The best walks and hikes around Pentland Hills Regional Park

Several bus routes connect Edinburgh to the park's main trailheads. Lothian Buses service routes to access points like Swanston, Hillend, and Bonaly. For the popular Flotterstone entrance, you can take a bus service that runs along the A702. Always check the latest timetables before you travel.

Yes, the park has several gentle routes suitable for families. The Harlaw Woodland Walk is a popular 2-mile circular trail around the Harlaw Reservoir. Another great option is the Glencorse View Walk from the Flotterstone Visitor Centre, which is a relatively easy 2.5-mile walk along the Glencorse Burn.

Dogs are welcome in the Pentland Hills Regional Park. However, it's a working landscape with grazing sheep and cattle, so you must keep your dog under close control at all times, and on a lead where livestock is present, especially during lambing season (typically April to June).

The weather in the Pentlands can change very quickly. It's essential to wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, as trails can be muddy and uneven. Layering your clothing is key, and a waterproof jacket is a must-have, even if the forecast looks clear. In autumn and winter, a hat and gloves are also recommended.

Many trails in the Pentlands feature the park's beautiful reservoirs. For a longer, scenic loop, consider The Pentland Hills Reservoir loop from Threipmuir Reservoir. This moderate 10-mile (16 km) route takes you around both the Threipmuir and Harlaw reservoirs, offering peaceful waterside paths.

For a strenuous day out with rewarding views, the West & East Kip plus Scald Law loop from Threipmuir Reservoir is an excellent choice. This 7.7-mile (12.4 km) route tackles three of the main summits in the range, including the highest point, Scald Law.

For fantastic panoramic views over the city, the Caerketton Hill & Allermuir Hill loop from Lothianburn is hard to beat. Allermuir Hill is one of the closest peaks to Edinburgh, and this 3.5-mile (5.7 km) trail provides a direct reward with sweeping vistas of the capital and the Firth of Forth.

There are over 160 different hiking routes to explore around Pentland Hills Regional Park on komoot, covering a 62-mile (100 km) network of maintained paths. These range from easy strolls to challenging multi-peak traverses, offering something for every fitness level.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views over Edinburgh, the well-maintained paths, and the feeling of being in the wild so close to the city.

The main trailheads offer different experiences. Flotterstone is very popular, with a visitor centre and access to routes around Glencorse Reservoir and major peaks like Turnhouse Hill. Swanston provides a quieter start, with lovely walks up to Caerketton and Allermuir Hills. Threipmuir, to the west, is the gateway to trails around the Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs and the western Kips.

Yes, after a hike starting or finishing at the Flotterstone car park, many people visit the Flotterstone Inn, which is conveniently located right by the entrance to the park. It's a popular spot for a rewarding meal or drink.

While Arthur's Seat offers an iconic, short, and steep climb right in the city centre, the Pentland Hills provide a much more extensive and varied hiking experience. The Pentlands offer a true sense of escaping into the countryside with a vast network of longer trails, multiple peaks, and tranquil reservoirs, feeling much more remote than Arthur's Seat.