The best MTB trails around Wester Hailes

The area around Wester Hailes, particularly within the Pentland Hills, offers a diverse range of mountain biking experiences. You'll find routes traversing rolling hills, scenic reservoir paths, and varied valley terrain. The trails include a mix of natural surfaces and access roads, catering to different skill levels with both gentle gradients and more challenging climbs.

Yes, Wester Hailes has options for less experienced riders and families. For an easy and accessible ride, consider the Pentland Hills Access Road – Torduff Reservoir loop from Wester Hailes. This 14.3-mile (23.0 km) path offers a relaxed ride around Torduff Reservoir with manageable terrain.

For experienced mountain bikers seeking a challenge, the Green Cleugh Valley – Pentland Hills Access Road loop from Wester Hailes is a difficult route. It spans 31.8 miles (51.2 km) and features significant elevation gain through the Green Cleugh Valley, typically taking around 4 hours 40 minutes to complete.

There are over 170 mountain bike tours available around Wester Hailes on komoot. These routes vary in difficulty, with 51 easy, 114 moderate, and 11 difficult trails to choose from.

Many of the mountain bike trails around Wester Hailes are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Torduff Reservoir – Bonaly Reservoir loop from Juniper Green, a 9.8-mile (15.8 km) trail that takes you through scenic reservoir landscapes.

Trail lengths vary significantly, from shorter rides like the Torphin Wall Path – Torduff Reservoir loop from Baberton at 6.4 miles (10.3 km) taking about 1 hour 45 minutes, to longer, more demanding routes such as the Green Cleugh Valley – Pentland Hills Access Road loop from Wester Hailes, which is 31.8 miles (51.2 km) and can take over 4 hours.

The mountain bike trails around Wester Hailes are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 170 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic beauty of the Pentland Hills and reservoirs, and the options available for different skill levels.

Yes, the area offers several natural attractions and viewpoints. While riding, you might encounter views towards prominent summits like Scald Law Summit or Carnethy Hill in the Pentland Hills. The View from Allermuir Hill also offers panoramic vistas.

Wester Hailes is well-served by local bus routes, and some trailheads in the surrounding Pentland Hills area are accessible via public transport from Edinburgh. It's advisable to check specific bus routes and schedules to plan your journey to the starting points of your chosen trails.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Wester Hailes, with milder temperatures and often drier trails. Summer can be good, but trails may be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wet, and muddy conditions, especially on natural surfaces in the Pentland Hills.

While popular routes like those around Torduff Reservoir can see more traffic, exploring some of the less-trafficked paths deeper into the Pentland Hills can offer a quieter experience. The extensive network means you can often find routes that provide solitude, especially on weekdays or earlier in the morning. Consider routes that venture further from the immediate Wester Hailes vicinity, such as the Torduff Reservoir – Pentland Hills Access Road loop from Kingsknowe, which offers a slightly different starting point.