Top 15 Lakes around Hawick
Best lakes around Hawick, a town in the Scottish Borders, are characterized by picturesque lochs offering diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The region features several notable lochs, including Alemoor Loch, Lindean Loch, and Ruberslaw Covert Pond. These bodies of water provide opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views. The area's geography includes rolling hills and valleys, contributing to the varied landscapes surrounding these lochs.
Best lakes around Hawick
- The most popular lakes is Alemoor Loch, an other natural feature that is approximately 2 kilometers long and divided by a causeway carrying the B711 road. It is a popular spot for coarse fishing, wild swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, and is recognized as an excellent location for stargazing.
- Another must-see spot is The Haining Country Estate, a settlement and historical site dating back to the 1790s. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Haining Loch within the estate and find artist studios in the outbuildings.
- Visitors also love Haining Loch Circular Walk, a viewpoint with a well-maintained path that goes all around the loch. This walk is popular with local residents for exercise and offers plenty of seats to view the loch and its wildlife.
- Hawick is known for its lochs, reservoirs, and nature reserves. These bodies of water offer diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities for exploration.
- The lakes around Hawick are appreciated by the komoot community, with 18 upvotes and 19 photos contributed by visitors.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
The Haining Country Estate
Highlight • Settlement
You can now rent spaces in the gorgeous estate house for functions and events, and even stay on site in The Ettrick, a small holiday apartment. There are a number of artist studios in the outbuildings too.
When walking or cycling through the estate, take your time to enjoy the beautiful Haining Loch. Recent forestry and groundworks mean that there's now a great map of trails to enjoy.
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Alemoor Loch
Highlight • Natural
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Haining Loch Circular Walk
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
The Haining, the country house, found on the bank of the loch, is (at the time of writing this) undergoing restoration.
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Ruberslaw Covert Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Lindean Loch
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Well maintained paths suitable for all, with some detours down to the waterside, plenty of seats to view the loch and the wildlife
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This loch, as you can imagine, is very popular with Selkirk residents for exercise. It's a lovely place to be and the well-maintained path goes all around the loch. The Haining, the country house, found on the bank of the loch, is (at the time of writing this) undergoing restoration.
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Ale Water flows here into Alemoor Reservoir, and B711 here is a causeway that divides the reservoir into two parts. Very beautiful views straight from the road. Spot Alemoor Hill on the wooded slopes, north-west of the road.
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Lindean Loch is a beautiful small loch that is now part of a nature reserve. It’s a lovely little spot for a wild swim and is situated next to a small car park.
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The pond itself is perhaps not that much to look at, but the views from up here of the entire countryside from above (you will see the town of Hawick from up here) are very pleasant indeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do at the lakes around Hawick?
The lochs around Hawick offer a variety of activities. At Alemoor Loch, you can enjoy coarse fishing, wild swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Lindean Loch is particularly well-suited for wild swimming, while Haining Loch offers a popular circular walk for exercise and wildlife viewing. Cauldshields Loch is another lovely option for swimming and paddleboarding.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming near Hawick?
Yes, several lochs around Hawick are great for wild swimming. Lindean Loch, designated as a nature reserve, provides a tranquil spot for a dip. Alemoor Loch is also suitable for wild swimming, as is Cauldshields Loch, which often offers a quiet experience due to a short walk from parking.
Where can I find the best panoramic views of the Hawick countryside?
For expansive views of the entire surrounding countryside, including the town of Hawick, visit Ruberslaw Covert Pond. Its elevated position provides very pleasant vistas, making it ideal for photography or simply enjoying the scenic landscape of the Scottish Borders.
Are there any historical sites or interesting folklore associated with the lochs?
Yes, The Haining Country Estate, located on the bank of Haining Loch, is a historic country house dating back to the 1790s. Alemoor Loch is also associated with local folklore, including tales of a 'water-cow' or kelpie, and during periods of extremely low water, chimney pots of an old submerged farmhouse can become visible.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Hawick?
Many lochs in the area are suitable for families. Alemoor Loch is considered family-friendly, offering activities like fishing and paddleboarding. Lindean Loch, a nature reserve, provides a peaceful setting for families to enjoy. The Haining Loch Circular Walk is also popular with families due to its well-maintained paths and opportunities to view wildlife.
What kind of fishing is available at the lochs near Hawick?
Alemoor Loch is a popular spot for coarse fishing, with pike, perch, and roach being the main species found there.
Are there accessible walking trails around the lochs?
Yes, the Haining Loch Circular Walk features well-maintained paths suitable for all, including those needing wheelchair access. It offers plenty of seats to view the loch and its wildlife.
Can I go stargazing near the lakes?
Yes, Alemoor Loch is recognized as an excellent location for stargazing due to low levels of light pollution and good parking facilities.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lochs?
Around Alemoor Loch, visitors might spot ospreys overhead. Lindean Loch, being a nature reserve, supports diverse local wildlife. The Haining Loch Circular Walk also provides opportunities to view various wildlife.
Are there hiking or cycling routes near the lakes around Hawick?
Yes, the Hawick area offers various outdoor routes. You can find numerous waterfall hikes, MTB trails, and running trails that explore the beautiful Scottish Borders landscape surrounding these lochs. These routes cater to different difficulty levels, from easy to difficult.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Hawick?
The lakes around Hawick can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking, swimming, and paddleboarding. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer serene, quiet experiences, though some paths might be muddy.
How can I get to the lochs around Hawick?
Most lochs are accessible by car. Alemoor Loch has good parking facilities, and Lindean Loch has a small car park available for visitors. Some lochs, like Cauldshields Loch, may require a short walk from the parking area.
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