St Mary's Loch
A serene Scottish Borders loch offering stunning reflections, scenic walks, and access to the dramatic Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Mary's Loch
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Scottish Borders loch offering stunning reflections, scenic walks, and access to the dramatic Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
"Stunning place, so tranquil. The views were amazing. One of my favourite places to visit."
🚗 Parking & Cafe
Two car parks available. The Glen Café offers refreshments and a place to rest.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the lochside paths and nearby hiking trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Loch Waters
St Mary's Loch
Reflective waters offering breathtaking views, perfect for quiet contemplation and photography.
March Woods Trail
Lochside
A scenic 12km hike around the loch, offering varied landscapes and splendid views.
Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall
Short distance from the loch
A stunning waterfall and nature reserve, a must-see for its dramatic beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Cafe
Two car parks available. The Glen Café offers refreshments and a place to rest.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the lochside paths and nearby hiking trails.
📸 Capture the Reflections
Early mornings and calm days offer stunning mirror-like reflections on the loch.
🎣 Fishing Permits
Inquire locally about permits if you plan to fish; saw many fishermen here.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Cafe
Two car parks available. The Glen Café offers refreshments and a place to rest.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the lochside paths and nearby hiking trails.
📸 Capture the Reflections
Early mornings and calm days offer stunning mirror-like reflections on the loch.
🎣 Fishing Permits
Inquire locally about permits if you plan to fish; saw many fishermen here.
🚗 Scenic Road Trip
The road past St Mary's Loch is fantastic for motorbike riders and scenic drives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St Mary's Loch for its stunning natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and breathtaking views. It's highlighted as an excellent spot for picnics and outdoor activities, with the nearby Grey Mare's Tail waterfall being a significant draw. Some mention the road can be challenging for drivers, and while generally peaceful, it can get busy with day-trippers.
"Beautiful lake, located in a beautiful valley. Great dor a picknick in the summer.
Hint: in a short distance of the lake is the Grey Mare's tail walk to the waterfall en the Grey Mare's tail water reserve. The most stunning walk in this region. A must see."
Bram Slijpen
"Stunning place, out of my usual way. Excellent place for water sports. Not sure if you need a permit for fishing here, but saw many fisherman."
Gea Saarepera
"What a stunning place , so tranquil. The views were amazing. Sitting here watching the world do by was so relaxing . One of my favourite places to visit"
Lynsey Shepherd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Mary's Loch is located in the Scottish Borders. It's accessible by car via the A708 road. There are two car parks available for visitors.
While both are in the Scottish Borders, St Mary's Loch is not directly in Moffat. It's a scenic drive from Moffat, often part of a larger tour of the region.
Wild camping is generally permitted in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, but always practice 'leave no trace' principles. Check local guidelines for specific areas.
The A708 road offers stunning views but can be narrow and winding in places. Drive cautiously, especially if you're not used to rural Scottish roads.
Public transport options are limited. It's best accessed by car for flexibility in exploring the surrounding Scottish Borders.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit St Mary's Loch itself. Access to the loch and surrounding natural areas is free.
Opening hours for the Glen Café can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their current operating times before your visit.
No permit is required for personal photography at St Mary's Loch. However, commercial photography or filming may require permissions.
General access is permitted, but always respect the natural environment. Activities like swimming and fishing are popular, but check for any specific local regulations.
Dogs are generally welcome in outdoor areas, but they must be kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy scenic walks, photography, picnics, and water sports like swimming. The nearby Grey Mare's Tail waterfall is a major attraction.
The March Woods trail offers a lovely 12km loop around the loch. Shorter walks along the shore are also very rewarding.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity, though the water is cold! It's a unique experience for those who enjoy open-water swimming.
You might spot various bird species, and the surrounding hills are home to sheep and other native wildlife.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy picnics, short walks, and the natural beauty. The nearby Grey Mare's Tail is also a hit with kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Glen Café is located at the lochside and offers refreshments. For more extensive dining options, you'll need to travel to nearby towns like Moffat or Selkirk.
Yes, St Mary's Loch is an ideal spot for a picnic. There are beautiful areas along the shore to set up.
The Glen Café typically serves light meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient stop for a break during your visit.
While not specific to the loch, exploring local Scottish produce in nearby towns is recommended. You might find fresh eggs from 'honesty boxes' in rural areas.
The Glen Café is the primary place to purchase food and drinks directly at the loch. It's wise to bring some snacks if you plan a longer visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the loch's beauty, especially for reflections.
The entire loch offers stunning vistas. Focus on the reflections, the surrounding hills, and the iconic bridge.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the expansive landscapes.
Dedicated photography tours are not common for St Mary's Loch itself, but you can find regional tours that might include it.
Expect breathtaking landscape shots, serene water reflections, and opportunities to capture the dramatic Scottish Borders scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
A short drive away, the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall is an exciting natural wonder that kids will love to discover. The open spaces around the loch are perfect for letting children run around and burn off energy in a safe and beautiful environment. Remember to bring appropriate clothing for changeable Scottish weather.
🚗 Road Trippers & Motorcyclists
St Mary's Loch provides a perfect stopover point during a longer road trip. You can enjoy a picnic, take stunning photographs, or simply stretch your legs and admire the tranquil waters. It’s an ideal spot to break up a journey and soak in the breathtaking Scottish landscape.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Beyond the main trail, numerous smaller paths and tracks allow for more spontaneous exploration along the loch's edge and into the surrounding hills. The Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve is also a must-visit for hikers, offering a more challenging but incredibly scenic walk to a spectacular waterfall.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Scottish Borders
Beyond the loch, the Scottish Borders boast attractions like Melrose Abbey, the Scott's Viewpoint offering panoramic vistas, and charming towns such as Kelso and Jedburgh. The region is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous walking and cycling routes. For those interested in history, the area is dotted with ancient castles and sites of historical significance, reflecting its past as a borderland between Scotland and England.
When visiting St Mary's Loch, consider extending your trip to explore more of what the Scottish Borders has to offer. This region provides a rich tapestry of natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure, all within easy reach of the loch.
Activities and Adventures at St Mary's Loch
For the more adventurous, swimming in St Mary's Loch is a popular, albeit bracing, experience. The clear waters offer a refreshing dip, especially during warmer months, and it's a unique way to connect with the natural environment. Fishing is also a common pastime here, though it's advisable to check for any necessary permits beforehand.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the loch, the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall is a must-visit natural wonder, a short drive away, offering spectacular views and a rewarding hike. The scenic road that skirts the loch is also a favorite among motorcyclists and drivers for its beautiful vistas and engaging curves.
Photography Opportunities
The golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – bathes the landscape in a warm, soft light, enhancing the colors and textures of the scenery. This is the ideal time to capture the dramatic beauty of the loch and its surroundings. Don't forget to explore different vantage points; even a short walk can reveal new and captivating perspectives.
When visiting, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape, and a polarizing filter can help manage reflections and deepen the blue of the sky. The changing weather conditions in Scotland can also add a dramatic flair to your photographs, so be prepared for all possibilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit