Best lakes around Downfield And Brackens are easily accessible from Dundee, offering various recreational activities and scenic beauty. The area provides access to several notable lakes and reservoirs, including those within country parks and urban green spaces. These bodies of water are popular for walking, nature observation, and other outdoor pursuits. The region's landscape features a mix of man-made reservoirs and natural lochs, providing diverse environments for exploration.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Popular around Downfield And Brackens
Spectacular rides in Scotland and Northern England – e-bike trials by Halfords
Hiking around Downfield And Brackens
Road Cycling Routes around Downfield And Brackens
MTB Trails around Downfield And Brackens
Cycling around Downfield And Brackens
Running Trails around Downfield And Brackens
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This spot within Riverside Nature Park is great to watch wading birds like redshank, oystercatcher and curlew feeding in the pools or out on the Tay estuary mudflats. Skylarks and buntings breed in the grassy areas, and in autumn and winter large flocks of pink-footed geese gather alongside many other waders.
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Try the harbour cafe, excellent cake and coffee. Open every day and run by volunteers.
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Definitely a very nice waypoint on the cycle route that's worth a pause for that photo.
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A worthy waypoint on a ride. Worth the wee detour off the main road for a photo opportunity and maybe take a somewhat scenic break for refreshments.
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From here, if you don't wish to stop on the ridge, there's a track that drops down giving access to Long Loch.
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A plentiful supply and mix of dirt and gravel paths and tracks.
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As you make your way along the ridge of the Lundie Craigs, you will be afforded some unforgettable views over Long Loch and the surrounding countryside of the county of Angus.
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Clatto Country Park on the northern fringe of Dundee is a large reservoir and areas of woodland. A network of paths circles the reservoir and wind through the woodland. The reservoir is a nice short loop and it's easy to make a longer walk by starting in Dundee or exploring the trails further. The reservoir was constructed in 1874 to supply water to Dundee but it's no longer on the supply network.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Clatto Reservoir for its walking paths and woodland, and Morton Lochs Bird Hide, a significant wetland system within Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve known for its diverse waterfowl. Monikie Lochs in Monikie Country Park is also a popular choice for recreation.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Clatto Reservoir features a play area and level paths. Monikie Lochs at Monikie Country Park offers extensive walking trails and picnic spots. Balgay Loch and Gelly Loch, both within Dundee, provide peaceful settings with playgrounds nearby.
The lakes and reservoirs offer diverse natural settings. You can find woodlands, such as those surrounding Clatto Reservoir and Laird's Loch, and open countryside views, like those from View of Long Loch. Birdwatching is excellent at Morton Lochs Bird Hide and Bird Hide Viewing Point at Invergowrie Bay, where you can spot waterfowl and wading birds.
Absolutely. Clatto Reservoir has a level path encircling it, with smaller paths extending into Baldragon Woods. Monikie Lochs offers extensive walking trails and wooden boardwalks. Balgay Loch and Gelly Loch also provide charming walking paths within their parklands. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Downfield And Brackens guide.
Beyond walking and birdwatching, you can enjoy various activities. Monikie Lochs is excellent for cycling and fishing. Clatto Reservoir is used for watersports by Ancrum Outdoor Centre and is popular for fishing (with a permit). For more active pursuits, check out the MTB Trails around Downfield And Brackens or Running Trails around Downfield And Brackens guides.
For a peaceful experience and to avoid crowds, consider visiting Clatto Reservoir in the early morning or late afternoon. Monikie Lochs offers great photo opportunities, especially at sunset. Generally, spring and autumn provide pleasant weather for walks and wildlife observation, though the lakes are accessible year-round.
Yes, Backwater Reservoir, located in north-west Angus, is historically significant as it has supplied drinking water to Dundee, Angus, and parts of Perth and Kinross since its opening in 1969. You can learn more about its history on Wikipedia. Clatto Reservoir was also originally created in 1874 as part of Dundee's water supply.
Yes, View of Long Loch offers unforgettable vistas over Long Loch and the surrounding Angus countryside. Laird's Loch in the Sidlaw Hills also provides incredible panoramic views over Perthshire, Angus, Dundee, and Fife.
Balgay Loch, located within Balgay Park in Dundee, offers a peaceful urban oasis with charming surroundings and walking paths. Gelly Loch in Broughty Ferry also provides a tranquil retreat with reflective waters and floral gardens, combined with the seaside charm of Broughty Ferry.
Visitors appreciate the diverse environments, from the tranquil birdwatching opportunities at Morton Lochs Bird Hide to the extensive walking and cycling routes at Monikie Lochs. The scenic beauty, opportunities for nature observation, and the accessibility of these spots for various outdoor activities are highly valued.
Definitely. Morton Lochs Bird Hide is a prime location, part of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, known for its waterfowl. Bird Hide Viewing Point at Invergowrie Bay is excellent for spotting wading birds like redshank and oystercatcher. Balgay Loch is also good for observing ducks and swans.
Clatto Reservoir is utilized by Ancrum Outdoor Centre for watersports, though it's important to note that blue-green algae can sometimes be an issue. Monikie Lochs also offers opportunities for various outdoor recreational activities, including those on the water.


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