Gladhouse Reservoir Circuit

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
8 kms	02:30 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 344: Lammermuir Hills

Description

Looking over the reflections on Gladhouse Reservoir

Gladhouse Reservoir was once one of the main water supplies to Edinburgh and is fed mainly by the River South Esk as it tumbles down from Blackhope Scar in the Moorfoots on the south side of the water.

Part of the reservoir is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for wildfowl, particularly geese. In spring, for this reason, access to the shoreline of the reservoir is not promoted. Start from one of the two car parks on the north side of the reservoir, turn right along the tarmac road until the first junction. Turn right again and follow the road for 1.5km until a T-junction before Maudslie Farm. Turn right and over the burn, then veer left up the track to a farm gate. The expanse of the Moorfoot Hills lies in front of you.

The track goes over a small burn and through two gates, then turn right down the hill and onto the farm road by former farm buildings. The farm road leads to Moorfoot Farm. Go through the farm gate and follow the farm road in between the buildings leading to a tarmac road. Follow the tarmac road 1.5km to the T-junction and turn right. At the next junction turn right again following the signs to Gladhouse. The road tracks the edge of the reservoir offering good views across the water into a backdrop of the Moorfoots. Continue along the road past the Scottish Water fisheries office and over the dam wall back to the car park.