Backwater Reservoir is just over 7 miles from us so once I'd discovered how quiet, peaceful and full of wildlife it is, it became my go-to place in the mornings. I quite often arrive to an empty car park and total silence, well, except for the gulls squawking, there can be a LOT of Common Gulls up there using the tower as their perch as well as several pairs of Oyster Catchers gathering for nesting in the right seasons.
Panorama from the West end in February 2023
I have been up there when there's not a breath of wind and the water is like glass making for beautiful reflection shots when the sky is right but, my main reason for walking there often are the birds and other wildlife.
A Stoat has popped up right in front of me when stalking a Cuckoo, a Fox wandered onto the main track while I was sitting waiting for Crossbills and Ospreys soar overhead keeping an eye on the water below, in their season of course. There are almost always Buzzards in the sky and the sound of Grouse on the hillsides is always there. But, the biggest reason for my frequent walks is the complete silence and tranquility when there's no-one else around. Of course it gets busier in the Summer months with people wild camping, paddle boarding and kayaking but mainly at the weekends so that still allows most weekdays for solo walks.
I meet regular dog walkers, bird spotters and those simply out for a peaceful walk, getting away from it all and it's really nice to stand and chat for a few minutes.
Along the dam from the West
Death gauge on the water tower
The reservoir can be found on the Visit Angus sites
