The best walks and hikes around Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers several highly-regarded spots for hiking.

Holyrood Park is a local favorite, offering varied paths around the iconic Arthur's Seat. For a true countryside feel just outside the city, the Pentland Hills Regional Park is an expansive area with numerous trails and reservoirs. A quieter but beautiful option is the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve, known for its lovely riverside and woodland paths. For a different kind of scenery, the River Almond Walkway provides a peaceful waterside trail.

Yes, Edinburgh has great options for families. The Harlaw Reservoir & Threipmuir Reservoir loop is a relatively flat and easy walk in the Pentlands, perfect for a family outing. Another excellent choice is a stroll through Holyrood Park, which has wide, accessible paths suitable for all ages.

Most trails around Edinburgh are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep your dog under control, especially near livestock in areas like the Pentland Hills. Many local walkers enjoy the Braid Hills Trail, which offers wide-open spaces and great views, making it ideal for energetic dogs.

The Pentland Hills are accessible via public transport. Lothian Buses run services to various starting points. For example, you can take a bus towards the Hillend Snowsports Centre to access trails like the Caerketton Hill & Allermuir Hill loop. Routes starting from Bonaly are also served by city buses. Always check the latest bus timetables before you travel.

For a more demanding day out, the West & East Kip plus Scald Law loop in the Pentlands offers a significant challenge. This route involves multiple steep ascents to some of the highest peaks in the park, rewarding you with fantastic panoramic views.

Yes, the coastline near Edinburgh is fantastic for walking. While many coastal paths are linear, you can create circular routes by combining them with other trails. A popular option is the walk from South Queensferry to Cramond, which offers stunning views of the Forth Bridges. At low tide, you can even walk out to Cramond Island, but be sure to check tide times carefully to ensure a safe return.

The Water of Leith Walkway is a tranquil, mostly flat path that follows the river through the city. It offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. A particularly scenic section is the walk between Stockbridge and the historic Dean Village, which feels like stepping into a different world with its charming old buildings and lush greenery.

Scottish weather is famously changeable, even on a nice day. For a hike in the Pentlands, you should always carry waterproof trousers and a jacket, an extra warm layer, sturdy walking boots, and plenty of water and snacks. A map and compass (or a fully charged phone with the komoot app) are also essential, as mobile signal can be unreliable in the hills.

Absolutely. For a walk that combines history and gentle exercise, the Edinburgh Old Town tour is a great choice. It's an easy walk that takes you past many of the city's most famous landmarks. Another option is a gentle circuit within Holyrood Park on the lower paths if you don't want to climb Arthur's Seat.

The trails around Edinburgh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the unique ability to climb a rugged hill like Arthur's Seat right in the city centre and the accessibility of the vast, open landscapes of the Pentland Hills. The well-maintained paths and clear signposting are also frequently mentioned.

The Pentland Hills offer a wide variety of hikes. You can find gentle, flat walks around the reservoirs, such as the loop from Threipmuir Reservoir, or more strenuous ascents to rolling, windswept peaks with views across the region. The park features over 100km of marked paths through classic Scottish countryside.

You can hike in Edinburgh year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer bring longer daylight hours and blooming wildflowers. Autumn offers beautiful colours, especially in wooded areas like the Hermitage of Braid. Winter hiking can be spectacular on a crisp, clear day, but be prepared for cold, wet, and potentially icy conditions, especially on higher ground.