Near Stirling, Scotland

North Third Reservoir

Reservoir

Source image

6.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

LakesideHillsWoodlandFarmlandWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.8

Built in 1911 to supply Grangemouth, North Third Reservoir is now a rural walking destination beneath Lewis Hill’s rocky crags. The former B-listed pump house remains on the north shore.

The appeal is the combination of a wooded reservoir, rocky crags and a worthwhile climb to open views across the water and surrounding hills. The old pump house gives the landscape a visible link to its working past.

Peaceful · Wild · Big-sky

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Near Stirling, Scotland

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The experience

Walk the reservoir circuit and, if conditions suit, climb Lewis Hill for views over the water and surrounding hills. The route is short, but the paths can be rough or muddy after rain; there are no toilets or defined parking.

Things to do

Walk the reservoir loop

Follow the circular route around the reservoir, with woodland, water and open views along the way.

1–1.5 hours

Climb to Lewis Hill’s crags

Take the route’s ascent to the rocky crags for views across the reservoir and surrounding hills. Conditions and the exact route may affect the effort required.

Find the former pump house

Look for the former B-listed pump house on the north shore, a surviving reminder of the reservoir’s water-supply history.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–1.5 hours

Quick Escape: Reservoir and crags

01
Follow the short loop around North Third Reservoir.
02
Take the ascent towards Lewis Hill’s crags for views over the reservoir and surrounding hills.
03
Allow for rough or muddy paths, particularly after rain.

Half day · Allow half a day, including time to explore; walking route approximately 1–1.5 hours

Make a Half Day of It: Reservoir, hill and pump house

01
Walk the reservoir circuit and climb to the Lewis Hill crags.
02
Pause to take in the views across the reservoir and, on a clear day, towards Ben Ledi, Stùc a'Chròin and Ben Vorlich.
03
Look for the former B-listed pump house along the north shore.
04
Plan for the lack of toilets and defined parking, and check conditions before setting out.

Verified history

North Third Reservoir was built in 1911 to supply Grangemouth and, at its peak, delivered more than nine million litres of water a day. It is no longer operational, but Scottish Water maintains the site. The former pump house on the north shore is B-listed.

Hidden details

The pump house on the north shore — The former B-listed pump house is a tangible remnant of the reservoir’s water-supply infrastructure.

When to go

· A clear day is best for views from Lewis Hill; no particular time of day is established by the supplied sources.

The supplied evidence does not establish a best season. Recent rain can leave paths rough or muddy.

Paths can be rough and muddy after rain. Check conditions before setting out.

The route

ascent: 357 ft
surface: Pathways; many are rough and can be muddy after rain.
distance: 3.3 miles
duration: 1–1.5 hours
difficulty: Easy according to AllTrails; another route listing rates the trail moderate.
route shape: Loop
start point: North Third Reservoir area; precise start point not established by the supplied sources.
parking start: No defined parking at the reservoir. Scottish Water advises planning ahead and making alternative arrangements if parking is unavailable.

North Third Reservoir
Lewis Hill crags and views
Former B-listed pump house on the north shore

What to look for

01
The former B-listed pump house on the north shore
02
the wooded reservoir setting
03
and views from Lewis Hill towards Ben Ledi, Stùc a'Chròin and Ben Vorlich.

The story

Water supply and infrastructure; former pump house

Best time to go

No specific season is established by the supplied evidence. Paths can be rough and muddy after rain.

Choose a clear day for the views from Lewis Hill. After rain, expect rough or muddy paths.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

Scottish Water describes pathways and provides visitor guidance. There is no defined parking; check current site conditions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

No defined parking at the reservoir; Scottish Water advises planning ahead and making alternative arrangements if parking is unavailable.

Toilets

No toilets at the reservoir.

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

The source row marks the location dog-friendly, but no detailed rules are supplied. Check current signage and site guidance before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Pathways are present, but many are rough and can be muddy after rain. Accessibility is not established by the supplied sources; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Reservoir