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. 

Recommended Links:

Edinburgh Skinny Dipping Stories facebook group

Glencorse Reservoir Swimmers facebook group.

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 5:00pm; Thursdays 9:20am*; Fridays 9:30am*; Saturdays:  8:50am (winter months only); Sundays 8:10am (winter months only) or 4:00pm (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.

Register interest here: Live Swim Times

# All swims at own risk #

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

Suggested Swim Routes

Photographs

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO EVENT ORGANISERS AT GLENCORSE RESERVOIR.

I really value the time and effort that everyone has put in to ensure that this group has remained an active and vibrant community of swimmers; particularly those who have offered to host events. In doing so you helped to grow the facebook group for the benefit of all. However, as we continue to grow it’s vital that all members who organise or host events understand their responsibilities and the role they are taking on. This guidance is designed to keep both swimmers and organisers safe, and to ensure clarity in case of any incidents (though, God-forbid there aren't any).

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY IF YOU INTEND TO HOST OR POST EVENTS ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE

1. You Are Not a Lifeguard or Instructor

By hosting an event in this group, you are not taking on the role of a swim coach, lifeguard, or professional guide. You are acting as a facilitator – arranging a time and place for a shared swim among peers. You are not responsible for supervising others in the water or ensuring their safety.

That said, as organisers we do have a duty to act responsibly, especially when new or less experienced swimmers attend. Therefore, I would like you to:

• Give honest and accurate details about the entry location, conditions, and expected swim format. (ie; show area cleared of big rocks for entrance; advise water depths, show items available to aid access - such as anti-slip mats, rope, guide polls, spare tow-floats etc)
• Discourage swimmers from going beyond their ability – especially newcomers unfamiliar with cold water or outdoor swimming.
• Reinforce key messages such as “All swims are at your own risk” and “If in doubt, stay shallow.”

2. You Should Not Encourage Risk

While everyone swims at their own risk, organisers must not encourage anyone to take on something unsafe or beyond their limits.

If a participant is new to outdoor or cold water swimming:

• Urge them to stay within their depth.
• Recommend swimming with a buddy or staying close to the shoreline.
• Let them know it’s okay just to paddle, wade, or watch the first time.

Never pressure anyone to swim across open water or attempt long distances.

3. Emergency Contact and Safety Measures

I recommend that event organisers:

• Ask all attendees to carry emergency contact details (e.g. a luggage tag on their bag or a waterproof card) -- I have plenty spare that I bought if needed.
• Encourage use of tow-floats or bright swim caps for visibility (I have provided spares floats in the box).
• Where possible, keep a charged up mobile phone accessible onshore for emergencies.
• Take note of how many people are swimming and roughly where they are headed (if possible).
• Try to ensure no one swims completely alone.

You don’t need to formally supervise, but being alert and prepared can help prevent or respond to emergencies.

4. The Law and Your Protection

Posting “All swims at your own risk” is an important step that helps make sure each swimmer understands they are responsible for their own decisions in the water.

Scottish law recognises that outdoor swimming carries risk. If we act reasonably and responsibly – by giving fair warnings, not misleading anyone, and discouraging dangerous behaviour – we are unlikely to face any legal consequences if there was an incident. So by being open, honest, and safety-aware is the best protection for all involved. Be clear that swimming in open water isn't without risk -- but we will do all we can to make an safe and enjoyable experience by pointing out any potential hazards.

Finally:
I hope none of this has put you off continuing to organise Events. What you are doing helps us all to enjoy nature, improve wellbeing, and continue to share swim experiences and lots of laughter together. But remember, that it doesn’t that mean we’re responsible for each other – but it does mean we look out for each other. So please continue to help maintain a culture of care and common sense when hosting swims.

Thank you