Beecraigs Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in West Lothian

Scotland

Beecraigs Loch

Cutting barley, Beecraigs Silage barley harvest above Linlithgow next to Beecraigs Wood. — Cutting barley, Beecraigs Credit: Richard Webb

Beecraigs Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch located in West Lothian, Scotland. Spanning an area of approximately 25 acres, it is nestled within the stunning Beecraigs Country Park, which covers over 900 acres of diverse natural landscapes. The loch is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities and opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Beecraigs Loch boasts crystal-clear waters that provide an ideal habitat for various aquatic species. Anglers are drawn to the loch for its excellent fishing conditions, with a healthy population of brown trout, rainbow trout, and perch. Fishing permits are available for visitors wishing to try their luck and enjoy a tranquil day by the water.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the loch's surrounding marshland, which supports a rich biodiversity. The freshwater marsh is home to an array of plant species, including reeds, rushes, and water lilies, providing sanctuary for numerous bird species such as swans, ducks, and herons. Ornithologists and birdwatchers will relish the opportunity to observe these feathered creatures in their natural habitat.

Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities on and around the loch. Canoeing and kayaking are popular options, allowing adventurers to navigate the calm waters and take in the stunning scenery. Additionally, walking and cycling trails meander around the loch, offering fantastic opportunities for leisurely strolls or invigorating bike rides.

Overall, Beecraigs Loch is a captivating freshwater body, offering a haven for both wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its serene beauty, abundant wildlife, and range of recreational activities make it a must-visit destination within West Lothian.

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Beecraigs Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.951654/-3.5864553 or Grid Reference NT0174. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cutting barley, Beecraigs

Silage barley harvest above Linlithgow next to Beecraigs Wood.

Richard Webb

View up the Forth Valley

From Beecraigs one of the many clear days in 2015 when the weather was dominated by northerly winds. Ben Tulachean, Cruach Ardrain, Ben Ledi, Stob Binnien and Ben More are clearly visible beyond Stirling Castle and the plume of steam from Cowie.

Richard Webb

Preston Service Reservoir

A covered reservoir built in to a hillside near Beecraigs, south of Preston house.

M J Richardson

Willow at Preston Reservoir

A large bush at the entrance to the service reservoir.

M J Richardson

Preston Service Reservoir

A covered reservoir embedded in the side of a steep slope.

M J Richardson

Huts at the Preston Service Reservoir

Presumably containing control equipment associated with the reservoir.

M J Richardson

Pine tree avenue SE of Cockleroy

Colin Park

Information sign at Cockleroy Car Park

Information sign at the start of the walk up Cockleroy in the car parking area.

Scott Cormie

Downhill road in West Lothian

Steep downhill section of road near Wairdlaw.

Scott Cormie

Cleared Woodland, Cockleroy

Graeme Yuill

Dark Entry

An old road that is now closed to motorised traffic.

Richard Sutcliffe

Walking down from Cockleroy

Car park now visible since trees were removed

Jim Smillie

Woodland path

Between Cockleroy and Balvormie car parks

Jim Smillie

Cockleroy Reservoir and River Forth

Graeme Yuill

Minor road, Beecraigs.

North along a lane through the forest at Beecraigs Country Park. There is little in the way of deciduous trees in here, just these old hedgerow beeches from the days when there was farmland up here.

Richard Webb

Windthrow, Beecraigs.

An area of windthrow, trees felled and scattered by wind. This is a big problem in commercial forestry. Trees grown close together do not develop strong root structures. If one goes, the wind can take a lot out. Clearing up windthrow is laborious and dangerous work.

Richard Webb

Old quarry, Balvormie

There was a house near here, but now, along with the quarry workings, the area is landscaped as the core of the Country Park. A great place to exhaust the children with an exciting playground and picnic and barbecue pits. Here in the old quarry, a heron waits patiently.

Richard Webb

Arable farming on Cockleroi

Ancient rigs can be clearly seen under modern ploughing on the north east slope of Cockleroi hill outside Linlithgow. In spite of the OS map giving it the name "Cockleroy", the local spelling more correctly reflects its probable French origin. The radio mast appearing over the skyline is on Cairnpapple Hill, a few metres from an important Neolithic and Bronze Age site!

AlastairG

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Beecraigs Loch is located at Grid Ref: NT0174 (Lat: 55.951654, Lng: -3.5864553)

Unitary Authority: West Lothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders