Fruid Reservoir, reservoir in Scottish Borders, Scotland, UK, on Fruid Water
Fruid Reservoir is a water body in the Scottish Borders created by damming the Fruid Water, covering roughly 140 hectares. A tarmacked path runs gently along the shore past a control building, with the landscape defined by surrounding hills and open fields.
The reservoir was built in 1968 to supply drinking water to Edinburgh and has remained a key part of the water system since then. Its construction flooded older farms and monastic lands that had shaped the area for centuries before.
The reservoir sits in an area shaped by farming and monastic communities for centuries. This heritage remains visible in the landscape and local stories, giving visitors a sense of how people have lived and worked with this land over time.
A parking area marks the start of the walk, from which you can follow the shoreline path. The route is straightforward and avoids steep climbs, making it suitable for most people, though it is best to bring snacks and water since there are no shops nearby.
During a dry year, archaeologists found remains of Bronze Age homes built from hazel wattle and birch wood that had burned thousands of years ago. A bronze axe was also discovered with these remains, revealing how ancient people lived in this region long before the reservoir was constructed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
