The Top 16 Lakes around Edinburgh
Looking to visit the best lakes around Edinburgh? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Edinburgh’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 26, 2025
View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth
Highlight • Viewpoint
Incredibly great views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
Translated by Google •
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Granton Harbour and Wardie Bay
Highlight • Viewpoint
Great views over the Forth, a nice place to stop for a rest or a picnic. There is a chance of seeing seals.
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St Margaret's Loch and the ruins of St Anthony's Chapel
Highlight • Historical Site
An artificial loch.
The ruined St Anthony's Chapel stands above St Margaret's Loch. Saint Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045-1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex, was an English princess and a Scottish queen.
The ruined St Anthony's Chapel stands above St Margaret's Loch. Saint Margaret of Scotland (c. 1045-1093), also known as Margaret of Wessex, was an English princess and a Scottish queen.
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Threipmuir Reservoir
Highlight • Natural
Superb spot at the foot of the Pentlands, easy gravel paths and lots of swimming spots. Busy with walkers and cyclists.
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Dunsapie Loch
Highlight • Natural
The Dunsapie Loch invites you to linger.
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Torduff Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Torduff Reservoir is man made and yet is has been described as feeling like a secret of nature - you'll likely feel the same!
It's fed by a burn, surrounded …
It's fed by a burn, surrounded …
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Harlaw Reservoir
Highlight • Viewpoint
Harlaw Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities including walking, fishing, and wildlife watching. One of the highlights is a small embankment on the far side of the reservoir …
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Forest Track Beside Harlow Reservoir
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
A great alternative to the main track by going through the trees. You'll almost always end up taking a slightly different line in the trees as you weave through the …
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Duddingston Loch
Highlight • Natural
Duddington Loch is a freshwater lake nestled at the foot of Arthur's Seat. It's an important habitat for various bird species particular during migration seasons. In the nearby village of …
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Inverleith Park Pond
Highlight • Natural
Check out the boardwalk view across the pond!
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Find the best lakes around Edinburgh per region:
Drum BraeColintonRatho And DistrictGranton And DistrictPentland Hills Regional ParkPentland HillsCraigentinny/MeadowbankWest Pilton/West GrantonSighthill, Broomhouse And ParkheadTrinityLeith LinksMarchmont And SciennesSilverknowesStenhouse, Saughton Mains And WhitsonFirrhillMurrayfieldLongstoneQueensferry And DistrictCurrieKirklistonCorstorphineCraigmillarCraigleith/BlackhallStockbridge/InverleithCramond And BarntonNorthfield/WillowbraeWest EndLeith CentralMorningsideJuniper GreenOld TownWester HailesLiberton And DistrictNew Town/BroughtonLeith Harbour & NewhavenDrylaw/TelfordTollcrossGorgie/DalryPortobelloFairmileheadCraiglockhartBalernoSouthsideGrange/PrestonfieldHutchison/ChesserGilmerton/InchMuirhouse/SalvesenMerchiston
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Still not found your perfect lake around Edinburgh? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
Rosewell And DistrictRoslin / BilstonDamheadLoanhead And DistrictPoltonhall And DistrictBonnyrigg / LasswadeEast Calder And DistrictKirknewtonMusselburgh And InvereskDanderhall And DistrictEskbank / NewbattleDalkeith And DistrictWallyfordWhitecraigNewtonPumpherstonBroxburnMid CalderTynewaterMayfield / EasthousesWest Calder And HarburnKnightsridgeUphall StationCraigshillLadywell
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