Pentland Hills Regional Park – Moorland Ridges, Reservoir Valleys and Hill Walking Near Edinburgh

Rolling Moorland Hills, Reservoirs, and Open Skyline Walking South of the City

The Pentland Hills Regional Park lies immediately south of Edinburgh in Central Scotland, bringing together self-guided travel, walking, routes, landscapes, and places across a compact chain of upland ridges, reservoirs, farmland edges, and hill summits. Routes connect Flotterstone, Balerno, Hillend, and West Linton, while longer paths such as the Pentland Way and sections of the Cross Borders Drove Road link the hills into wider regional walking networks.

Walking here is shaped by steady climbs, open ridgelines, and broad views rather than remote mountain terrain. The ground is a mix of firm gravel tracks, hill paths, grassy slopes, and occasional rough or boggier sections on higher moorland. Gradients are moderate but continuous, with short, sustained ascents onto rounded summits followed by easier walking along crests and reservoir-side tracks.

Established paths give structure to movement across the park. The Pentland Way runs north to south through the hills, linking the edge of Edinburgh with West Linton over a series of ridges and passes. The Cross Borders Drove Road provides a longer historic line through the landscape, following old droving routes between the city and the Borders countryside. Together, these routes allow for both short day walks and longer linear journeys.

Walking in the Pentlands is defined by openness and proximity. From higher ground, wide views extend across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the distant Highlands, while lower routes circle reservoirs and farmland margins where the landscape feels more enclosed and pastoral. Paths pass between stone walls, grazing sheep, and open heather slopes shaped by centuries of farming and water management.

Reservoir-based walking forms a natural rhythm across the area. Around Glencorse, Loganlea, and Threipmuir Reservoirs, level tracks follow the water’s edge, offering gentler circuits suitable for steady progress. From these lower points, routes climb onto hills such as Allermuir Hill, Caerketton Hill, Scald Law, and Carnethy Hill, where broad skylines and open moorland create longer, more continuous ridge walking.

Seasonal change strongly influences the experience. Spring brings fresh grass and clearer light across the hillsides, summer offers long daylight hours and dry underfoot conditions, autumn colours the bracken and moorland in rust tones, and winter can introduce wind, frost, and occasional snow on exposed ground.

Beyond walking, the park supports other quiet outdoor activity. Cycling follows estate tracks and reservoir roads, wildlife watching is common around the water and moorland margins, and the hills are widely used for short local outings from Edinburgh. The landscape rewards unhurried exploration and regular return visits rather than single long crossings.

Accommodation and services are found around the park edges in Edinburgh, Balerno, Penicuik, and West Linton, making the area straightforward to access by bus or road. This proximity allows flexible, car-free walking days directly from the city.

For walkers seeking accessible hills, clear routes, and open skyline views close to urban services, the Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a compact and well-connected upland landscape shaped by continuity, geography, and everyday use.

Where to Walk and Explore

Pentland Way
‍A north–south route linking the edge of Edinburgh with West Linton, crossing the main ridges and summits through the heart of the hills.

Cross Borders Drove Road
‍A historic drovers’ route passing through the park on its way between Edinburgh and the Borders, following broad tracks and open ground.

Glencorse & Loganlea Reservoirs
‍Gentle waterside circuits on firm tracks with views into surrounding hills and woodland.

Allermuir & Caerketton Hills
‍Shorter climbs from the northern edge of the park with wide views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

Scald Law & Carnethy Ridge
‍Higher, more continuous ridge walking across some of the park’s most elevated ground.

Adventure Highlights

• Ridgeline walking with wide views over Edinburgh and central Scotland
• Long-distance routes on the Pentland Way and Cross Borders Drove Road
• Reservoir-side circuits on firm, level tracks
• Rolling moorland hills and open skylines
• Easy access from the city for car-free walking
• Cycling on estate roads and tracks
• Wildlife around reservoirs and upland grassland