Top 5 Lakes around Shettleston
Best lakes around Shettleston offer accessible green spaces and water features within and near Glasgow. While natural lochs are more common in Scotland, the area provides several bodies of water suitable for outdoor activities. These locations serve as local nature reserves and recreational areas, providing opportunities for walking and wildlife observation. The landscape around Shettleston includes urban parks with water features and larger lochs a short distance away.
Best lakes around Shettleston
- The most popular lakes is Strathclyde Loch,…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Strathclyde Loch
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Lochend Loch
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The Claypits Local Nature Reserve
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Originally the home of …
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Hogganfield Loch
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Bishop Loch
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“Strathclyde Loch is more than just water: beneath its surface, Bothwellhaugh, a mining village swept away in the 1970s, vanished. Today, only a cairn remains as a reminder of the houses, schools, and shops. There's also a Roman fort and an ancient road (yes, Watling Street is still here). Final warning: In 2012, a norovirus outbreak left 57 swimmers unconscious. Water caution.
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Always great pictures, beautiful impressions, or amazing panoramic shots... A worthwhile ✅🚲—tour around the loch (lake)😅😅
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The trails around Bishop Loch can become quite boggy after rain so be prepared for some hike-a-bike sections. The scenery is beautiful though with abundant wildlife throughout the area.
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Hogganfield Loch is the main feature of this local nature reserve. It's a large, shallow loch with a wooded island. It's a great place to watch birds and other wildlife. The perimeter track is flat and well maintained, making access easy for, most people.
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Just one mile from the hustle and bustle of the city centre lies the green space of Glasgow’s only inner-city Local Nature Reserve – The Claypits. Originally the home of a clay quarry used when the Forth & Clyde Canal was first built in the late 1700s, it was also the site of a foundry, glassworks and boat-building yard. These industries are long gone but the historic canal buildings, the oldest in Scotland, still dot the banks.
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Great place to go for a run or a slow cycle. There's a trail all around the lake but too many people to expect to fai any major stores on a bike.
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Strathclyde Country Park lies in 400 hectares of countryside in the valley of the River Clyde, centred around Strathclyde Loch. It is a popular spot for people looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle. The remains of Bothwellhaugh Roman Fort and a Roman bathhouse can be seen in the park, where the South Calder Water flows into the loch. Within the park, you find habitats including wetland and native woodland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water bodies can I find near Shettleston?
Near Shettleston, you'll find a mix of urban lochs, man-made lakes, and natural lochs. These range from accessible green spaces within Glasgow to larger bodies of water a short drive away, offering various outdoor activities and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Are there any local nature reserves with water features around Shettleston?
Yes, several areas serve as local nature reserves with water features. For example, The Claypits Local Nature Reserve is Glasgow's only inner-city Local Nature Reserve, featuring a lake and historical canal buildings. Hogganfield Loch is another prominent local nature reserve known for its birdlife.
Which lakes are suitable for families near Shettleston?
Several lakes are family-friendly. Strathclyde Loch in Strathclyde Country Park offers 400 hectares of countryside with plenty of space for activities. Lochend Loch, set within Drumpellier Park, has light gravel paths suitable for family walks and wildlife spotting. The Claypits Local Nature Reserve is also considered family-friendly.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around the lakes?
The lakes are excellent for wildlife spotting. At Lochend Loch, you can observe resident and migratory waterfowl, as well as fungi in autumn. Hogganfield Loch is a great place to watch birds and other wildlife, while Bishop Loch is known for its abundant wildlife throughout the area.
Are there easy walking trails around the lakes near Shettleston?
Yes, many lakes offer easy walking trails. Lochend Loch has light gravel paths through woodland. The perimeter track around Hogganfield Loch is flat and well-maintained, making it easily accessible for most people. Strathclyde Loch also features an easy trail around the lake.
How can I get to Hogganfield Loch using public transport?
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in the guide, Hogganfield Loch is an urban loch near Glasgow, suggesting it is generally accessible by public transport. For precise routes and schedules, it's best to check local transport services.
Are there accessible paths for wheelchairs at the lakes?
Yes, Hogganfield Loch is noted for its wheelchair-accessible paths. The perimeter track is flat and well-maintained, ensuring easy access for most visitors.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Strathclyde Loch is popular for running and cycling. You can also find numerous road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and running trails in the wider area. For example, there are many running routes around Hogganfield Loch, and mountain biking trails near Strathclyde Loch. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Shettleston, MTB Trails around Shettleston, and Running Trails around Shettleston guides.
Are the trails around the lakes suitable for cycling?
Yes, some trails are suitable for cycling. Strathclyde Loch has a trail all around the lake that is popular for cycling. For more dedicated cycling experiences, consider exploring the Road Cycling Routes around Shettleston or MTB Trails around Shettleston guides.
What historical sites can be found near the lakes?
Near Strathclyde Loch, you can find the remains of Bothwellhaugh Roman Fort and a Roman bathhouse. The Claypits Local Nature Reserve, originally a clay quarry for the Forth & Clyde Canal, also features historic canal buildings, some of the oldest in Scotland.
Are there any lakes that are particularly scenic for photography?
Many of the lochs offer beautiful scenery for photography. Lochend Loch is known for great pictures and amazing panoramic shots. Bishop Loch also provides scenic views, especially with its abundant wildlife.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Shettleston?
Visitors appreciate the accessible green spaces and the opportunities for outdoor activities. Many enjoy the easy walking and cycling trails, the chance to spot diverse wildlife, and the peaceful escape from urban life. The historical elements at places like Strathclyde Loch and The Claypits also add to the appeal.
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