Ballo Reservoir

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Fife

Scotland

Ballo Reservoir

West Lomond from track east of Craigmead
West Lomond from track east of Craigmead Credit: Becky Williamson

Ballo Reservoir is a picturesque freshwater lake located in the county of Fife, Scotland. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery, this reservoir serves a dual purpose of providing a reliable water supply to the surrounding area while also serving as a recreational spot for locals and visitors alike.

Covering an area of approximately 30 hectares, Ballo Reservoir is an important water source for the nearby towns of Glenrothes and Leven. It was created in the 1960s by damming the Ballo Burn, a small stream that flows through the area. The reservoir holds an impressive capacity of around 2.7 million cubic meters of water, ensuring a steady supply to meet the demands of the local population.

Aside from its functional significance, Ballo Reservoir also offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts. The surrounding landscape is dotted with trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and picnics. The calm waters of the reservoir attract a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. The area is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, with wildflowers and small animals adding to the natural beauty of the reservoir.

Fishing is a popular activity at Ballo Reservoir, with anglers drawn to its well-stocked waters. Common fish species found here include brown trout, rainbow trout, and perch, providing ample opportunities for a successful catch. Additionally, the reservoir allows for non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing, providing a fun-filled day out for water enthusiasts.

Overall, Ballo Reservoir offers a harmonious blend of functionality and natural beauty, making it a valuable resource for the local community while also providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in nature.

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Ballo Reservoir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.230865/-3.251778 or Grid Reference NO2204. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

West Lomond from track east of Craigmead
West Lomond from track east of Craigmead
Path to limekiln The path from Purin Hill car park proceeds towards the limekiln. The trees ahead look like they are connected to form an arch but it's an illusion caused by the angle the image is taken from - they are in fact three separate trees which don't meet at all.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
Path to limekiln
The path from Purin Hill car park proceeds towards the limekiln. The trees ahead look like they are connected to form an arch but it's an illusion caused by the angle the image is taken from - they are in fact three separate trees which don't meet at all. See limekiln article Link
The limekiln From the path from Purin Hill car park the limekiln comes into view.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
From the path from Purin Hill car park the limekiln comes into view. See limekiln article Link
Gate to limekiln The area of the limekiln is fenced-off to keep out curious sheep and cattle.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
Gate to limekiln
The area of the limekiln is fenced-off to keep out curious sheep and cattle. See limekiln article Link
The limekiln A grassy path leads towards the limekiln. It passes several information boards giving details of the history of the limekiln.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
A grassy path leads towards the limekiln. It passes several information boards giving details of the history of the limekiln. See limekiln article Link
The limekiln The path guides visitors around the limekiln. The steps are handy!
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
The path guides visitors around the limekiln. The steps are handy! See limekiln article Link
The limekiln These wooden steps, as well as several sections of duckboards over boggy areas, give visitors safe passage around the limekiln.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
These wooden steps, as well as several sections of duckboards over boggy areas, give visitors safe passage around the limekiln. See limekiln article Link
The limekiln These duckboards, as well as several sections of wooden steps over boggy areas, give visitors safe passage around the limekiln.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
These duckboards, as well as several sections of wooden steps over boggy areas, give visitors safe passage around the limekiln. See limekiln article Link
Information board at the limekiln This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
Information board at the limekiln
This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised. See limekiln article Link
Information board at the limekiln This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
Information board at the limekiln
This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised. See limekiln article Link
Information board at the limekiln This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
Information board at the limekiln
This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised. See limekiln article Link
Information board at the limekiln This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
Information board at the limekiln
This is one of several information boards around the limekiln, These boards have a chequered history. Originally they were made from metal but they were constantly being ripped off their mounts and stolen for scrap! After replacing some boards several times the park authority finally wised up and the latest versions are plastic with no scrap value. Sadly, they are still occasionally vandalised. See limekiln article Link
The limekiln The hill is West Lomond (522m). Part of the pond is visible.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
The hill is West Lomond (522m). Part of the pond is visible. See limekiln article Link
Pond at the limekiln One of the information boards gives details of local wildlife (allegedly) found here but, despite many visits over the years, I have never seen anything interesting in this pond - no sign of fish, very little insect life, no frogspawn, waterfowl don't seem to visit and I have never seen any nesting birds but it does have the distinction of being the place where I have seen no less than seven kestrels in the air at the same time!
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
Pond at the limekiln
One of the information boards gives details of local wildlife (allegedly) found here but, despite many visits over the years, I have never seen anything interesting in this pond - no sign of fish, very little insect life, no frogspawn, waterfowl don't seem to visit and I have never seen any nesting birds but it does have the distinction of being the place where I have seen no less than seven kestrels in the air at the same time! See limekiln article Link
The limekiln The hill is East Lomond (448m).
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
The hill is East Lomond (448m). See limekiln article Link
The limekiln With one of the information boards.
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
With one of the information boards. See limekiln article Link
The limekiln See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
See limekiln article Link
The limekiln This fence is intended to block access to the top of the limekiln although it's not much of an obstacle!
See limekiln article <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Old-Limekilns-Lomond-Hills">Link</a>
The limekiln
This fence is intended to block access to the top of the limekiln although it's not much of an obstacle! See limekiln article Link
Show me another place!

Ballo Reservoir is located at Grid Ref: NO2204 (Lat: 56.230865, Lng: -3.251778)

Unitary Authority: Fife

Police Authority: Fife

What 3 Words

///trailer.workroom.battling. Near Falkland, Fife

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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