No matter whether you’re only a visitor to Edinburgh, or you’re a local who wants to go for your first walk in the Pentland hills, this article is for you!
As we are based in Edinburgh, we have walked thru Pentland Hills countless times, this is our ‘to go place’ to unwind, to relax and to keep fit. The hills are perfect for a short afternoon stroll, for a morning run, an energetic bike ride or a full-day hiking adventure. The choice is yours!
When you look at the map, you will be surprised to find so many paths and trails in this relatively small range of hills. Hence, we believe that everyone will easily find a suitable path for themselves!
There are several possible starting points for hikes in The Pentlands, and we’d like to help you find a suitable walk, or help you to plan the walk from specific starting points, depending on your preferences.
We’re sure that you’ll find this hiking guide to the Pentland Hills helpful, informative and inspirational!
The only guide you need to walk in the Pentland Hills
In this article we covered hikes and walks grouped by the trailhead location:
1.Harlaw car park and visitors centre (near Balerno)
2.Threipmuir car park (near Balerno)
3.The Flotterstone car park (near Penicuik)
4.Bonaly (Edinburgh)
5.Hillend (Edinburgh)
6.Nine Mile Burn (near Carlops)
7.Other starting points
1. Start: Balerno: Harlaw car park and visitor centre
Facilities: a decent sized car park, Pentland Hills Regional Park information and exhibition, wildlife garden with picnic tables, 24h accessible toilet. In summer there is a snack & coffee van to enjoy after your walk.
How to get to Harlaw:
– by car (directions)
– Lothian Bus line 44 (direction to Balerno), get off at Scotmid (Co-op) Bawelaw Road, and walk 40 mins to Harlaw car park (signposted from Bawelaw Road)
SUGGESTED WALKS FROM HARLAW CAR PARK AND VISITOR CENTRE
1.1 Stroll around Harlaw Reservoir
Distance: 3 km, mostly flat, easy, circular
About the walk: It is a very easy walk around the reservoir, good for families with young kids, who can cycle or walk. With many spots perfect for a picnic, along the way! Please remember to take your rubbish back with you! (Be prepared and bring a rubbish bag, if you’re planning to have a picnic)
1.2 Circular walk through to Glen Corse, visiting Glencorse and Loganlea reservoirs
Distance: 12.4km – 14.5km, easy but long walk, circular
About the walk: Since we assume that you will arrive by car, this circular walk is a great option for those who seek a longer walk, but do not wish to climb the hills.
From the Harlaw car park take a wide path which runs between the fields, rather than walking toward the visitor centre. The path will eventually get narrower, more uneven and slightly uphill until you reach the saddle between Harbour Hill & Bell’s Hill (circa 2.3km). A gate will indicate that you’re in the right place, the path then will take you downhill to Glencorse Reservoir. Once you get to the paved road at the reservoir turn right and continue for another 3.5 km till you get to The Howe – the ‘white house’ (this is how we call it, and I think most people actually will know which house you mean).
From the ‘white house’ you have two options to return to Harlaw, one includes walking at the foot of Black Hill (with a short uphill section), the other will take you to Bawelaw reservoir and is a longer route.
Anyway, from ‘white house’ continue through the glen passing a small waterfall on you left until you see a path going up on the side of a hill on to your right (option 1) You can take that path, or continue for a bit longer until you reach the gate. Do not go through the gate, but take the path up, that will come to follow a low stone wall.
Further, continue on the side of the Black Hill and then descent toward the waters of Threipmuir Reservoir, you can cross via a small bridge. At this point you will have already walked circa 10.7 km. Depends how you feel you can either turn right or continue through the fields directly to car park (1.7 km), or turn left and walk along the reservoir, pass the dam and then walk back to Harlaw Visitor Centre along the Harlow Reservoir (2.7 km).
Option 2 will take you to Bawelaw reservoir and Threipmuir car park, which is connected with Harlaw area by a wide country track. To enjoy this walk please cross the gate and walk further thru the moorland, continue further on a paved track, then downhill via tree-lined alley, and finally to Threipmuir car park. At the far end of the car park you’ll find a track (to the left) that runs along the reservoir and finally reaches Harlaw visitors centre and car park.
