Hillend Reservoir sits just east of Caldercruix. It was built in 1797 to 1799, and was at the time the largest man-made reservoir in the world. Wow!

Back when I was a lad, I was a member of the local branch of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Each Sunday we would go out cycling to a destination, where we would have some food then cycle back. In summer we tended to go on longer runs, in winter, shorter.

Hillend Reservoir was one of the shortest routes. I can’t work out exactly where we stopped, but I do remember shivering in the cold sitting near a fire and waiting for my food to heat up. Possibly there would have been snow falling, I’m not sure.

So today I was passing and thought I would grab a picture. The reservoir is currently owned by Scottish Canals, but the fishing rights there are maintained by the Airdrie and District Angling Club. It is bordered by the A89 and the Airdrie to Bathgate railway line. I don’t think that that existed when I cycled there, as the line terminated at Airdrie.