Pentland Hills Regional Park

Moorland ridges, reservoir paths, and open views above Edinburgh

Rolling hills, heather moorland, reservoirs, and broad ridgelines create a landscape that rises above Scotland's capital while retaining a distinctly rural character. Located on the southern edge of Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills Regional Park offers an extensive network of routes through upland scenery, woodland, and open countryside, providing one of Scotland's most accessible walking destinations.

Long-distance trails such as sections of the Cross Borders Drove Road and local hill routes link places including Balerno, Flotterstone, Carlops, Penicuik, and the surrounding Pentland reservoirs. Moorland paths, hill tracks, woodland trails, and waterside routes reveal changing views across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, the Scottish Borders, and the surrounding countryside, creating journeys closely connected to the character of the landscape.

Whether climbing the park's highest summits, following reservoir-side paths, or exploring the network of trails across the hills, the Pentlands reward time spent on foot. Expansive views, varied terrain, and close proximity to the city make them one of Scotland's most rewarding destinations for self-guided travel.