Clatto Reservoir - Image 1
1 / 10

Clatto Reservoir Dundee

4.7
·49 reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene reservoir near Dundee offering walking, cycling, a playpark, and birdwatching, with free access for all.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer people

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Clatto Reservoir - Image 1

Clatto Reservoir Dundee

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer people

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene reservoir near Dundee offering walking, cycling, a playpark, and birdwatching, with free access for all.

4.7
(49 reviews)

"A great place to exercise, run, cycle, or walk with lots of bird life and a kids' play area."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Reservoir Loop Walk

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

Adventure Playpark

South-west corner near car park

A fantastic kids' play area with diverse equipment, offering fun for younger visitors.

Birdwatching Haven

Birdwatching Haven

Clatto Reservoir

Spot swans, ducks, seagulls, divers, and other native bird species around the water.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Best Time for a Peaceful Stroll

Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. While popular for dog walks and exercise, weekdays offer a more serene experience. Weekends can get busy, especially with families enjoying the play area.

Algae Alert: Safety First

Be aware of blue-green algae during warmer months. It's poisonous to pets and humans, so avoid swimming or letting pets drink from the reservoir. Always check local advisories before visiting.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Serene atmosphere, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Such a fun night at @FunparxDundee 🏰🛝 #funparxdundee #dundeeactivities #thingstodoindundee #dundee
@shivannikoli_
21.6K likes • 446.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Perfect for Dog Walks

Leash up your furry friends for a delightful walk around the reservoir. They'll love the open space! Instagram+1

🚴‍♂️ Cycle & Run Friendly

Ideal for cycling and running laps. The loop is great for time trials and general fitness. Reddit

Hand made Beach in DUNDEE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤩 #scottishtiktok #dundee #fyp
@eddycheeee
3.4K likes • 45.5K views
Dogs had great fun at Clatto today
davidj0009
39 likes • 0 views

⚠️ Algae Warning

Avoid swimming and drinking reservoir water in summer due to poisonous blue-green algae. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Spots Available

Enjoy a meal outdoors with picnic tables provided. Remember to take all your rubbish home. Reddit

Evening walk round Clatto #puppy #puppies #puppiesofinstagram #jrtpuppy #jrtpuppylove #jrtpuppiesofinstagram #dogwalking
poppy_puppy_jack
32 likes • 0 views

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! Instagram+1

🚴‍♂️ Cycle & Run Friendly

Ideal for cycling and running laps. The loop is great for time trials and general fitness. Reddit

⚠️ Algae Warning

Avoid swimming and drinking reservoir water in summer due to poisonous blue-green algae. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Spots Available

Enjoy a meal outdoors with picnic tables provided. Remember to take all your rubbish home. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access Parking

A free car park offers convenient access to the reservoir and nearby Templeton Woods. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(49 reviews)

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

Free access and parking
Great for dog walking
Good for exercise laps

What People Dislike

Blue-green algae in summer

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. Reddit

Information on direct public transport routes is limited, but it's generally recommended to travel by car for easy access. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach Clatto Reservoir, especially with its proximity to Templeton Woods and its mountain bike tracks. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Clatto Reservoir offers a refreshing break with walking, play areas, and picnic spots, making it a perfect short day trip from Dundee. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Clatto Reservoir is free. The car park is also free, making it an accessible destination for everyone. Reddit

Surprisingly, no permits are required for fishing at Clatto Reservoir, though it's important to be aware of the algae conditions. Reddit

Clatto Reservoir is an outdoor natural space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times. Reddit

Yes, there are toilet facilities available at Clatto Reservoir, which is convenient for visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, running, cycling, dog walking, birdwatching, and fishing. There's also a children's playpark and picnic areas. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a very popular spot for dog walking, with plenty of space for dogs to roam and enjoy. Instagram+1

Swimming is strongly discouraged due to the presence of poisonous blue-green algae during warmer months. Reddit

The reservoir is home to various bird species, including swans, ducks, seagulls, and divers. You might also spot fish if you're fishing. Reddit

Yes, there's a kids' play area located on the south-west corner of the reservoir, near the car park. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Activities

Historically, it was stocked with roach, rudd, carp, bream, tench, golden orf, perch, pike, and eels. Reddit

While not explicitly prohibited, kayaking and paddleboarding are not common activities here, and the algae can be a concern. Reddit

Anglers report success throughout the year, but it's advisable to check conditions, especially regarding algae in spring and summer. Reddit

No permits are required, but it's crucial to be aware of the blue-green algae advisory and practice catch-and-release if necessary. Reddit

During spring and summer, the reservoir can be affected by blue-green algae, making the water potentially poisonous. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture reflections on the water, diverse birdlife, the playpark, and the scenic landscape. The higher points offer great panoramic views. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography, with golden hour providing stunning reflections and softer shadows. Instagram

The access road's second highest point offers a great vantage point for panoramic shots of the reservoir and surrounding area. Reddit

A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, and perhaps a polarizing filter to enhance water reflections, would be beneficial. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any specific restrictions for the area before flying. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Clatto Reservoir is a fantastic family outing destination. The dedicated kids' play area on the south-west corner offers plenty of fun equipment for children to enjoy. Pack a picnic to make a day of it, utilizing the available picnic tables. The easy access and free parking make it convenient for families. Remember to keep a close eye on children and ensure they don't go near the water's edge, especially during warmer months due to the algae risk. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

This is a prime spot for dog walkers! Your canine companions will love the open space and the 1.2km loop around the reservoir. It's a popular place for dogs to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. Ensure your dog is under control, especially near the water, and be mindful of other visitors. Instagram+1

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Clatto Reservoir: A Local's Guide

Clatto Reservoir, a beloved spot in Dundee, offers a refreshing escape with its tranquil waters and surrounding natural beauty. The reservoir itself is roughly 250 x 350 meters if it were square, with rounded corners, making a full lap approximately 1.2 kilometers. This loop is a favorite for runners and walkers looking for a consistent training ground. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with swans, ducks, seagulls, and divers frequently spotted gracing the water. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Fishing at Clatto Reservoir: A Forgotten Gem

Clatto Reservoir holds a history as an angling spot, once stocked by the Clatto Dragons course angling club with a variety of fish including roach, rudd, carp, bream, tench, and golden orf. These shared the waters with native perch, pike, and eels. While the club has since moved on, the fish have thrived, making it an interesting, albeit often overlooked, fishing destination. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like