Pentland Hills Regional Park Edinburgh
Escape the city for stunning Scottish landscapes, rolling hills, and panoramic views just minutes from Edinburgh.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light & fewer crowds
Pentland Hills Regional Park Edinburgh
Best Time
Golden hour light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape the city for stunning Scottish landscapes, rolling hills, and panoramic views just minutes from Edinburgh.
"A real gem just outside Edinburgh! Highly recommend for a relaxing escape into nature."
🥾 Wear sturdy walking boots
Essential for varied terrain. Protect your ankles and ensure comfort on longer hikes.
🧥 Pack for all weathers
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers and waterproofs are a must, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scald Law Summit
Highest peak in the Pentlands
Conquer the highest point for panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. A rewarding climb for any hiker.
Glencorse Reservoir
Southern Pentlands
A picturesque reservoir offering stunning reflections and peaceful walking trails. Magical and refreshing.
Swanston Farm & Highland Cows
Near Swanston village
Meet the iconic Highland cows amidst rolling hills. A delightful encounter for nature lovers and photographers.
Alpine Coaster
Near Hillend Country Park
Experience a thrilling alpine coaster ride with incredible views. Fun for all ages and a unique adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Best Footwear and Weather Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sturdy walking boots
Essential for varied terrain. Protect your ankles and ensure comfort on longer hikes.
🧥 Pack for all weathers
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers and waterproofs are a must, even on sunny days.
📱 Download offline maps
Signal can be weak. Ensure you have navigation tools ready for your adventure.
☕ Grab a coffee post-hike
Many visitors enjoy a coffee after their walk. Look for local cafes near trailheads.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy walking boots
Essential for varied terrain. Protect your ankles and ensure comfort on longer hikes.
🧥 Pack for all weathers
Scottish weather is unpredictable. Layers and waterproofs are a must, even on sunny days.
📱 Download offline maps
Signal can be weak. Ensure you have navigation tools ready for your adventure.
☕ Grab a coffee post-hike
Many visitors enjoy a coffee after their walk. Look for local cafes near trailheads.
🐑 Watch out for sheep!
The hills are home to many sheep. Be mindful of them and their droppings.
📸 Capture the heather
Visit in late summer for stunning purple heather landscapes. A photographer's dream!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pentland Hills for its stunning natural beauty, accessibility from Edinburgh, and the sense of peace it offers. The diverse trails cater to all fitness levels, and the chance to see wildlife like Highland cows is a major draw. Some find the hills can get busy on good weather days, and the smell of sheep is a unique, though not universally loved, olfactory experience.
"This is my go-to place considering it's only a 15 min drive for me. Very quickly and easily immerse myself in nature and have some of the most amazing breathtaking views of the beautiful Glencorse reservoir.
Great walking trails, smell of fresh sheep poo mixed with the mountains, there is something so magical and refreshing and healing.
It's near the army reserves, so can see some young army folks running or huddled in a team meeting. There are also firing ranges that can be seen, but I have rarely heard shots being fired.
Great place and highly recommend for folks not afraid of walking. Remember to use the toilets in the car park as one could get mesmerised and lost spending too much time in nature when the body clock is ticking away."
Ratish Kumar Mani
"10,000 hectares of rolling hills, farmland, waterways and stunning landscape. Signposted walks of various lengths, toilets, food-stops and plenty of wildlife. Frequent buses to Balerno from centre of Edinburgh. The park extends approximately 20 miles (30 kilometers) in length and boasts over 100 km of paths. The highest point in the Pentland Hills is Scald Law, standing at 579 meters (1,900 ft)."
Diane Henderson
"Spent a lovely day hiking in the Pentland Hills — stunning views, peaceful trails, and plenty of fresh air. Great for both casual walkers and more adventurous hikers. A real gem just outside Edinburgh! Highly recommend for a relaxing escape into nature"
Sangeeta More
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lothian Buses are your best bet! Bus number 10 can take you to Bonaly, and bus number 5 serves Swanston. The journey typically takes around 40 minutes from the city center.
Yes, there are car parks available at various points, such as Hillend Country Park and Flotterstone. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Absolutely! The park offers over 100 km of paths suitable for cycling, making it a popular spot for bike rides.
While official guided tours might be limited, many visitors enjoy exploring independently or with friends. Some local walking groups may offer guided walks.
The Alpine Coaster is located near Hillend Country Park. Bus routes that serve this area would be the most convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pentland Hills Regional Park is free to enter and explore. You only pay for specific activities like the Alpine Coaster.
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor facilities like cafes and toilets may have specific operating hours.
Hiking is free and does not require booking. If you plan to use the Alpine Coaster, it's advisable to check their specific booking procedures.
Generally, there are no major restrictions for visitors. However, be aware of any signage regarding firing ranges or specific conservation areas.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Pentland Hills Regional Park, but they must be kept under control, especially around livestock like sheep.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of trails, from well-maintained paths to more rugged hill tracks. There are options for casual walkers, serious hikers, and cyclists.
Keep an eye out for sheep, Highland cows (especially near Swanston Farm), various bird species, and other native wildlife.
Yes, toilets are available at key locations like car parks, such as the one at Flotterstone. It's wise to use them when you see them!
Yes, many areas are suitable for families, especially around reservoirs and lower-level paths. The Alpine Coaster is also a hit with kids.
The summits of Scald Law, Carnethy Hill, and Turnhouse Hill offer spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
The Glencorse Reservoir, the rolling hills covered in heather (especially in late summer), and the views from the summits are prime photography locations.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light. Overcast days can also create dramatic moods for landscape photography.
Yes, Swanston Farm is a popular spot to see and photograph Highland cows. Remember to be respectful of the animals.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Look for the vibrant purple heather in late summer, dramatic sunsets over the hills, and reflections in the reservoirs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1 The Glencorse Reservoir offers beautiful reflections, and the panoramic views from the summits are unparalleled. Bring a range of lenses to capture both sweeping vistas and intimate details of the flora and fauna. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Peaks
Visitors often rave about the magical and refreshing feeling of being immersed in nature here. The landscape is a mix of rolling hills, farmland, and waterways, providing a diverse and engaging walking experience. Some trails, like the one from Balerno to Flotterston, offer varied scenery and can take several hours to complete.
Wildlife Encounters and Farm Visits
+1 Swanston Farm is a well-known spot where you can often see these magnificent creatures. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography and a unique Scottish experience. Beyond the larger animals, the park's diverse habitats support a variety of birdlife and smaller mammals. The soundscape of the hills, often described as a mix of fresh air and the natural environment, contributes to the overall sense of peace and escape.
The Thrill of the Alpine Coaster
While the coaster itself is a highlight, the surrounding area also provides opportunities for other activities. Visitors often combine a ride on the coaster with a walk or a visit to a nearby cafe for refreshments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit