The Pentland Hills Circular
Pentland Hills Circular: Complete Guide to Hiking the Best Loop Trail Near Edinburgh
Nestled just a short drive from Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills Circular offers a breathtaking escape into the rolling Scottish countryside, where heather-clad slopes meet panoramic vistas and tranquil reservoirs. This scenic trail winds through a tapestry of undulating hills, sweeping valleys, and open moorland, providing hikers with ever-changing views and a refreshing sense of solitude.
Whether you're trekking up the wind-blown ridgelines, spotting native wildlife, or pausing to admire the shimmering water below, the Pentland Hills Circular immerses you in a landscape shaped by both nature and history. With clear paths and a sense of openness, this classic loop showcases the very best of the Pentlands, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Route Overview
The Pentland Hills Circular typically begins and ends at the Flotterstone car park, a popular trailhead equipped with basic facilities. From here, the route follows well-established paths and tracks, ascending towards Scald Law, the highest point in the range, before looping around past key landmarks such as Carnethy Hill, Glencorse Reservoir, and Loganlea Reservoir. Hikers pass through varied terrain, including open moorland and grassy hillsides, as well as sections of rocky and occasionally muddy underfoot conditions.
The full loop covers approximately 16 kilometers and most walkers can expect to complete it within 5 to 6 hours, depending on pace and stops. While navigation is generally straightforward, some sections may intersect with other paths, so carrying a map or GPS device is advisable. The route is mostly unpaved, with a mixture of dirt, rocky, and gravel surfaces, suitable for hikers with moderate experience and a good level of fitness. Flotterstone and other trail access points offer restrooms and picnic areas, but water sources should not be relied on for drinking without proper treatment. The trail is popular year-round, but weather conditions can influence both the difficulty and overall enjoyment of the hike.
The Pentland Hills hold a rich tapestry of history, stretching back thousands of years. Evidence of prehistoric settlements, including standing stones and burial cairns, can be found throughout the range, hinting at early human activity in these hills. As you walk the Pentland Hills Circular, look for subtle traces of ancient life in the landscape, such as the remnants of Iron Age hillforts that once provided strategic and defensive viewpoints for early communities.
During more recent centuries, the Pentland Hills played a pivotal role in Scotland’s past. In 1666, the area was the scene of the Pentland Rising – a significant event in Scottish history, when Covenanters, fighting for religious freedom, clashed with government troops near Rullion Green. Memorials and plaques near the site serve as stark reminders of this struggle, adding a deeper meaning to the scenic beauty.
The hills have also long been used for agriculture, with sheep grazing shaping the landscape you see today. In the 20th century, the construction of reservoirs around the Pentlands supplied fresh water to the city of Edinburgh, an infrastructure legacy still visible along the route. As you hike the trail, you traverse ground that has been a backdrop for generations of historical events, making the Pentland Hills Circular as fascinating for its stories as for its views.
Notable highlights
Scald Law: The highest summit in the Pentland Hills at 579 meters, offering sweeping panoramas of Edinburgh, nearby hills, and the distant Firth of Forth. The ascent is steady and rewards hikers with breathtaking photo opportunities.
Glencorse Reservoir: A scenic water feature nestled between hills, surrounded by tranquil landscapes and often dotted with local birdlife. It’s a peaceful spot ideal for a rest break and reflection.
Carnethy Hill: Another prominent peak on the circuit, renowned for its rugged terrain and magnificent viewpoints. This summit is popular among hill runners and provides a wild, exposed experience.
Rullion Green: The site of the historic Pentland Rising, marked by a memorial cairn. This area invites visitors to reflect on Scotland’s turbulent history and enjoy the quiet beauty of the surrounding moorland.
Loganlea Reservoir: Situated further along the route, this reservoir is framed by dramatic hillsides and is a favorite with anglers. The nearby path offers lovely vistas of water and heathland.
Heather-Clad Moorlands: Throughout the hike, the seasonal bloom of purple heather adds vibrant color to the rolling landscapes, attracting wildlife and enhancing the trail’s scenic appeal.
Viewpoints Over Edinburgh: Several stretches of the loop reveal impressive views of Edinburgh’s skyline, the Firth of Forth, and, on clear days, as far as the Highlands—making them perfect for memorable photo stops.
Challenges to expect
Hikers on the Pentland Hills Circular should be prepared for steep ascents and descents, especially when tackling peaks like Scald Law and Carnethy Hill. Some sections of the trail can become slippery and muddy, particularly after rainfall, making sturdy footwear essential. The path can also be rocky and uneven in places, requiring caution and a good level of fitness to navigate safely.
Weather in the Pentlands is highly changeable; even during the warmer months, conditions can shift quickly from sunshine to rain or mist. Strong winds are common on exposed ridgelines, which can affect both comfort and visibility. It’s important to carry waterproof and windproof clothing, as well as extra layers to adapt to fluctuating temperatures.
Navigation can be challenging in poor visibility, as waymarking is limited in certain stretches and the trail sometimes branches with other paths. Having a map, compass, or GPS device is highly recommended to stay on the correct route, especially in fog or low cloud. Water sources are limited on the high ground, so plan accordingly to carry sufficient water for your hike.
United Kingdom 
Scotland - Mountainous
- Dirt
- Rocky
- Gravel
- Wild camping spots
- Campsites
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Restrooms
- Campsites
- Picnic Areas
Starting from the Flotterstone car park, the route heads south, ascending gradually along clear paths towards Glencorse Reservoir. Skirting the reservoir, hikers begin a steeper climb up to Scald Law, the highest point on the hike, where wide-ranging views can be enjoyed. The trail follows the ridgeline over Carnethy Hill, offering additional panoramas before descending towards Loganlea Reservoir. After passing alongside the reservoir, the path turns northwards, looping around through open moorland and grassy hills with the occasional rocky section. The return leg takes walkers back past the reservoirs and through undulating terrain, eventually linking up with the initial path back to Flotterstone. Expect a mix of exposed ridges, valley trails, and scenic viewpoints throughout the day.