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Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Top 5 Lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Best lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District are found in the Scottish Borders, a region characterized by its picturesque lochs and reservoirs. The area features diverse landscapes, including glens, forests, and hills, offering a range of outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore both natural lochs and man-made reservoirs, many of which provide opportunities for walking and cycling. The district is known for its tranquil settings and scenic routes.

Best lakes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

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Last updated: September 6, 2026

Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section

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Gladhouse Reservoir is just a short drive from Edinburgh and just to the west of the Moorfoot Hills. This peaceful wildlife haven offers visitors great hiking and cycling opportunities. This …

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St Mary's Loch

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This stunning section of the Southern Upland Way takes you right along St Mary’s Loch, the largest natural lake in the Scottish Borders. Surrounded by a ring of hills, its crystal-clear waters reflect the rolling landscape wonderfully.

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Portmore Reservoir

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Portmore Reservoir is a hidden gem with some beautiful landscape, forests, hills and glen walk towards Eddleston. Intermediate paths with some steep parts and steady footwear are recommended.

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Megget Reservoir

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Lovely traffic free and well paved road alongside Megget Water passed the dam, with fantastic views of the reservoir. Plenty of benches and stopping points if you want to refuel and rest with an amazing view.

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The A708 follows the northern shore of St Mary's Loch, the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Boarders. It's an A road and people do drive fast, but …

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Hiking around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

Road Cycling Routes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District

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Hike in the footsteps of history – Cross Borders Drove Road

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Grace Mulligan

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Thomas P-D
August 23, 2026, Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section

NOTE (23 Aug 2026) - the road bridge across the spillway (eg, the middle of this segment) DOES NOT EXIST, the "trail" shown is a hike across a grassy section above the spillway including a couple of staircases, then ride along a dirt and grass track to get back to the road. The dirt and grass section gave me a flat in 2 spots in one tyre, YMMV. Adventure !

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Absolutely gorgeous reservoir, great to cycle by, or to stop and enjoy your ride-food while looking at the water.

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The A708 follows the northern shore of St Mary's Loch, the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Boarders. It's an A road and people do drive fast, but it's never that busy, so It's a fun ride with great views. The loch takes its name from the chapel that once stood on the northern shore. The chapel has gone, but the graveyard remains.

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Gladhouse Reservoir is just a short drive from Edinburgh and just to the west of the Moorfoot Hills. This peaceful wildlife haven offers visitors great hiking and cycling opportunities. This back-lane road section is no exception. This is a good connecting section between the Gladhouse Plantation on the west side of the reservoir and Rosebery Reservoir a few miles to the north. The road goes past the northern wooded shores of Gladhouse Reservoir, around the bottom of the dam, where just after you turn left or north for Rosebery Reservoir. It is a scenic, tranquil section that is a delight for the eyes and soul.

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Beautiful loch and there's a cafe nearby.

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Nice cafe over looking St Mary's Loch

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İlknur
October 12, 2023, St Mary's Loch

Stunning place, take a break and enjoy the view. PS: check out the house (like a castle) near the loch, I was so jealous about the people who live there!

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Beautiful road next to the Loch, an absolute dream ride on a nice day. Good surface and even better views.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular lakes to visit in the Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

The region offers several picturesque lochs and reservoirs. Popular choices include Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section, known for hiking and cycling, and Portmore Reservoir, which features beautiful landscapes and diverse terrain for hiking.

Are there family-friendly lake walks in the Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

Yes, several areas are suitable for families. Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section and Megget Reservoir are both categorized as family-friendly. Megget Reservoir, in particular, has a lovely traffic-free and well-paved road with plenty of benches for resting.

What kind of hiking trails can I find near the lakes?

You'll find a variety of hiking trails. For instance, Portmore Reservoir offers intermediate paths, some with steep sections, requiring steady footwear. Loch Eddy also has a pleasant 6-mile circular walk around the Glen Estate on well-maintained farm tracks. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District.

Can I cycle around the lakes in the Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

Absolutely. Gladhouse Reservoir Scenic Road Section is excellent for cycling, offering a tranquil experience. Megget Reservoir also features a traffic-free, well-paved road alongside Megget Water, ideal for a scenic ride. You can find more cycling options in the road cycling guide for the region.

Are there any hidden gems among the lakes in the region?

Yes, Portmore Reservoir is often described as a hidden gem, offering beautiful landscapes, forests, and hills. Loch Eddy, tucked away in a glen in the Manor Hills, provides a secluded and idyllic setting for a peaceful walk.

What unique natural features can I find around the lakes?

The region boasts diverse natural beauty. Loch Eddy features pine-clad shores and a fine little waterfall as the Quair Water continues its journey. Gladhouse Reservoir is known as a peaceful wildlife haven, while Portmore Reservoir offers beautiful forests and glen walks.

Are there any historical points of interest near the lakes?

While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or man-made for water supply, some have historical connections. Loch Eddy was created in the mid-to-late 1800s and named after Edward Wyndham Tennant. Near St Mary’s Loch, the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Borders, you can find a graveyard marking the site of a former chapel.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District?

Visitors appreciate the tranquil settings and scenic routes. Many enjoy the opportunities for hiking and cycling, especially the well-maintained paths and traffic-free roads. The amazing views and peaceful atmosphere, such as those found at Megget Reservoir, are frequently highlighted.

Is there a good viewpoint to see St Mary's Loch?

Yes, the View of St Mary’s Loch from the A708 offers fantastic vistas of the largest natural body of water in the Scottish Borders. It's a popular spot for a scenic ride with great views.

Are there any lakes suitable for easy walks?

Yes, Megget Reservoir provides a lovely, well-paved road that is traffic-free, making it ideal for easy walks with fantastic views. The circular walk around Loch Eddy also features well-maintained farm tracks, offering a gentle experience.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?

Gladhouse Reservoir is particularly noted as a peaceful wildlife haven, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing local fauna in its natural habitat.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Royal Burgh Of Peebles And District? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

CarlopsWest LintonEttrick And YarrowTweedsmuirInnerleithen And DistrictUpper Liddesdale And HermitageManor, Stobo And LyneLilliesleaf, Ashkirk And MidlemHawickRoyal Burgh Of Selkirk And DistrictMelrose And DistrictGalashielsClovenfords And DistrictBowden VillageAncrumTweedbankSt. Boswells ParishNewtown And EildonDenholm And DistrictUpper Teviotdale And Borthwick WaterLamancha, Newlands And KirkurdEddleston And DistrictLauderdaleLammermuirBurnfootParish Of StowCockburnspathGordon And WestrutherMaxton And MertounEarlstonReston And AuchencrowGrantshouseChirnsideHobkirkUpper TweedAbbey St. Bathans, Bonkyl And PrestonNewcastleton And DistrictHeriotWalkerburn And DistrictSouthdean

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