Black Loch

Black Loch is a small loch beside the village of Limerigg in the Falkirk council area of central Scotland, close to the North Lanarkshire boundary. It sits at the southern edge of Limerigg Wood and suits a short lochside stroll, a day of trout fishing or a quiet break away from busier tourist routes.

What is Black Loch?

The loch is a freshwater body shaped partly by people. A dam was built on its south side in 1790, and the water surface was enlarged in the early 1790s so the loch could feed two waterways, the Monkland Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. The canal role is long gone, but the reservoir remains in a rolling, rural landscape.

Mining shaped the area too. At least five collieries worked around Limerigg in the second half of the 19th century, and the pits closed after the First World War. Centuries earlier, the lochs around Slamannan were prized locally for fish and wildfowl.

How do you get to Black Loch?

Limerigg lies on the B825 between Slamannan and Caldercruix. There is no official car park at the entrance, so the easiest option is a local bus: the stop at the south end of the village is about 300 m from the loch entrance. The nearest postcode is FK1 3BS. Shops, cafés and public toilets are in Airdrie and Falkirk, so bring supplies with you.

What can you do at Black Loch?

• Walk. A wide, surfaced and mostly flat path follows the bank. It is managed by Forestry and Land Scotland and makes an easy, short outing.
• Fish. Black Loch Fishery runs the angling. The water is stocked weekly with brown, rainbow and other trout. The fishery is private and requires a permit.
• Paddle and swim. Kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming are listed among the loch's uses.

When should you visit, and what should you watch for?

The path works all year, and late spring and summer bring the longest dry days. Scottish weather turns quickly, so pack a waterproof layer and sturdy shoes. The site managers warn that this is open water and can be hazardous for people who are not prepared, so enter it only if you know the conditions and have the right gear.

Frequently asked questions

Can I park at the loch? There is no official parking at the entrance. A local bus to Limerigg and a short walk is the better choice.

Do I need a permit to fish? Yes. The fishery is private, and Black Loch Fishery handles permit details.

Is the lochside path demanding? No. It is wide, surfaced and mostly flat, ideal for a short relaxed walk.

Where can I find food and toilets? The nearest shops, cafés and public toilets are in Airdrie and Falkirk, not at the loch itself.