Hillend Reservoir, reservoir in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK, on North Calder Water
Hillend Reservoir is a large man-made lake in North Lanarkshire, also known as Hillend Loch, located just east of Caldercruix village. The water spreads across open green land with a calm surface, surrounded by paths for walking and exploring.
The reservoir was built between 1796 and 1798 to supply water to two nearby canals, the Monkland Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. It was enlarged in the mid-1800s and later managed by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway.
The reservoir is known locally as a place where people come to fish, walk, and escape from daily routines. Its peaceful setting has made it part of the community for generations, with visitors drawn to its calm water and open landscape.
The reservoir is easily accessible with parking nearby and can be reached by train via the Airdrie-Bathgate Railway. Visitors should be careful of soft or muddy ground along the banks, especially in areas exposed when water levels are low.
Recent dam repairs caused unusually low water levels, exposing areas normally submerged and creating a rare view of the hidden landscape beneath the water. This temporary change offers visitors a chance to see the reservoir from an entirely new perspective.
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