Best lakes around Kildrum, a suburb of Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, are characterized by both natural lochs and significant man-made reservoirs. The area is known for its green spaces, providing valuable natural amenities for the community. These bodies of water offer opportunities for recreation, wildlife observation, and tranquil walks. The landscape combines urban proximity with natural features, including woodlands and open water.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
3
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
Just off the forth and clyde canal path is a great place to stop for a break on way to the kelpies. There's also a short trek up to the top but you can't get all the way round too over grown.
0
0
Broadwood Loch offers a variety of recreational activities. You can walk, jog, or cycle along the nearly two-mile (approximately 5km) circular paved footpath that surrounds the loch, which is suitable for families and strollers. There are also woodland trails for more solitary exploration. The loch hosts an annual canoe regatta and is a popular spot for fishing, stocked with species like bream, carp, and roach. For more details, see the Broadwood Loch highlight.
Yes, several lakes around Kildrum are considered family-friendly. Broadwood Loch has a paved circular trail perfect for families with strollers and young children. Fannyside Lochs also offer walking trails suitable for families. Additionally, the easy trails around Carron Reservoir Dam are great for family walks.
The lakes around Kildrum, particularly Broadwood Loch, are rich in wildlife. You can observe large flocks of swans and other waterfowl such as mallards, coots, great crested grebes, goosanders, and herons. The surrounding habitats are home to great spotted woodpeckers, damselflies, and dragonflies, with swallows visible in summer. The developing fish population also attracts various fish-eating birds.
You can enjoy cycling around Carron Valley Reservoir, which features a flat tarmacked road along its length, making for a scenic ride. Broadwood Loch also has paved paths suitable for cycling. For more cycling routes in the wider area, explore the Cycling around Kildrum guide.
Yes, Broadwood Loch is a good spot for recreational fishing, as it is stocked with species like bream, carp, and roach. Fannyside Lochs also offer fishing opportunities.
For tranquil walks and scenic views, Fannyside Lochs offer a peaceful setting with views across calm waters to the surrounding hills. Broadwood Loch also provides tranquil walks with views over the water, and on clear days, you can see the Campsie Fells in the distance.
Yes, there are running trails available. The easy trails around Carron Reservoir Dam can serve as a base for longer runs. The circular path around Broadwood Loch is also popular for jogging. You can find more options in the Running Trails around Kildrum guide.
Carron Valley Reservoir is a scenic man-made lake built in the early 1930s as part of a hydroelectric power project. The adjacent Carron Reservoir Dam, opened in 1939, plays a crucial role in providing water for approximately 135,000 people in the region.
While the lakes themselves are prominent features, you can also visit Auchinstarry Quarry, located just off the Forth and Clyde Canal path. It offers a short trek up and is a great place to stop for a break, showcasing a different natural and geological aspect of the area.
The lakes around Kildrum can be enjoyed year-round. Summer offers opportunities to see swallows overhead and participate in events like the annual canoe regatta at Broadwood Loch. Clear days in any season provide excellent views of the Campsie Fells. Woodland trails are best enjoyed when dry, so appropriate footwear is recommended, especially after rain.
Yes, the circular footpath around Broadwood Loch is paved and suitable for families, including those with strollers and young children, making it quite accessible. The flat tarmacked road along Carron Valley Reservoir also offers an accessible option for enjoying the lakeside scenery.
For gravel biking enthusiasts, the area around Kildrum offers several routes. You can explore trails near Carron Valley Reservoir and Carron Reservoir Dam. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, refer to the Gravel biking around Kildrum guide.


Still not found your perfect lake around Kildrum? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.