The Pentland Hills are located on the south side of Edinburgh. A short drive from the city and you can find yourself in a different world. There are lots of paths suitable for walkers, mountain bikers, and fell runners. The scenery is not unlike what you might find on a trip to the highlands of Scotland.
The Pentland Hills – How to get there:
There are various entry points to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. I started this walk from Flotterstone. There is a large car park with toilets just past the Flotterstone Inn which also has designated spaces for camper vans.
By Car
By car from the city centre see map below. Flotterstone Inn and the car park are signposted off the A702
By Bus
Lothian buses 15 and 37 will get you to Flotterstone from Princes Street. See bus timetable by clicking this link
Start your walk
There are lots of maps of walks in the Pentlands you can buy but the paths are pretty clearly marked. I subscribe to the Ordnance Survey App which costs me £25 a year and gives me access to every OS Map in the UK. I download a map of the area I want to walk in and that is stored on my phone. Even if I have no signal the GPS will always pinpoint my exact location so I am never lost.
Footwear and what to take with you
The paths can be very rough so I would recommend a pair of boots, stout shoes or walking trainers. I did this on a good day, however the weather can be wet and cold even in summer so I would recommend you pack some warm clothing and a waterproof jacket. Also take some food with you, chocolate bars and drinks. You will be walking for approximately 3 hours so best go well prepared.
Allermuir the first part of the walk
I decided to walk to Allermuir and proceeded up the road towards Castlehill and the army firing ranges. Walkers are kept well away from the ranges and so you are perfectly safe.
The path here is gradual and not steep and it is not long before you are treated to some great views over Carnethy and Glencorse Reservoir. You can follow my route on the map below. However I would recommend you download the visitors guide by clicking on this link
After a short stop to admire the view I continue on my way to Allermuir along a path marked the “Pentlands Way”. August is a great time of year as the heather is out and the hills are a beautiful purple colour. There are also lots of sheep grazing so dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead at all times.
Crossing the stone road I begin my climb up the steep track towards Allermuir. The white trig point can be spotted from a long way off on a good day. As I reach the top I am treated to a spectacular view across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. It is worth stopping just to take in the view and see what city landmarks you can spot. The road and rail bridges, Edinburgh Castle, Arthurs Seat and Salisbury Crags are clearly visible on a good day
The Pentland Hills – Castlelaw and the Hill Fort
After Allermuir I head toward Castlelaw. The stone road takes me to the top. Although steep it is probably the best route to the top where I am treated again to a view of the surrounding countryside and onwards toward the Scottish Borders.
I make my way back down Castlelaw toward the hill fort. This is an area which has been the subject of archaeological digs in the past and I explore the underground earth house. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is free of charge to visit. To find out more about the site and its history click this link
The Pentland Hills – Flotterstone
From the hill fort car park pick up a sign taking you along a path at the back of the sheep farm and back down the hill toward the car park at Flotterstone. The Flotterstone Inn is an ideal place to grab a wee shandy or a meal after your walk. For more details about what is on offer at the Flotterstone Inn click this link
Other walks from 2Edinburgh.com
Circular Walk to Duddingston Village
Walking the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry
To find out more about these great walks just click on the links above.