Clatto Reservoir Dundee
A serene reservoir near Dundee offering walking, cycling, a playpark, and birdwatching, with free access for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer people
Clatto Reservoir Dundee
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene reservoir near Dundee offering walking, cycling, a playpark, and birdwatching, with free access for all.
"A great place to exercise, run, cycle, or walk with lots of bird life and a kids' play area."
🚶♀️ Perfect for Dog Walks
Leash up your furry friends for a delightful walk around the reservoir. They'll love the open space!
🚴♂️ Cycle & Run Friendly
Ideal for cycling and running laps. The loop is great for time trials and general fitness.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reservoir Loop Walk
Around Clatto Reservoir
Enjoy a scenic 1.2km loop, perfect for exercise, dog walks, and time trials with beautiful birdlife.

Adventure Playpark
South-west corner near car park
A fantastic kids' play area with diverse equipment, offering fun for younger visitors.

Birdwatching Haven
Clatto Reservoir
Spot swans, ducks, seagulls, divers, and other native bird species around the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for a Peaceful Stroll
Algae Alert: Safety First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for Dog Walks
Leash up your furry friends for a delightful walk around the reservoir. They'll love the open space!
🚴♂️ Cycle & Run Friendly
Ideal for cycling and running laps. The loop is great for time trials and general fitness.
⚠️ Algae Warning
Avoid swimming and drinking reservoir water in summer due to poisonous blue-green algae.
🧺 Picnic Spots Available
Enjoy a meal outdoors with picnic tables provided. Remember to take all your rubbish home.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for Dog Walks
Leash up your furry friends for a delightful walk around the reservoir. They'll love the open space!
🚴♂️ Cycle & Run Friendly
Ideal for cycling and running laps. The loop is great for time trials and general fitness.
⚠️ Algae Warning
Avoid swimming and drinking reservoir water in summer due to poisonous blue-green algae.
🧺 Picnic Spots Available
Enjoy a meal outdoors with picnic tables provided. Remember to take all your rubbish home.
🚗 Easy Access Parking
A free car park offers convenient access to the reservoir and nearby Templeton Woods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clatto Reservoir is a well-loved local spot for exercise and recreation, praised for its free access, playpark, and scenic walking loops. While it's a haven for dog walkers and runners, visitors should be aware of potential blue-green algae during summer months, which makes swimming unsafe.
"A great place to exercise,run cycle or walk. If the reservoir was square it would be 250 x 350 meters but it has rounded corners so a lap is approximately 1.2 kilometres. Good for time training.
There is BLUE/GREEN ALGAE growing in the water during summer months so no swimming for pets and humans as it’s poisonous.
Lots of bird life on reservoir. Swans ducks seagulls divers plus others
On the south west corner next to car park there is a Kids play area lots of different things.
The car park gives easy access to Templeton woods and its MBT tracks. The last corner on access road is the second highest point in Dundee (162mts) so if on a bike it’s all down hill from there!!!haha
There are seats picnic tables and toilets and FREE car park for 30 cars. Take all rubbish home."
adrian blandy
"A beautiful place to spend time during summer, nice walks, adventure playpark and bbq areas"
george flynn
"Peaceful place for walking, running and dog walking."
Smok Pi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clatto Reservoir is accessible by car, with a free car park available. It's located on the outskirts of Dundee, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
Information on direct public transport routes is limited, but it's generally recommended to travel by car for easy access.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach Clatto Reservoir, especially with its proximity to Templeton Woods and its mountain bike tracks.
The car park at Clatto Reservoir provides direct access to Templeton Woods and its mountain bike trails, making it a great starting point for exploration.
Absolutely! Clatto Reservoir offers a refreshing break with walking, play areas, and picnic spots, making it a perfect short day trip from Dundee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Clatto Reservoir is free. The car park is also free, making it an accessible destination for everyone.
Surprisingly, no permits are required for fishing at Clatto Reservoir, though it's important to be aware of the algae conditions.
Clatto Reservoir is an outdoor natural space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available at Clatto Reservoir, which is convenient for visitors.
While BBQ areas are mentioned, specific booking information isn't readily available. It's best to arrive early or check local council information for any regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, cycling, dog walking, birdwatching, and fishing. There's also a children's playpark and picnic areas.
Yes, it's a very popular spot for dog walking, with plenty of space for dogs to roam and enjoy.
Swimming is strongly discouraged due to the presence of poisonous blue-green algae during warmer months.
The reservoir is home to various bird species, including swans, ducks, seagulls, and divers. You might also spot fish if you're fishing.
Yes, there's a kids' play area located on the south-west corner of the reservoir, near the car park.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Activities
Historically, it was stocked with roach, rudd, carp, bream, tench, golden orf, perch, pike, and eels.
While not explicitly prohibited, kayaking and paddleboarding are not common activities here, and the algae can be a concern.
Anglers report success throughout the year, but it's advisable to check conditions, especially regarding algae in spring and summer.
No permits are required, but it's crucial to be aware of the blue-green algae advisory and practice catch-and-release if necessary.
During spring and summer, the reservoir can be affected by blue-green algae, making the water potentially poisonous.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture reflections on the water, diverse birdlife, the playpark, and the scenic landscape. The higher points offer great panoramic views.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography, with golden hour providing stunning reflections and softer shadows.
The access road's second highest point offers a great vantage point for panoramic shots of the reservoir and surrounding area.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, and perhaps a polarizing filter to enhance water reflections, would be beneficial.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any specific restrictions for the area before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Clatto Reservoir: A Local's Guide
Beyond the reservoir's perimeter, visitors can explore the adjacent Templeton Woods, known for its mountain bike tracks. The access road leading to the reservoir boasts the second-highest point in Dundee, offering a rewarding downhill ride for cyclists. For families, a well-equipped kids' play area is situated on the south-west corner, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors. Picnic tables are also available, encouraging visitors to spend a leisurely afternoon surrounded by nature.
It's important to note a seasonal concern: blue-green algae can bloom in the reservoir during warmer months. This algae is poisonous to both pets and humans, so swimming and allowing pets to drink from the water are strictly prohibited. Despite this, Clatto Reservoir remains a cherished local amenity for exercise, recreation, and enjoying the Scottish countryside.
Fishing at Clatto Reservoir: A Forgotten Gem
Anglers can enjoy fishing here without the need for permits, which adds to its appeal for casual fishermen. However, the presence of blue-green algae during spring and summer can be a deterrent and requires caution. Despite this, many anglers still find success catching nice specimens of roach, perch, and pike. The easy access, parking, and nearby toilets make it a convenient spot for a day of fishing.
For those interested in a more active water experience, while kayaking and paddleboarding are not the primary activities here, the reservoir's size and accessibility could lend themselves to such pursuits. However, the algae issue is a significant consideration for any water-based activities beyond fishing.
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