Attractions and Places To See around Threipmuir Reservoir - Top 3

The area is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the reservoir itself, Threipmuir Reservoir, which is popular for open water swimming and offers easy gravel paths. Adjacent to it is Harlaw Reservoir, and the wider Pentland Hills provide a stunning backdrop. Don't miss the unique Red Moss Nature Reserve, a peat bog with a circular boardwalk, or the prominent Black Hill known for its heather.

Yes, the area is renowned for its walking and hiking routes. You can find a variety of trails, from easy strolls to more challenging mountain hikes. Popular options include the West & East Kip plus Scald Law loop, or the moderate Hare Hill loop. For easy walks, consider routes like the Threipmuir Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop or the Harlaw Reservoir & Threipmuir Reservoir loop. For more challenging options, explore the mountain hikes around Threipmuir Reservoir, such as the Scald Law Summit loop.

The region has several points of historical interest. Overlooking Threipmuir Reservoir is Bavelaw Castle, a historic Category A listed house that has stood for centuries and was once a hunting lodge for figures like Mary Queen of Scots. The Redford Bridge, crossing between Bravelaw Marsh and Threipmuir Reservoir, also has historical significance as an access point to the Pentland Hills. Additionally, the Threipmuir Reservoir Dam itself, constructed between 1843 and 1848, is an engineering landmark.

Absolutely. The area offers various cycling routes for different skill levels. You can find easy loops like the Threipmuir Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop from Balerno, as well as more challenging rides such as The Red Road, Pentland Hills – Balerno Hill Summit loop. The Forest Track Beside Harlow Reservoir also provides a scenic and sheltered route through woodland patches by the water's edge.

Yes, the area is very family-friendly. Threipmuir Reservoir itself offers easy gravel paths suitable for families, and the small beach provides safe water access. The Redford Bridge is also noted as family-friendly. The Red Moss Nature Reserve features a circular boardwalk, making it accessible for prams and wheelchairs, and offers a chance to see unique flora.

The area offers beauty year-round. In summer and autumn, the Red Moss Nature Reserve is covered in vibrant pink-purple heather. The Pentland Hills are stunning in all seasons, though paths can be muddy after rain, especially on Black Hill. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring to autumn generally offers more pleasant weather, but winter walks can be very atmospheric.

Yes, Threipmuir Reservoir is a popular spot for open water swimming among locals. There's even a small beach area that provides easy access to the water, with a good 100m run along to a land-bar.

Many spots offer excellent views. The Threipmuir Reservoir itself provides wide-open vistas of the surrounding Pentland Hills. The Forest Track Beside Harlow Reservoir offers 360 degrees of beautiful scenery as you weave through the woodland. Higher points in the Pentland Hills, such as those reached on the Hare Hill loop, also provide panoramic views of the reservoirs and beyond.

A full loop incorporating both Threipmuir and Harlaw Reservoirs, such as the Harlaw Reservoir & Threipmuir Reservoir loop, is approximately 4.4 km (2.7 miles) and can typically be completed in 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

Yes, the Red Moss Nature Reserve, located near the reservoir, features a circular boardwalk that makes it accessible for wheelchairs and prams, leading to a pond. This provides an excellent opportunity to experience the unique peat bog environment.

The terrain varies significantly. Around Threipmuir Reservoir, you'll find easy gravel paths. However, trails in the wider Pentland Hills can range from well-maintained paths to rougher, sometimes muddy tracks, especially after rain, such as those found on Black Hill. The Forest Track Beside Harlow Reservoir offers a more sheltered, woodland path.