Why not add extra challenge:
- Walk up Bell’s Hill (there and back adds 1.3 km of distance and ascent of 63 m
- Walk up Black Hill (that will add extra 800 m in distance and 117m of ascent
2. Start: Balerno: Threipmuir car park
Facilities: Car park only
How to get to Threipmuir car park:
- by car (directions)
- Lothian bus line 44 (get off at the last stop and walk 35 mins to the park)
SUGGESTED WALKS FROM THREIPMUIR CAR PARK
2.1 Circular walk through West Kip, East Kip & Scald Law – one of the most popular walks in The Pentlands!
Distance (from car park): 12 km , total ascent: 395 m
This is a fine ‘half day’ hike, which takes you through three summits along the Pentland Hills main ridge: West Kip (551 masl), East Kip (534 masl) & Scald Law (the highest top of the Pentlands, at 579 masl) and it is perfect for every season! We especially love it in winter time, when hills are covered by white powder.
The hike initially follows a paved road toward Redford Bridge, and then up the hill through beautiful tree-lined alley. Once you top the alley, you can either continue on the track to the right (suggested) or carry on for another 300 m along the road until you get to the gate where the mountain track starts.
It is really up to you which way you choose. Somehow we always take the path to the right and come back via the other one, hence we suggest this route. This simple map will help you plan the hike.
So, if you decide to follow our footsteps turn right at the top of alley and then take the first left, at the gate. The track will then take you along a stone wall through the moorland.
For about 3 km you will gently gain height, until the foot of West Kip, the first hill of the day. From that point the climb to the top takes only 15-20 mins
Contrary to the long approach, the final climb is quick, slightly eroded, over a steep grassy slope. We love the views across Lothian region and to Moorfoot hills that you can admire from the top of West Kip!
Once at West Kip, the ridge walk continues slightly down through East Kip and then down again, to the broad saddle to the east, before climbing up Scald Law, the crown of Pentland Hills.
Do not forget to look back from time to time as the views to both Kips are stunning!
The spacious top of Scald Law is covered by small boulders and rather flat, providing many spots for a short break, and this highest top of the Pentlands is marked by a trig point.
To continue further follow the trail downhill, until reaching a fence with metal gate. Cross the gate and immediately turn left. The well made trail will take you down to ‘white house’ at The Howe. The path down is steep in places and requires climbing over the ladder stile to cross a fence.
Once you reach the bottom of a glen continue along the Logan Burn stream (to your left). The path is wide, well defined, the walk is straightforward.
You will soon need to cross the stream over stepping stones or a small bridge. Watch out for a small waterfall on your left once you cross the stream!
Continue through the glen till the gate. Go through the gate and carry on between small rolling hills. At any forks stay on the main path, and walk to reach a stone wall and trees surrounding Bavelaw Castle. Go through the gate and continue on the paved road until the T junction, where this circular hike started.
Retrace your footsteps to get back to the car park or to Balerno bus stop.
Note: This hike can obviously be done in opposite direction, there is no right or wrong way, but personal preferences or we sometimes make decision based on the wind direction.
2.2 The Five hills – a fine ridge walk
The ridge walk can be done as a circular or linear walk from Balerno.
We cover both options below:
2.2A Circular walk from Threipmuir car park:
Distance: 21 km, total ascent 712 m, moderate but long hike
This hike takes you along the main ridge of Pentland’s hills, with its five tops: West Kip, East Kip, Scald Law and then two more: Carnethy Hill (573 masl) and finally – Turnhouse Hill (506 masl).
First 7 km follows the very same route as described above, from the car park to the top of tree-lined alley. However, at T junction (alley top) – you need to turn right (sign post to Nine Mile Burn) and then take first left to the gate. Further, follow the same route until the top of Scald Law – the highest point of the whole ridge!
The main difference is that having past the Scald Law, you don’t descent to the ‘white house’, but continue along the ridge!
So again, the zig-zag trail will take you down from Scald Law to a fence with gate. At this point DO NOT descent down to ‘white house’ but continue along the ridge. A relatively steep ascent will take you up your 4th hill of the day Carnethy Hill, and the second highest of Pentland hills. The views from Carnethy Hill are spectacular in all directions – back to Scald Law and over to the hills on the other side of the reservoirs and further toward Edinburgh and East Lothian. You can even spot Bass Rock and The Law in North Berwick along the coast!
