Visiting Milngavie Reservoirs

Overview

The Milngavie Reservoirs are a unique example of Victorian engineering excellence on the northern edge of Glasgow with commanding views over the city and varied walks. Visitors can enjoy walks around both reservoirs and into the surrounding woodland.

The site boasts two reservoirs, Craigmaddie and Mugdock, which are separated by a causeway and supply drinking water to 700,000 people in the Greater Glasgow area.

While visiting, keep an eye out for the Art Nouveau style monument at Commissioner’s Cottage near the causeway between the reservoirs. It marks the life of James Gale, one of the Victorian engineers responsible for designing and building the reservoirs. You can see some of the work he oversaw on the north sides of the two reservoirs where the impressive measuring pools are located.

Planning Your Visit

Getting Here

On Foot or Bike: There are multiple entry points located around the site.

By Train: A half hourly train service operates from Glasgow Queen Street to Milngavie Monday – Saturday. On Sundays, a half hourly train service operates from Glasgow Central. The reservoirs are a 20 minute walk from the station.

By Bus: First Bus services X10 and X10A, McColls services 47 and 47A, and Glasgow Citybus service 15 all run through Milngavie town centre by the train station. The reservoirs are a 20 minute walk from the station.

By Car: Exit the M8 at Junction 18 onto the A804. Turn left onto Maryhill Road/A81. At Burnbrae Roundabout, take the B8030 exit following signs for Milngavie town centre. Turn left onto Ellangowan Road, going straight through the roundabout onto Mugdock Road. Parking for blue badge holders is through the main entrance, all other vehicles should continue on Mugdock Road for a half a minute and Drumclog Car Park will be on the left.

Please plan your visit ahead and be prepared with alternative arrangements if no parking is available on site.

Facilities

• Toilets, open: 0900-1800 daily
• Car parking available on site for Blue Badge Holders only. Other parking is available at Drumclog Car Park on Mugdock Road.
• Bins are available on site but if these are full, we ask visitors to please take their rubbish home 
• Flat pathways accessible for all. Please be aware these can be muddy after wet spells.
• Benches around the reservoir
• Located next to Mugdock Country Park.
• Victorian Engineering digital leaflet. Developed by the Institute of Civil Engineering (ICE) and Scottish Water this guide will reveal a new dimension to the site as you learn about the amazing feat of engineering that brought these reservoirs to life. An engineer led guided walk is available for groups on request via the ICE website.

Safety and Respect

Operations: The reservoirs are a working site and as a result, operational activity is often taking place. If work is set to potentially impact your visit, for example with a path closure, this will be advertised on site.

To find out more about investment at the site, see the Milngavie reservoirs Project page.

Byelaws: The reservoirs have a unique set of byelaws to protect the water supply from pollution. This means there are a number of activities which are prohibited at the reservoirs including fishing, boating, swimming, dogs entering the water and toileting in the reservoir.

The full Byelaws document can be read here.

Water Safety: Depending on the height of the water, the reservoir embankments may be visible. We ask visitors to not sit on these for their own safety. Access to the water is not permitted in either reservoir.

Find more information on water safety at reservoirs here.

Respect for Others: The reservoirs are enjoyed by a wide range of visitors. Everyone has a right to access, and we ask that everyone exercises their rights respectfully and responsibly.