The best walks and hikes around Craiglockhart

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The area offers many easy walks, with 15 designated easy routes available. A great choice is the Fountainbridge Green loop from Hutchison, which is a relatively flat and short walk. The paths around Craiglockhart Pond are also gentle and offer a chance to see local wildlife.

Craiglockhart is a great place for dog walking. The woodland trails in the Craiglockhart Hills Local Nature Reserve provide plenty of space for dogs to explore. For a walk with fantastic views that is also popular with dog owners, consider visiting the nearby Seven Hills Viewpoint. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near wildlife, and clean up after them.

The summits of Easter and Wester Craiglockhart Hill offer panoramic views across Edinburgh. From the top, you can see iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. The surrounding cityscape and the Pentland Hills in the distance make the climb very rewarding, especially on a clear day.

The trails range from easy to moderate. You'll find gentle, flat paths along the Union Canal and around Craiglockhart Pond, perfect for a relaxed stroll. The ascents to the summits of the Craiglockhart Hills are more challenging, involving some steep sections and steps, and are classified as moderate hikes. There are no trails in the immediate area rated as difficult.

Craiglockhart is well-connected by Edinburgh's bus network. Several Lothian Buses routes serve the area from the city centre and surrounding suburbs. Alight near the Craiglockhart Leisure Centre or Napier University's Craiglockhart Campus to easily access the pond and the start of the hill trails.

Yes, on-street parking is generally available on the residential streets surrounding the Craiglockhart Hills Local Nature Reserve, such as on Craiglockhart Drive North. You can also find parking at the Craiglockhart Leisure & Tennis Centre. Please be considerate of local residents when parking.

The terrain is varied. Expect well-defined woodland footpaths through the Craiglockhart Woods Nature Reserve, which can become muddy after rain. The paths leading up the hills include some uneven ground and stone steps. The walks through the nearby Colinton and Craiglockhart Dells follow the Water of Leith along a mostly flat, shaded path.

Yes, the two hills, Easter and Wester Craiglockhart Hill, are collectively considered one of the 'Seven Hills of Edinburgh'. This makes them a popular objective for those looking to complete the famous Seven Hills of Edinburgh challenge.

Both offer excellent city views, but the experience is slightly different. The Craiglockhart hike involves two smaller, distinct summits within a compact woodland reserve. Blackford Hill, part of the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve, is a single, larger hill with more open, grassy slopes and an observatory at the top. Both are fantastic short hikes within the city.

Absolutely. The area is ideal for circular walks. Many trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. These routes take you up and over the hills, through the woods, and around the pond, offering a complete experience of the landscape.

The hiking routes in Craiglockhart are highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 6,000 visitors exploring the area. Reviewers frequently praise the surprising sense of wilderness so close to the city centre, the beautiful woodland paths, and the rewarding views from the hilltops.

Yes, it's easy to extend your hike. You can join the Union Canal towpath for a long, flat walk towards the city centre or head west towards the Slateford Aqueduct. For a longer day out, you could even plan a route that takes in other city landmarks, like the Edinburgh Castle – Royal Mile loop from Murrayfield Stadium.