The top of Carnethy Hill is covered by small boulders and you’ll find the large wind shelter quite handy, as this end of Pentland Hills ridge tends to be quite windy! Further, a short but steep descent will take you down to another fence and a gate, before the final grassy but easy going ascent to Turnhouse hill, the last top along the ridge. Take the eroded path down from Turnhouse Hill, that will see you pass small woodland before finally arriving to a wooden bridge at the low ground. Go thru a gate and toward a paved road, then turn left to reach Glencorse Reservoir.
You can give yourself a pat on a back; you have just completed the whole ridge! Well done!
However, there is still a long way back to the car park. The most straightforward route is following the paved road to the white house and then through the glen back to car park where you started.
2.2B Linear walk from Balerno/Threipmuir to Flotterstone
Distance: 14 km via 5 hills, total ascent: 625 m
This walk is best done by using public transport as start and end points are far apart.
We completed it several times and enjoyed it greatly, hence the recommendation!
To get to your starting point take Lothian bus line 44 from Edinburgh city centre (direction Balerno) and get off at the last bus stop. Follow Mansfield Road toward the Threipmuir car park.
Then follow the route as described in point 2.2A until you get down to the paved road and then continue to the right, it’s only a few minutes walk to the Flotterstone car park and then further to the bus stop along main road.
Note: the buses from Flotterstone to Edinburgh are not very frequent (~once every hour; therefore you need to observe the time)
At the end of your hike the Flotterstone Inn offers good meals and drinks, we enjoyed refreshments at the Inn especially after winter walks!
3. Start: The Flotterstone car park
Facilities: Car park , toilet, visitor centre with some leaflets and maps, small café and Flotterstone Inn pub nearby
How to get to the Flotterstone:
- by car (directions)
- Stagecoach bus 101 (see timetable)
SUGGESTED WALKS FROM THE FLOTTERSTONE CAR PARK
3.1 Circular route through Turnhouse Hill & Carnethy Hill
Distance: 12 km, total ascent 437m, moderate walk
This is one of our all-time favourites; it takes you through two of the five ridge peaks and it is a great walk for a half day (around 3 hours).
From the Flotterstone car park head toward the hills, first follow the paved road, but after 400m turn left and go through a gate, then shorty go through another gate, and over a small wooden bridge. From there you will walk up the grassy slopes of Turnhouse Hill (506 masl). This is the hardest part of the whole route, but it’s quite rewarding with views. (Behind you, the stunning views towards Edinburgh and coast of East Lothian!)
From Turnhouse Hill top you will see your next destination – Carnethy Hill (573 masl). Continue along a broad grassy ridge till a gate and then climb up to the top of Carnethy Hill (approx 20 mins)
The flattish top with wind shelter, is a great spot to stop for your lunch break!
Good news: from Carnethy Hill the route is mostly downhill. Pass the broad top and walk ahead along eroded path (turns very boggy further down) When you get down to the saddle, turn right at the fence and continue down until reaching The Howe – the ‘white house’. Pass the house and follow paved road along the two reservoirs, back to the Flotterstone car park, for another 6 km.
Small variation: along the way back after 4.5 km when you pass second reservoir, you will see a small gate on your right hand side. If you fancy a bit nicer return walk via woodland, go through that gate. It will take you to the car park, alright, just via a woodland path rather than paved road.
3.2A Linear walk from Flotterstone to Threipmuir and Balerno
Distance: 14 km via 5 hills, total ascent 617 m, moderate walk
This route is reversed version of the walk 2.2B from Threipmuir car park, and similarly it is best done by using public transport. Our personal preference would be to choose this route though, as the Lothian bus line 44 back to Edinburgh is much more frequent than the Stagecoach buses. However, you will miss a chance to go to the pub for refreshments. This simple map will help you plan the hike.
3.2B Circular walk via 5 hills from the Flotterstone
Distance: 15.5km, total ascent 640 m, moderate, long walk
This walk is very similar to the one from point 3.2A, but from West Kip walk down and you should be able to see a sheep path, which goes on the side of the hills to the left and will take you all the way down to The Howe (white house). From there enjoy a nice and easy stroll along the road back to the car park, as per this online route map.
