Swimming, SUPs, kayaks
Glencorse, Loganlea, Harlaw, Threipmuir and Clubbiedean are heavily used as fisheries between March and November. At times it may be difficult to swim or use a watercraft on these busy waters without disturbing the anglers - therefore not exercising your access rights responsibly. This doesn't mean you can't swim in these reservoirs: we recommend liaising with fishery managers or anglers to find the best places to swim / SUP, or the best times of day to exercise your access rights. For example, Glencorse Reservoir is occasionally used for national angling competitions - it would be irresponsible to swim in the vicinity of the fishery during these times, but the fishery owner may be able to point you to an area which is less used by anglers, or suggest a time or day of the week when there is less / no fishing. Here is a list of all fisheries and their contact details.
Other reservoirs are fished less intensively and can offer more space for shared access, however you should always respect other users and avoid them if possible. Be aware there is no vehicular access to reservoirs in the Regional Park: you face a walk or portage of some distance in all cases.
Swimming
Reservoirs in the Pentlands are either owned and run by Scottish Water, City of Edinburgh Council or are privately owned. If you are tempted to swim in reservoirs we urge you to remain cautious as they can be very dangerous locations to swim. The following dangers exist to those entering the water:
- Deep and therefore very cold water – cold water can send your body into shock in seconds
- Hidden structures or pipework underwater can cause injury or trap you
- Strong currents can challenge even the strongest of swimmers - all reservoirs have an inherent danger at the tower (near the dam) where underwater sluices act as a "plughole".
- Steep, slippery banks can make it difficult to get back out of the water (especially when you are cold)
- Remote locations with poor phone coverage or difficult access for emergency services
If you do choose to swim in a reservoir here is some advice to keep safe:
- Research the reservoir to make sure access rights apply, and there are no byelaws prohibiting swimming.
- Access safely from a shallow area – do not enter by, or swim near, the reservoir structures, including the dam wall, towers or spillways. Tower sluices have undertows which can pull you under
- Never swim alone, and always supervise children in the water
- Do not swim under the influence of alcohol
- Never dive or jump in – there is bigger risk of cold water shock or injury from hidden objects underwater. NEVER jump from the dam towers - people have died here by being sucked under by reservoir sluices
- Wear a brightly-coloured cap or tow float so that boaters can easily see you - Anglers at Glencorse and Threipmuir use boats with engines
Access to the reservoir structures such as towers and metal walkways is prohibited – do not ignore the locked gates or signage.
There are other risks to be aware of at reservoirs and responsible access actions we should be taking:
SUMMER
- Anglers - Keep yourself and your dog clear of anglers fishing from the bank and in boats, beware of danger from back casting and hooks
- Blue-green algae blooms - avoid contact and keep your dog out of the water when blue-green algal blooms are present. Find out more about blue-green algae blooms in the Regional Park.
- Deep mud – when the water level drops areas of deep mud can become exposed. These areas should be avoided - keep yourself and dogs clear of them to avoid risk of getting stuck
WINTER
- Do not venture onto ice - it is highly unlikely to be able to hold your weight at all points in the reservoir
- Do not allow your dog onto the ice - they can also fall through
Please don’t put yourself or others at risk, stay safe and respect others. If you witness someone in trouble in the water, contact the emergency services immediately on 999. There are throw-lines at all reservoirs, and Natural Heritage Officers also carry them.
Kayaking, SUPs
No companies have permission to run commercial courses, or hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, on any reservoir in the Regional Park. However, access rights exist for boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. It will be necessary to portage your vessel: no reservoirs in the Regional Park are accessible by vehicle. Please see advice given above about liaising with fisheries to ensure that your access does not conflict with other water users.
Reservoir ownership (angling rights are separately owned)
City of Edinburgh Council: Harlaw, Threipmuir, Bonaly, Harperrig
Scottish Water: Torduff, Clubbiedean, Glencorse, Loganlea
Privately owned: North Esk
Find out about angling on reservoirs in the Regional Park
Further safety information
Scottish Water advice on accessing their reservoirs
Scottish Fire and Rescue advice on water safety
Advice on what to do if you are suddenly submerged in cold water (RNLI)