Visiting Carron Valley Reservoir

Carron Valley

Information on visiting our Carron Valley Reservoir

Overview

With one of Scotland’s largest reservoirs, extensive woodlands, and the Meikle Bin peak of the Campsie Fells, it’s no wonder that Carron Valley has become such a popular destination for lovers of the outdoors.

Officially opened in 1939, the reservoir today provides water to roughly 135,000 people in the Forth valley and surrounding areas and is over 3 miles long.

There’s plenty to do while you’re here, including mountain biking trails, walks along the reservoir and into the surrounding woodland maintained by Forestry and Land Scotland, and even a reconstructed medieval fort to visit!

Planning Your Visit

Getting Here

By Car: Exit the M80 at Junction 7 onto the A803, following signs for Denny (A872). Once on the A872, follow the road for one mile then turn left to stay on the A872. After one mile, turn left at the sign for Fintry B818. Continue along the B818 for 8 miles. You will reach the Forestry Land operated car park on your left. The reservoir is just beyond this. We ask visitors to park in this car park.

Please plan your visit ahead and be prepared with alternative arrangements if no parking is available on site. Unfortunately, there are currently no public transport routes to the reservoir.

Facilities

Toilets, operated by Forestry and Land Scotland
Car park operated by Forestry and Land Scotland
Picnic Area
There are pathways, but many of them are rough and can be muddy after periods of rain. Suggested walks at site can be found on the Walk Highland and Forestry Land websites
Don’t miss the Duncarron Medieval Fort located near to the car park
Trout fishing
Please contact Carron Valley Fishery to buy permits for bank and boat fishing enquiries.

Operations

The reservoirs are a working site and as a result, operational activity is often taking place. If there is a chance work could impact your visit, details will be shared via this webpage.

Carron Valley Reservoir features, marked by orange buoys. This critical water quality system releases millions of bubbles to aerate the water and disperse potential impurities like algae. However, these bubbles create negative buoyancy, making it difficult to stay afloat if you enter this area—this applies to both swimmers and boats. We strongly advise visitors to steer clear of this and any other operational infrastructure while on the water.