dighty Burn flowing through Finlathen Park. These sites offer tranquil environments and recreational opportunities.

Yes, several parks are great for families. Clatto Reservoir at Clatto Country Park offers children's play areas and picnic facilities, along with a level path around the reservoir. Finlathen Park also includes a play area and mini skate park. Monikie Reservoirs at Monikie Country Park is another excellent choice, inviting visitors to walk, fish, and sail in an outdoor setting.

For birdwatching, Morton Lochs Bird Hide is an excellent spot, consisting of three small lochs important for various waterfowl species. Another good location is the Bird Hide Viewing Point at Invergowrie Bay, where you can observe wading birds. Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve is also home to diverse wildlife, including birds, frogs, swans, and even otters.

Finlathen Park is historically significant due to its connection with the Dighty Burn, known as 'Scotland's hardest working stream' for powering numerous mills. Clatto Country Park features a large reservoir originally constructed in 1874 to supply water to Dundee. Morton Lochs, while now a nature reserve, was created by the Christie family in 1906 for fishing before becoming an important center for wintering wildfowl.

Yes, walking trails are a popular feature. Clatto Country Park offers a level path encircling Clatto Reservoir, with smaller paths extending into Baldragon Woods. Finlathen Park provides woodlands and paths, and is linked by the Green Circular cycle route. Monikie Reservoirs also offers pleasant walking opportunities.

Beyond walking, you can enjoy various activities. At Clatto Country Park, Ancrum Outdoor Centre utilizes the reservoir for water sports. Monikie Reservoirs allows for fishing and sailing. For cycling, there are numerous routes nearby, including road cycling, touring, and gravel biking. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around Mid Craigie/Linlathen guide.

Many of the parks and trails around the water features are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy walks with your canine companion. Clatto Country Park, for instance, is known for its dog-friendly paths around the reservoir and through the woodlands. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or other visitors.

Parking is generally available at the main parks. Clatto Country Park offers parking facilities for visitors. For Morton Lochs Bird Hide, there is a small car park beside the reserve. Finlathen Park also has accessible parking. It's always a good idea to check local council websites for the most current information on parking availability and any potential charges.

Many of the parks are accessible by public transport, particularly those within or on the fringes of Dundee. For example, Clatto Country Park is accessible from areas including Mid Craigie/Linlathen. For detailed public transport routes and schedules, it's best to consult local bus service providers or the Dundee City Council website for specific park information, such as Clatto Country Park or Finlathen Park.

While the parks themselves might not have extensive cafe facilities directly on site, Clatto Country Park does provide picnic and barbecue facilities. Given their proximity to Dundee, you'll find various cafes and pubs in the surrounding towns and neighborhoods, a short drive or walk away, depending on the specific park you are visiting.

It's important to be aware that blue-green algae can sometimes be an issue in certain water bodies, such as Clatto Reservoir. While Ancrum Outdoor Centre uses the reservoir for water sports, visitors should exercise caution and check for any advisories regarding water quality before engaging in activities that involve direct contact with the water. Wild swimming is generally not recommended in these reservoirs.