The most southerly of the Midlothian reservoirs, Gladhouse lies 5
miles (8 km) south of Penicuik, in the shadow of the Moorfoot
Hills, to the south of Edinburgh. It is one of a network of
reservoirs supplying that city with water.
With an area of 186 ha (460 acres), Gladhouse is the largest body
of freshwater in the Lothians.
Stocked with brown trout, the reservoir is popular with anglers.
The Reservoir At Sunset
When you are going for this cache why not try the Gladhouse
Reservoir Circuit:
Distance: 8 kms
Approximate Time:150 minutes
OS Map: Explorer 344: Lammermuir Hills
Gladhouse Reservoir was once one of the main water supplies to
Edinburgh and is fed mainly by the River South Esk as it tumbles
down from Blackhope Scar in the Moorfoots on the south side of the
water.
Part of the reservoir is designated a Site of Special Scientific
Interest for wildfowl, particularly geese. In spring, for this
reason, access to the shoreline of the reservoir is not
promoted.
Start from one of the two car parks on the north side of the
reservoir, turn right along the tarmac road until the first
junction.
Turn right again and follow the road for 1.5km until a
T-junction before Maudslie Farm.
Turn right and over the burn, then veer left up the track to a farm
gate. The expanse of the Moorfoot Hills lies in front of you.
The track goes over a small burn and through two gates, then turn
right down the hill and onto the farm road by former farm
buildings.
The farm road leads to Moorfoot Farm. Go through the farm gate and
follow the farm road in between the buildings leading to a tarmac
road.
Follow the tarmac road 1.5km to the T-junction and turn
right.
At the next junction turn right again following the signs to
Gladhouse. The road tracks the edge of the reservoir offering good
views across the water into a backdrop of the Moorfoots.
Continue along the road past the Scottish Water fisheries office
and over the dam wall back to the car park.