4.5
(857)
7,340
hikers
230
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Lamancha, Newlands And Kirkurd traverse a landscape characterized by the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands, tranquil river valleys, and a mix of open moorland and dense woodlands. The region features meandering rivers like the Tarth Water and River Lyne, alongside reservoirs such as Portmore Reservoir and North Esk Reservoir. These physical features provide varied terrain for easy hikes, offering paths through woodlands, along riverbanks, and around water bodies.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
5.0
(5)
22
hikers
5.19km
01:24
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.3
(3)
17
hikers
5.95km
01:41
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
13
hikers
6.84km
01:48
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Delightful walk along River North Esk. Muddy paths after the rain meant the peaty water was gushing and the waterfall splendid! This is where Allan Ramsay found the inspiration to write 'The Gentle Shepherd' and we were able to visit Sandy's Cave and Peggy's pool.
1
0
Portmore Reservoir is a hidden gem with some beautiful landscape, forests, hills and glen walk towards Eddleston. Intermediate paths with some steep parts and steady footwear are recommended.
2
0
North Esk Reservoir is an easy 5k walk from Carlops village. You can park your car in the village and choose one of the two main paths or do a circular walk. Easy to intermediate terrain with some steep hilly parts as well. The reservoir is a gem.
2
0
Portmore Loch woods and forest paths at their best. Magic*
1
0
Peaceful woodland next to Portmore reservoir
0
0
Spectacularly beautiful and peaceful. Lots of places to sit down. Incredible that this is so close to the big Edinburgh.
0
0
One of the quieter reservoirs in the Pentlands. Great wee place
0
0
If approaching Portmore from Gladhouse side, turn left, follow gravel Road then take next right to cycle around the back of the Loch.
0
0
There are over 80 easy hiking trails in the Lamancha, Newlands And Kirkurd area, offering a wide variety of landscapes to explore. In total, the region boasts over 230 hiking routes across all difficulty levels.
Yes, many of the easy trails in the region are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Portmore Reservoir β Portmore Loch Woods loop from Westloch is a popular 3.2-mile circular route offering reservoir views and woodland sections. Another option is the North Esk Reservoir β North Esk Reservoir loop from Carlops, which is 3.7 miles around the reservoir.
Yes, the region offers easy trails that feature waterfalls. The View of Rural Landscape β Waterfall and Old Mill loop from Carlops is a 3.9-mile easy path that includes a waterfall and historical mill sites. Another option is the shorter Peggy's Pool Waterfall β Waterfall and Old Mill loop from Carlops, which is 2.7 miles and also features a waterfall.
Absolutely. The easy trails are generally well-suited for families, featuring gentle terrain and manageable distances. Routes like the Portmore Reservoir β Portmore Loch Woods loop from Westloch offer pleasant walks through woodlands and along reservoir banks, which are ideal for all ages. Many paths are relatively flat, making them accessible for children.
Most easy hiking trails in Lamancha, Newlands And Kirkurd are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland or near livestock. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Trails through woodlands and along riverbanks, such as the Manor Bridge β Old Manor Bridge loop from Lyne, are generally good options for walking with your dog.
The easy hikes in this region showcase diverse natural beauty. You'll encounter rolling grassy hills, tranquil river valleys carved by the Tarth Water and River Lyne, and dense woodlands like Catwalk Den Wood. Many routes also feature picturesque reservoirs such as Portmore Reservoir and North Esk Reservoir, offering serene waterside paths.
Yes, the area is rich in history. While hiking, you might discover ancient archaeological features like the Lamancha Carving (a cup-and-ring stone). Newlands boasts the historic Newlands Church and well-preserved Roman cultivation terraces on the hill behind it. You can also find historical mill sites on routes like the View of Rural Landscape β Waterfall and Old Mill loop from Carlops.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, varied scenery ranging from woodlands to reservoirs, and the accessibility of the trails. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the opportunity to enjoy nature without strenuous climbs.
Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for easy hikes, with milder temperatures and beautiful seasonal colours in the woodlands and hills. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter can provide crisp, clear days, though paths might be muddy or icy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
While the focus is on easy terrain, many routes provide lovely vistas of the rolling Southern Uplands and surrounding countryside. Trails around reservoirs like the Portmore Reservoir β Portmore Loch Woods loop from Westloch offer expansive views across the water and hills. For more elevated views, nearby peaks like Turnhouse Hill or Castlelaw Hill offer rewarding perspectives, though these might involve slightly more ascent.
Many trailheads for easy routes have designated parking areas, particularly near popular spots like reservoirs or village access points. For example, routes starting from Carlops or Westloch often have convenient parking. It's always advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information before your trip.
Public transport options are available to some of the villages in the region, such as West Linton and Carlops, which serve as starting points for several easy trails. From these villages, you can often access routes directly or with a short walk. For detailed bus schedules, it's best to consult local transport providers.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.