Glen Isla, near Blairgowrie, Angus, Scotland
Backwater Reservoir
Reservoir
Place photograph
6.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.1Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969, this long, man-made loch sits in Glen Isla and is encircled by a popular walking route.
A substantial reservoir in Glen Isla, with a walk around its perimeter and broad water-and-landscape views. Its appeal is the chance to explore the shoreline on foot, rather than a long list of developed attractions.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapGlen Isla, near Blairgowrie, Angus, Scotland
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk a section of the reservoir perimeter and take in the water and Glen Isla setting. The supplied sources do not establish route length, facilities, or permission for water activities.
Things to do
Walk beside the reservoir
Visit Angus describes the reservoir perimeter as a popular walking route. Check route length and conditions before setting out.
Take in the dam’s scale
The official visitor listing describes an 800-metre dam wall retaining a man-made loch around two miles long.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check route length and allow time accordingly
Walk the reservoir edge
- 01
Reach Backwater Reservoir via the B951 from the A93 or from the A926 at Kirriemuir.
- 02
Walk the reservoir perimeter or choose a section and return the way you came; route distance and surface are not specified.
Verified history
The Dundee Corporation Waterworks project began in 1964. The East of Scotland Water Board took it on in 1968, and the reservoir was completed and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 9 October 1969. Its 800-metre dam retains a man-made loch about two miles long. Visit Angus says it links with Lintrathen Reservoir, 2½ miles to the south, and supplies water to communities in the surrounding area, including Dundee.
Hidden details
A reservoir built for regional water supply — The project was initiated by Dundee Corporation Waterworks in 1964; the reservoir now forms part of a linked supply with Lintrathen Reservoir.
When to go
· Not specified in the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not identify seasonal wildlife or landscape highlights.
Check local weather and route conditions before setting out; specific weather guidance is not supplied.
The route
- route shape
- Perimeter route; exact route details not supplied.
- shorter alternative
- Walk a section of the perimeter and return the same way; the sources do not specify a particular section.
- Backwater Reservoir
- 800-metre dam wall
- Glen Isla setting
What to look for
- 01
Notice the scale of the reservoir and its dam wall
- 02
the official description gives the wall’s length as 800 metres.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
No specific best season is established by the supplied sources.
Seasonal highlights and the best time of day are not specified in the supplied sources.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; allow longer for the perimeter walk. Route distance and duration are not supplied.
Perfect for
Walkers · Dogs · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Visit Angus describes the reservoir perimeter as a popular walking route and says dogs are welcome. Check current access and conditions before visiting; follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting; parking details are not supplied.
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Toilets
Check before visiting.
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Dogs are welcome; follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Accessibility
A perimeter walking route is described by Visit Angus, but its surface, gradients and accessibility are not specified. Check conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Backwater Reservoir
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
