Upper Lake

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Selkirkshire

Scotland

Upper Lake

View over Carterhaugh Across the Ettrick towards heather covered hills above Bowhill woods.
View over Carterhaugh Credit: Richard Webb

Upper Lake is a picturesque body of water located in Selkirkshire, a historic county in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. Situated amidst stunning natural surroundings, this lake is renowned for its beauty and tranquility, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Stretching over an area of approximately 100 acres, Upper Lake is classified as a freshwater marsh due to its shallow depth and abundance of aquatic vegetation. It is primarily fed by a small stream that flows from the nearby hills, ensuring a constant supply of fresh water.

The lake is characterized by crystal-clear waters, which are home to a diverse range of aquatic life. Fish species such as brown trout and pike can be found here, attracting fishing enthusiasts looking for a relaxing day on the water. The lake's tranquil ambiance also makes it a haven for various bird species, including swans, ducks, and herons, which can often be spotted gracefully gliding across the water or nesting in the surrounding reeds.

The surrounding area of Upper Lake is a haven for wildlife, with the lake serving as an essential habitat for many species. The tranquil atmosphere and lush vegetation provide an ideal environment for a variety of plants, insects, and amphibians, contributing to the overall ecological richness of the region.

Visitors to Upper Lake can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including walking trails that meander along its shores, picnic spots providing idyllic views, and boating opportunities for those seeking a closer encounter with the water. The lake's natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

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Upper Lake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.539501/-2.9070803 or Grid Reference NT4227. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View over Carterhaugh Across the Ettrick towards heather covered hills above Bowhill woods.
View over Carterhaugh
Across the Ettrick towards heather covered hills above Bowhill woods.
The road from Woll Rig A hilly road, beloved of roadies, links Ashkirk and Ettrick Dale.
The road from Woll Rig
A hilly road, beloved of roadies, links Ashkirk and Ettrick Dale.
B7009 The Ettrick road passing beneath the steep and wooded Howden Bank. There is a lade amongst the alders on the flat side of the road.
B7009
The Ettrick road passing beneath the steep and wooded Howden Bank. There is a lade amongst the alders on the flat side of the road.
Track junction, Pernassie Hill Bowhill woodlands.
Track junction, Pernassie Hill
Bowhill woodlands.
Woodland, Pernassie Hill
Woodland, Pernassie Hill
Bowhill woodlands The northern side of Pernassie Hill.
Bowhill woodlands
The northern side of Pernassie Hill.
Path, Bowhill woods
Path, Bowhill woods
Woodland, Bowhill Mixed woodland at the foot of Pernassie Hill.
Woodland, Bowhill
Mixed woodland at the foot of Pernassie Hill.
Selkirk Flood Prevention Scheme work at Philiphaugh Traffic lights are in place while a low concrete wall is being constructed at a field boundary with the A708.
Selkirk Flood Prevention Scheme work at Philiphaugh
Traffic lights are in place while a low concrete wall is being constructed at a field boundary with the A708.
On the Duchess' Drive The lower end of the drive which forms a splendid 7+ mile walk from Bowhill House, being easily graded throughout.
On the Duchess' Drive
The lower end of the drive which forms a splendid 7+ mile walk from Bowhill House, being easily graded throughout.
Forestry clearance, Bowhill Estate A recently cleared area of conifers on the Bowhill Estate, the result being a much improved view towards the hills beyond the Ettrick Water.
Forestry clearance, Bowhill Estate
A recently cleared area of conifers on the Bowhill Estate, the result being a much improved view towards the hills beyond the Ettrick Water.
Newark Castle A fine looking tower situated on a bluff overlooking the Yarrow Water and commanding the route through the valley. Thought to be the 'New Werk' mentioned in a 1423 charter of Archibald, Earl of Douglas. Like most castles in the Scottish Borders, it saw battles with English invaders and a siege in 1547-8 when the tower was found to be impregnable without cannon being available.  In 1645 a hundred royalist prisoners from the Battle of Philliphaugh are said to have been shot within the courtyard. The tower appears to have been abandoned before 1700 and left to decay.
Newark Castle
A fine looking tower situated on a bluff overlooking the Yarrow Water and commanding the route through the valley. Thought to be the 'New Werk' mentioned in a 1423 charter of Archibald, Earl of Douglas. Like most castles in the Scottish Borders, it saw battles with English invaders and a siege in 1547-8 when the tower was found to be impregnable without cannon being available. In 1645 a hundred royalist prisoners from the Battle of Philliphaugh are said to have been shot within the courtyard. The tower appears to have been abandoned before 1700 and left to decay.
Through trees to the Upper Lake In the grounds of Bowhill House near Selkirk.
Through trees to the Upper Lake
In the grounds of Bowhill House near Selkirk.
Bowhill House north front The main block of the very large country house belonging to the Duke of Buccleuch. The central section seen here is 18thC whilst the wings to either side date from around 1814.
Bowhill House north front
The main block of the very large country house belonging to the Duke of Buccleuch. The central section seen here is 18thC whilst the wings to either side date from around 1814.
Shielshaugh Beside the Ettrick Water.
Shielshaugh
Beside the Ettrick Water.
Beeches, Carterhaugh Beside the Ettrick Water, on Halloween.
Beeches, Carterhaugh
Beside the Ettrick Water, on Halloween.
Ettrick Water, Carterhaugh
Ettrick Water, Carterhaugh
Estate road at Bowhill The road connects Bowhill with the North Lodge and passes Newark Castle.
Estate road at Bowhill
The road connects Bowhill with the North Lodge and passes Newark Castle.
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Upper Lake is located at Grid Ref: NT4227 (Lat: 55.539501, Lng: -2.9070803)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///stowing.manicured.recall. Near Selkirk, Scottish Borders

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.539501,-2.9070803
Bowhill House Estates
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.5399838/-2.911628
Leisure: playground
Lat/Long: 55.5412578/-2.9082932
Parking
Lat/Long: 55.54383/-2.9065061
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.5439512/-2.9063553
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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