3.3 Circular walk to Castle hill, Allemuir Hill and Capelaw Hill
Distance 10 km, total ascent 346 m, moderate
In previous paragraphs we mostly encouraged you to explore the area of the main ridge of Pentland Hills, however we can’t fail to notice that the northern tops of the Pentlands have as much to offer! Hence this recommendation; this time we’re taking you to the northern limits of the Pentland Hills Regional Park, with peaks offering stunning panoramic view of Edinburgh stretching for mile and miles over the Firth of Forth, and the coast to the east with culmination in North Berwick and the Bass Rock.
Having arrived to the Flotterstone car park follow the paved track, it will offer breath-taking view to the main ridge. Stick to the track for approximately 1 km, immediately after passing the first woodland to the right look out for a path climbing to the right. Take it, and after about 10-15 mins you’ll come to the back of a farm and a car park near the shooting range. Although the shooting range is located directly under the Castlelaw Hill, walking in this area is generally safe. When the troops are training red flags are visible on top of Castlelaw Hill as a warning.
Anyway, 90% of the times we walked this route the shooting range was unoccupied and no flags visible, it’s sage to assume that the range is used rather rarely.
To continue the walk, follow the sign to Castlelaw Hill, a small path will take you around the farm and soon you’ll come to an ancient fort. Take time to explore and look inside the chambered fort, it’s a rare find in Edinburgh area!
From the fort, take a well made wide track that climbs at the right side of Castlelaw Hill, with overview of the shooting range. Initially the track climbs steeply, but soon it levels out as it passes the Castlelaw. You will be able to spot small paths running to the top of Castlelaw Hill, take one if you fancy a short but steep climb to the top! Due to the beak being very broad, and half of it being fenced off as military purposes the view Castlelaw offers are quite limited, in other words, it’s not the best viewpoint and we usually skip this peak, continue along the track instead.
Further along the way you’ll clearly see the next destination, Allemuir Hill, and this one we strongly recommend to climb! It offers a spectacular panoramic view over Edinburgh like no other, and all this for a short ascent of about 10-15 mins to the top! Well worth the effort! The top of Allemuir Hill is marked with a trig point with a simple outline of landscape features explained. Having rested, take a path down from Allemuir Hill and descent to the glen only to find yourselves on the uphill path to Capelaw Hill (max 15-20 mins of gentle ascent).
Capelaw Hill is a ‘gentle giant’, quite easy and quick to climb, but the summit area is a spacious plateau with only a small cairn to mark the top. Climbing this grassy hill won’t cost you too much effort, what is more, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how quickly you get to the higher ground! Stick to the main path and pass the top, soon you’ll be walking downhill to another glen. Once at the bottom take the path running thru the glen (turn left) and you’ll be back on the paved track in no time! We appreciate that being able to follow the directions may sound complicated without seeing the route on a map, therefore we marked the route on this simple online map for you.
3.4 Glencorse reservoir and Harbour Hill
Distance 9.5 km, total ascent 230 m, easy to moderate, circular
Another great walk in Pentland Hills starting from the Flotterstone is Harbour Hill (421 masl). This walk we usually qualify as ‘easy’ when we plan a trip to The Pentlands, but we appreciate it includes a 2 km gentle uphill section and may be more than just a stroll to some of our readers.
About the walk: from Flotterstone car park follow the paved road all the way to the Glencorse Reservoir, and the distinctive spot where the reservoir ‘turns left’. At the bend you’ll find a gate with gentle uphill trail. Cross the gate and follow the trail as it wanders between two hills, passes old cottage ruins and a croft. Once you reach another gate and a stone wall turn right, and climb a wide grassy path to the top of Harbour Hill (20 mins climb). Continue further and soon you’ll be facing a muddy downhill track, at the bottom of the glen turn right to come back to Glencorse Reservoir, as per this simple online map. This particular walk in the Pentland Hills is our favourite when we have limited time, we also find it especially enjoyable in winter! With a thin snow cover typical for Edinburgh area the paths are still well visible and easy to follow, terrain is easy to navigate, although the paths can get icy.
