Gladhouse Reservoir
Enjoy a circular walk around this pretty reservoir near Penicuik. The route runs for a distance of about 5 miles, following a series of country lanes and footpaths around the water. The large reservoir was built in the 1870s, and is a public water supply reservoir for Edinburgh. With an area of 168 hectares, it is the largest body of fresh water in the Lothians.
Start the walk from the roadside parking at the south western end of the reservoir. From here you can pick up country lanes to take you around the water.
Just to the north is Rosebery Reservoir which is another popular fishing spot in the Lammermuir Hills.
To continue your walking in the Pentland Hills head north to the Flotterstone visitor centre and try our circular walk around Glencorse Reservoir. Near here there's more nice waterside footpaths around Harlaw Reservoir and Threipmuir Reservoir.
Gladhouse Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Gladhouse Reservoir Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Gladhouse Reservoir OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Gladhouse Reservoir Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A few miles to the south west you can continue your waterside walking around the lovely Portmore Loch. In nearby Peebles you can pick up the Tweed Valley Railway Path and enjoy a walk or cycle along this multi user path.
Head north towards Temple and there's a nice circular walk around Edgelaw Reservoir. Rosebery Reservoir is also located in this area.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Pentland Hills Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Gladhouse Reservoir, built in the 1870s, is a public water supply reservoir for Edinburgh, and with an area of 168 hectares, it is the largest body of fresh water in the Lothians. The reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and during the winter months it is a roosting area for pink-footed geese. This is a view from the nearby Torfichen Hill.
Spillway at Gladhouse Reservoir The solid stonework is characteristic of waterworks, built to last.
Gladhouse Reservoir. Famed wintering ground for ducks and fishery. A matured reservoir at the foot of the Moorfoot Hills.
The eastern arm of this long established reservoir on the South Esk.
Calm waters at Gladhouse Reservoir. These rowing boats await the fishermen, for whom there is a pontoon landing-stage in case the water level changes.
NE arm of Gladhouse Reservoir. Taken from the boathouse on the shore of the NE arm of the reservoir; a thin skin of ice remains with the spell of cold weather continuing.
Old Limekiln near Gladhouse Reservoir
The Outflow from Gladhouse Reservoir, as viewed from the eastern end of the dam. In this view the reservoir is full and each wave carries some water over the metal rail at the top of the weir. The water then runs under the road and falls into a deep ravine and down to the nearby Rosebery Reservoir.