Swimming at Glencorse Reservoir

Glencorse Reservoir in the Pentlands Hills, Midlothian

Parking:

Park in the Pentland Hills Regional Park (Flotterstone) near the Pentlands Hills Café Express. Nearest Post Code: EH26 0PP. Cost £2 (currently by donation) via cash or RingGo 12558. The car park is very busy at weekends when the weather is fine - so it is recommended to avoid going between 9:30am and 3:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays as you are unlikely to find any parking.... If full you may sometimes find a space at Castlelaw Car Park.. but that only has about 20 slots.

Swim Spot:

The recommended swim spot at Glencorse Reservoir is a 2km walk (25 mins) from the car park - no cars are permitted to drive the route. I am afraid that there is no disabled access as you'll need to be able to climb over a 4ft high wall.

Hop over the wall either at the point shown in the image below or walk further on where it is lower (just past the tall trees before the bridge) and walk back on the other side to the swim spot.

Best Time To Go:

I recommended going on calm days when the wind is less than 20 mph. The reflections of the hills on the water are amazing. Sunsets are spectacular too - especially during the winter months. The sun hides behind the hills 2 hours before the official sunset time during the summer and 1 hour during the winter... so plan your swims so that you are in the water long before the sun disappears. The nearest weather station is Penicuik - Check the MetOffice.
If you do decide to swim at Glencorse in strong winds stick to the shore-line on the right. The current will help push you back towards the start if you get stuck -- but just watch out for the reeds by the bank near the small bridge.

IMPORTANT: From Saturday 22nd March 2025 until the 19th October 2025 Glencorse Reservoir is used by paying anglers and so please AVOID SWIMMING on Saturdays and Sundays until after 4:30pm during those months as all of FISHING BOATS will be on the water and there may be competitions happening.

The fishery is closed on Mondays and so we have the place to ourselves. The rest of the week there may be boats on the water until 10pm at night so please keep at SAFE DISTANCE of at least 50 metres from them. Please check the Fishing Boat diary.

It is nice to swim across to the bench (260m return) or on warmer days to the bank on the other Turnhouse Hill side (400m return)

Safety:

The Pentland Hills Regional Park suggest wearing a bright hat and tow-float.

As mentioned above avoid swimming here when windy speed above 20mph. Also, be aware that very occasionally there may be a northerly breeze that may make it difficult to swim back to the start. If that happens follow the shoreline back.

The Reservoir is almost full with water during the winter months and so trees offer some shelter whilst entering from the bank. However, during the the dry summer months you can end up walking for 5 to 15m over pebbles and stones before even getting close and therefore swim shoes may be needed. At that point you may also be seen by people on a path 130m away.. but luckily the path isn't too busy in the evenings. Horseflies are a problem on really hot evenings so avoid staying around too late as you may get a nasty bite that won't go away for weeks!
As mentioned above Glencorse Reservoir is used by paying anglers from March to October it is best to swim on Mondays when the fishery is closed or after 4:30pm at the weekend. But if you are entering the water when the anglers are there please keep a safe distance of at least 50m away from them.

Regular Swim Times:

(except during school holidays)

-- with Glencorse Reservoir Swimmers

Meet outside Pentland Hills Cafe Express in Pentland Hills Regional Park (Flotterstone) car park at these times:

Mondays 10:00am; Wednesdays 4:45pm; Thursdays 8:50am*; Fridays 9:20am*; Saturdays: 8:50am (winter months only); Sundays 8:10am (winter months only) or 4:20pm (BST)

-- We wait only for 10mins before walking up.

Other swim events are posted ad-hoc. Check on group or call me on: 07703 781 140

It is 25 minute (2km) walk each way to swim spot along road. Swim footwear advisable though not essential (can be provided). Ability to hop over a 3ft wall required. Skinny Dippers, Textiles and Wet-Suit Swimmers Welcome. Bring lots of extra layers and a hot drink for afterwards. Adverse weather conditions may force a swim to be cancelled.

# All swims at own risk #

*No swim event if more than 6 fishing boats on the water (check the day before).