Improvement works to enhance access and safety at North Third Reservoir
03 June 2026
North Third Reservoir
This popular reservoir near Stirling will undergo a number of upgrades in summer 2026 to improve site accessibility
“North Third Reservoir is a well-loved destination for walkers and visitors, and we're always looking for opportunities to improve access and enhance the experience people have at our sites. That's why these improvements have been identified as a priority.”
Donna Mills
Scottish Water Land Strategy Team Manager
Visitors to North Third Reservoir, near Stirling, will benefit from a series of improvements designed to enhance access and safety around the popular walking route.
Work is due to begin on Monday 8 June and is expected to take up to 12 weeks to complete.
The project will include the replacement of four deteriorated timber walkways, the installation of a new timber staircase at the northern end of the reservoir, and the creation of a new section of path.
These improvements will help ensure safe access and egress around the route while supporting the long-term use of the site for local communities and visitors.
Scottish Water works in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland at this site, including through a Reservoir Ranger who regularly patrols the area, supports visitors and promotes safe and responsible access.
For the duration of the works, part of the footpath around the reservoirs west shore will be closed to the public, with signage installed to clearly highlight this.
While the temporary closure coincides with a busy period for visitors, the works must be carried out during favourable weather conditions to ensure they can be completed safely and efficiently.
Scottish Water’s Land Strategy Team Manager, Donna Mills said: "We recognise this temporary closure may cause inconvenience for visitors and local communities, and we would like to thank people in advance for their patience while these improvements are carried out.
"North Third Reservoir is a well-loved destination for walkers and visitors, and we're always looking for opportunities to improve access and enhance the experience people have at our sites. That's why these improvements have been identified as a priority.
"Safety has been a key consideration throughout the planning of this project. Following detailed assessment, it was clear that it would not be possible to keep the route open, or provide a safe alternative path, while construction is taking place.
"Once complete, these upgrades will improve access around the reservoir and help ensure the site remains safe and enjoyable for everyone who visits."
Every effort will be made to complete the works as quickly as possible, and updates will be provided as the project progresses.
Visitors to Scottish Water reservoirs are also invited to complete a survey and share feedback on their experience. The information gathered will help inform future investment decisions and improvements at reservoir sites. The survey can be found at: Reservoir Visitor Survey - Scottish Water