If you’re worried about winter walking in the Pentland Hills, check out our winter hiking tips, gear yourself with mini-crampons or micro-spikes and hiking poles (or ice axe). It is usually enough even for longer hikes in the Pentlands, like traversing the main ridge!
Most recently we completed this walk in December 2020, in winter conditions and with lots of care we were OK without any winter gear, just walking boots and hiking poles for extra balance on iced paths.
4. Start: The Bonaly car park
Facilities: small car park
How to get to Bonaly:
- by car (directions)
- Lothian Buses line 10, direction to Bonaly (see timetable) – due to limited parking spaces we recommend getting to Bonaly by public transport!
SUGGESTED WALKS FROM BONALY, EDINBURGH
4.1 Capelaw Hill and Allemuir Hill
Distance 6.5 km, total ascent 337 m, moderate, circular
Although we recommend arriving to Bonaly by public transport, the walking routes we suggest start at Bonaly car park, only a short walk from the bus stop (see directions above).
Having got off at the last bus stop in Bonaly (ask the driver to shout out when it comes, as it’s not clear), walk along Bonaly Road toward the hills, cross over Edinburgh Bypass and soon you’ll find yourself walking along a quiet sheltered road. Pass the Scout Centre and campsite and the dedicated Bonaly car park; head uphill thru pine woodland. Continue along the steep trail till it levels out, near Bonaly Reservoir. Walk straight ahead and as soon as you pass another woodland, turn slightly left to climb the grassy slopes of Capelaw Hill. To hike further, to Allemuir Hill take a gentle descent path at the opposite side of Capelaw Hill, get to the bottom of a glen, then climb the short steep section to the top of Allemuir Hill with stunning views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
There is a dense web of walking paths in the northern part of Pentland Hills, therefore we prepared this simple online map to help you plan the walk!
4.2 Torduff Reservoir and hill
Distance 3.5 km, total ascent 109 m, easy, circular
Having arrived to Bonaly by bus walk along the Bonaly Road toward the hills. As soon as you cross over Edinburgh Bypass turn right into Torduff Road. Stick to the road until reaching Torduff Reservoir, then at the far end of the Reservoir turn left and keep to a small trail, pass the woodland until reaching another, larger woodland. Continue ahead, sticking to the woods edge and soon you’ll come across a wide track that will take you downhill to Bonaly car park, Scout Centre and back to the bus stop.
5. Start: Hillend, Edinburgh
Facilities: car park only, nearby Ski Centre
How to get to Hillend:
- by car (directions)
- Lothian Buses line 4, direction to Hillend (see timetable), Lothian Buses line 15 direction to Easter Bush (timetable)
SUGGESTED WALKS FROM HILLEND, EDINBURGH
5.1 Caerketton Hill and Allemuir Hill
Distance 6 km, total ascent 343 m, easy to moderate, circular
This moderate hike along the northern ridge of Pentland Hills starts at the Hillend Lower car park, just a couple of steps from the bus stop (line 4 and 15). Directly at the car park you’ll see a trail that initially follows the road to the Ski Centre, but soon forks to climb slightly uphill among the gorse bushes, don’t take it. There is a dense web of small paths, and it can be tricky to find the way if you’re not familiar with the area. To make things easy for the first time Hillend visitor we recommend walking along the road all the way to the ski centre, as per the map, only then leaving the paved road and continuing along hill paths.
From the ski centre to the top of Caerketton Hill the path is quite steep, but rather obvious, the short climb will take you to the ridge and only a few steps away from the Caerketton’s top. Walk further along the ridge which is very easy to follow, with only minimal height difference, all the way to the cone of Allemuir Hill (a short steep climb). Allemuir Hill is known as one of the best viewpoints to Edinburgh, as from its top you can see the full length of the city stretched along the Firth of Forth. Th easiest return route is direct descent from Allemuir Hill and following the edge of the hills back to Ski centre and the lower car park/bus stop. Along the return way you’ll pass old cottages, cross a golf course, possibly come across friendly ponies lazily grazing on the lush pastures.
A hike to Caerketton and allemuir Hill is a perfect half-day adventure for those on tight schedule while visiting Edinburgh, additionally it’s easily accessible by frequent public transport services, easy to navigate and offers something that all Edinburgh visitors are after -the scenic views of the city!
