Hiking near Edinburgh?

Question

Myself and a friend are studying in Edinburgh, Scotland and would like to take a day-long hiking trip. Where are good hikes near Edinburgh. We are open to hill, mountain, or beach hiking. We don't have a car, so please only let me know about hiking spots accessible by bus. We have already climbed Arthur's Seat many times. Thanks!

Answer 1

The Pentland Hills is on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Get a number 4, 11 or 15 to Hillend & Bob's your Uncle.

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/phrp/walking...

There are many routes available in the Pentland hills to satisfy the newly reformed couch potato and the most active hill walker. Check out our ideas for suggested routes and download our map (pdf document) to show you the way.

When planning your trip to the Pentlands be aware that many places become busy very quickly. Car parks at Flotterstone and Harlaw in particular will be full from early morning. However there are other parts of the Regional Park next to bus routes and car parks that offer half and full days walks too.

The "wild west" of the Park for example (parking at Leithhead, Harperigg or Little Vantage all on the A70), is an open expanse of moorland, with access to the Kips through the Borestane and Cauldstane Slap. It’s a little visited area of the Pentlands but well worth a visit.

Hillend can easily be reached by public transport, with buses stopping right at the entrance (LRT Bus Numbers 4 and 15). From there you can take short walks around Hillend Country Park. The ski lift at Midlothian ski centre can take you up where you can enjoy the view and then walk down. Or indeed follow the North ridge walk along Caerketton, Allermuir and return via Swanston with a drink at the Steading pub to reward your efforts.

Some further ideas for walks in the Pentlands are contained in the following links

Escape capital pains on the Pentlands - Sunday Herald

Ridges and Reservoirs - WalkScotland.com

Pictures of Midlothian Pentland Regional Park - Flavour of Scotland

Caerketton Hill & Allermuir Hill - ScottishSport.co.uk

Carnethy Hill & Turnhouse Hill - ScottishSport.co.uk

If you are more the sociable type, or would prefer the confidence that walking with a group brings, then here are some suggested links to walking groups nearby to the Pentlands. It's not exhaustive and if you know of any more please let us know and we'll add in a link.

Ramblers Scotland

HF Edinburgh Hill Walking Club

Edinburgh University of the Third Age (U3A)

Please feel free to contact us with information on other related websites.

Walking through Ministry of Defence land with the Pentland Hills Regional Park, requires particular care as military training and live firing can take place at any time.

They state:

"Live firing is restricted to the Live Firing Range at Castlelaw. The primary land use is for military dry training (i.e. use of blank ammunition). Red flags (daytime) and lamps (night-time) are flown/shown when firing is taking place and walkers are not allowed into this Danger Area."

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Answer 2

There is a nice day hike (18Kms - 8hrs) on the Pentland Peaks, accessible by bus.

You can start from the Flotterson Inn, Hillend, Swanston or Balerno. Bus details in the link.