Drifting on picturesque Carron Valley will take all your troubles away, writes Finlay Wilson
RIVERS AND LOCHS NEAR towns and cities offer a potent mixture of escapism and the opportunity to connect with the natural world. The seductive shoreline of Loch Lomond just beyond the outer reaches of Glasgow, for example, and idyllic salmon pools on the middle Clyde next door to Lanarkshire housing estates or beyond litter-strewn wasteground. Linlithgow Loch is accessed from the centre of the town, while The Loch itself — mighty Leven — lies on the fringes of Kinross.
Another such is Carron Valley Reservoir, a big water that never fails to raise anticipation. Approaching from Edinburgh, you’ll pass Grangemouth oil refinery, then endure the stench of methane from a huge landfill. But join the B818 west of Denny and, suddenly, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, passing Carron Glen Wildlife Reserve and hugging the River Carron, on your way to the perfect sanctuary from the Central Belt’s urban sprawl.
For many years, Carron Valley was well known as a popular venue on the competition circuit, managed by Scottish Water. Now, it is run to a high standard as the members-only Carron Valley Fishing Club — but new members are welcome and an open, friendly reception is guaranteed. This is in no small part due to its Irish owner, Jimmy Feeney. His passion for the place, as a valuable natural resource for the sport and camaraderie it provides, is apparent the minute you arrive. It’s easy to see why.
I first cast a line here many moons ago with Ian Earle, who managed the Scotland Commonwealth team. It was a cold, grey day with a horrible scoury wind, but nonetheless we caught trout and I was struck by the beauty of the place.
The top-of-the-water sport for wild brown trout can be spectacular. It was once regularly stocked, but the head of wild trout is huge, and Jimmy is committed to their preservation. To his great credit, he hasn’t stocked for three years.
Now imagine arriving under the sun with a breeze forming a steady ripple over the almost 1,000 acres. Then consider the promise of countless wild trout looking up — the place takes on a new complexion.