6 Start: Nine Mile Burn, near Carlops
Facilities: small car park
How to get to Nine Mile Burn:
- by car (directions)
- Stagecoach bus 101 (see timetable)
SUGGESTED WALKS FROM NINE MILE BURN, EDINBURGH
6.1 Hike to Balerno via West Kip, linear
Distance 9 km, total ascent 214 m, easy, linear
This linear hike from Nine Mile Burn to Balerno starts at the car park at Roman Road in Nine Mile Burn and runs thru the Pentland Hills all the way to Balerno, at the other side of the range. As the hike is linear and starts/finishes at different points we recommend getting to the starting point by public transport. We even prepared a detailed online map with the route marked from bus stop in Nine mile Burn to bus stop in Balerno! This will greatly hep you to plan the hike and find the start/finish points easily!
From the car park at the Roman Road take a trail signposted ‘Balerno by Monks Rig’ (at the road bend), this path will take you thru grassy pastures, however initially you’ll have to get thru a maze of low stone walls, the map will help you greatly! As the trail is well trodden you’ll realise that it’s quite easy to follow the route, as you slowly gain height walking between grazing sheep. The initial section of hike to Balerno is very pleasant and won’t raise your heartbeat too much, however as you progress and come closet to the Pentland Hills peaks you’ll probably experience some thigh burn! After crossing several stiles you’ll soon come to a small woodland (on the right) and the distinctive shape of West Kip will catch your eye. Nope, you don’t have to climb the hill, simply follow the path to the junction at its foot and take the wide downhill track signposted to Balerno. As you leave the moorland you’ll notice sheep pens a large gate, walk on. Past the gate take the right turn, then first left, downhill via tree-lined alley, all the way to Bawelaw Reservoir and cak park. Stick to the paved road and after 40 mins you’ll reach the bus stop in Balerno (take Lothian bus line 44 to Edinburgh city centre). That’s it, nice and easy although may seem longish!
6.2 Circular hike via Spittal Hill and Green Law
Distance 8 km, total ascent 307 m, straight forward, easy/moderate, circular
This pleasant circular walk starts at the small car park near old cottages, off the main road A702.
Begin the walk by following a paved minor road (Roman Road) until coming to a fork signposted to North Esk Reservoir. Take this access road and soon you’ll arrive near a farm. Look out for a path (signposted) that leaves the access road just before the farm. This public path encircles the farm and ensures that the normal working day is undisturbed by walkers. Initially the path climbs steeply, but very soon it levels out and the views to nearby hills open.
If you happen to hike with your dog, please keep it on the leash at all times as you will come across a lot of livestock.
Keep to the track as it climbs towards the hills, pass woodland look out for a small memorial cairn. Turn right at the cairn and keep to a wet grassy track. This section is a gentle climb to Spittal Hill, first landmark along the way. You will cross 2 gates before reaching the top of Green Law, only a short walk from Spittal Hill. Green Law is a great viewpoint to the more dramatic areas of Pentland Hills, such as the main ridge.
Descent a wet path from Green Law, the wettest spots are avoidable by walking on the hard heather bushes, as you stroll towards the fence you’ll come across a new, well made track running towards West Kip and Pentland’s main ridge, take it. From several paths forking near Monks Rig, a broad bend near West Kip pick a path that seems to take the broadest circle and climbs a small bump of Cap Law, before gently descending towards the pastures nearer the car park at Nine Mile Burn. This circular walk lack dramatic views, but we usually enjoy it as an afternoon leg stretcher, and usually complete it just before nightfall. Usually the circle takes us 2-2.5 hrs to complete, but a first-time walker would possibly loose some time route finding and ensuring the correct path. This online map will help you find the way easily and keep to the right paths.
7. Other starting points
There are several other good starting points for walks in Pentland Hills, these include Swanston (basically the same trails as Hillend), Torphin, Dreghorn (the same routes as Bonaly), Currie (routes similar to Harlaw) and Carlops (local trails join these from Nine Mile Burn). We didn’t describe these locations in separate points, as in most cases the routes would be duplicated or almost the same as from locations already mentioned.
We aimed to give you a complete guide to walking in Pentland Hills, with example routes explained and mapped, therefore you don’t need to look for more information. This article is your one stop shop for Pentland Hills walks!
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