The Pentland Hills Regional Park is the nearest range of mountains to Scotland's Capital, Edinburgh. They are the playground for many local residents and tourists alike and can give a little glimpse of what the Scottish mountains are like without having to travel to the Highlands. There are a multitude of walking (or biking) options in the Pentlands to suit all abilities and much of the area can be accessed via public transport. With stunning views across the city and surrounding countryside, join us for a little escape from the crowded streets of the capital.
The Pentland Hills Regional Park, often referred to as just 'The Pentlands', covers an area of 90km² and contains over a dozen main summits, the largest of which being Scald Law, standing at 579. Although this may not be as high as the dramatic Highlands, it is on the capitals doorstep and can be more challenging than more give it credit. Below we have made a short list of walks which we feel showcase the best of the Pentlands for different abilities, fitness levels and starting from different locations, however, the possible options are almost endless, therefore, we are more than happy to create a custom walk based on your requirements. Please Contact Us to discuss any options or ideas you have.
Harlaw & Threipmuir Reservoirs (9.5km, 150m ascent)
Starting at the Harlaw Reservoir visitors centre, this walk creates an extended circuit of the Harlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs. We start along the northern side of the reservoirs picking our way through the wooded shoreline, before taking a short detour in to the Red Moss Nature Reserve. From here we turn South and have a short climb up to the edge of the Pentland moors. The meandering path from here is a lovely stretch of the Pentlands with the mountains on one side and reservoirs on the other. Once we reach Green Cleugh, a narrow, steep sides valley, we have a short sharp climb part way up the flank of Black Hill to the highest point of the day. From here there are lovely views across the reservoirs and out towards West Lothian. The path slowly descends back to the reservoirs before returning to the visitors centre along the southern shore.
Hill End & Allermuir Loop (8.5km, 500m ascent)
This walk begins at the Hill End Snowsports Centre on the northern margin of the Pentlands. From the centre we initially head West, traversing around the base of the mountains, passing through the picturesque thatched hamlet of Swanston and along the edge of several patches of woodland until we reach the tumbling Howden Burn, where the days ascent begins. Heading up the northern flank of Capelaw Hill we having growing views across the city of Edinburgh. As we continue to climb we eventually arrive at the highest point of the day, Allermuir Hill, at 493m. From here the views across the city are fantastic, with clear sight of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, as well as views across the Firth of Forth to Fife. From the summit of Allermuir Hill we weave our way down the northern side of the mountain as we make our way back towards Hill End, with the option to take a short detour to tackle the fantastically named Muilieputchie and get the final views of the day before descending in to the tree line once again.
The eastern peaks of the Pentlands (16km, 800m ascent)
This is one of the longer walks in the area, taking in several of the major summits along the eastern side of the Pentlands. Starting in Flotterstone, the day begins with the almost immediate ascent of the first peak, Turnhouse Hill. From this first summit there are views across the central Pentlands and to the East across Mid- and East Lothian. Heading South our route undulates along the broad ridge line of the eastern Pentlands, taking in the summits of Carnethy Hill, Scald Law (the highest peak of the Pentlands, at 579m high), East and West Kip. Our route then slowly winds its way down from the ridge of summits in to Green Cleugh, a narrow, steep sides valley with a lovely burn running through it. On the return leg our route traverse around the flank of Black Hill, providing views towards West Lothian, and passing through one of the quietest glens in the Pentlands, White Cleugh, before returning along the small reservoir road to Flotterstone.
Harlaw & Threipmuir Reservoirs (9.5km, 150m ascent)
Starting at the Harlaw Reservoir visitors centre, this walk creates an extended circuit of the Harlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs. We start along the northern side of the reservoirs picking our way through the wooded shoreline, before taking a short detour in to the Red Moss Nature Reserve. From here we turn South and have a short climb up to the edge of the Pentland moors. The meandering path from here is a lovely stretch of the Pentlands with the mountains on one side and reservoirs on the other. Once we reach Green Cleugh, a narrow, steep sides valley, we have a short sharp climb part way up the flank of Black Hill to the highest point of the day. From here there are lovely views across the reservoirs and out towards West Lothian. The path slowly descends back to the reservoirs before returning to the visitors centre along the southern shore.
Hill End & Allermuir Loop (8.5km, 500m ascent)
This walk begins at the Hill End Snowsports Centre on the northern margin of the Pentlands. From the centre we initially head West, traversing around the base of the mountains, passing through the picturesque thatched hamlet of Swanston and along the edge of several patches of woodland until we reach the tumbling Howden Burn, where the days ascent begins. Heading up the northern flank of Capelaw Hill we having growing views across the city of Edinburgh. As we continue to climb we eventually arrive at the highest point of the day, Allermuir Hill, at 493m. From here the views across the city are fantastic, with clear sight of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, as well as views across the Firth of Forth to Fife. From the summit of Allermuir Hill we weave our way down the northern side of the mountain as we make our way back towards Hill End, with the option to take a short detour to tackle the fantastically named Muilieputchie and get the final views of the day before descending in to the tree line once again.
The eastern peaks of the Pentlands (16km, 800m ascent)
This is one of the longer walks in the area, taking in several of the major summits along the eastern side of the Pentlands. Starting in Flotterstone, the day begins with the almost immediate ascent of the first peak, Turnhouse Hill. From this first summit there are views across the central Pentlands and to the East across Mid- and East Lothian. Heading South our route undulates along the broad ridge line of the eastern Pentlands, taking in the summits of Carnethy Hill, Scald Law (the highest peak of the Pentlands, at 579m high), East and West Kip. Our route then slowly winds its way down from the ridge of summits in to Green Cleugh, a narrow, steep sides valley with a lovely burn running through it. On the return leg our route traverse around the flank of Black Hill, providing views towards West Lothian, and passing through one of the quietest glens in the Pentlands, White Cleugh, before returning along the small reservoir road to Flotterstone.
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Key Information: Group Size: Up to 8 Distance: 5-16km/3-10miles (route dependant). Ascent: 150-800m Time: 3-8 hours |
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Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.