Gladhouse Reservoir circuit

Summary

This circular route heads around Gladhouse Reservoir on a mix of minor roads, tracks and rougher footpaths. Though there are some hard surfaces, the landscape is attractive with some great views over the water.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Some tarmac roads and muddier tracks. Rough path by the reservoir can be avoided by using road alongside.

Getting there

Start

Informal parking area west of Gladhouse reservoir.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NT291528

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.5km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 25m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

WARNING

The road bridge at Stage 5 is closed until 2027, Scottish Water have installed steps to enable walkers to cross the overflow spillway but only when water levels allow - do not attempt if water levels are high or there is any water on the spillway.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

There is an informal parking area on the southwest side of Gladhouse Reservoir, on the minor road towards Moorfoot farm - it is on the left just before the 'no parking beyond this point' sign. (The other parking areas shown on OS maps on the northeastern side are currently blocked off). Begin on foot by continuing along the road. Pass the house at Moorfoot farm, keep ahead past the barns, then follow the track as it swings left (signed for Huntly Cot).

Stage 2

The track soon becomes tarred once more as it follows a line of trees before curving right and crossing a bridge over a burn. There are distant views of the reservoir backed by the Pentlands. Continue to reach the attractive house at Huntly Cot, staying on the tarred lane (signed as a footpath), which soon gives way to a gravel surface.

Stage 3

At a junction (FP sign) turn left through a gate and then follow the fainter, grassy track which runs along the left side of a plantation. At the far end it passes through another gate and heads over a low hill to reach Maudslie. Keep right of the buildings to reach a gate.

Stage 4

Pass through the gate, turning right on the tarmac lane below then immediately left. The lane runs along the left edge of a belt of trees, again with views towards the reservoir. The shores are finally reached by an old metal boathouse. Stay on the lane to a road junction, then turn left here. On the next section of road it is possible to go left through a blocked off parking area and then briefly along the shores. Depending on water levels you may need to rejoin the road to pass an overflow area.

Stage 5

The road swings left, crossing the overflow spillway and then running beneath the earth dam. Once over the outflow, it is possible to head up steps to rejoin the path along the top of the dam - staying on the near side of the wall at the top. At the far end you can rejoin the road or stay on the rougher path by the reservoir shores.

Stage 6

If using the road, keep left at Gladhouse. The road runs parallel to the reservoir and the path nearer the shore. Further on the road diverges from the water; a path leads through the woods by the waterside to cut back to the road by the parking at the start.

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