Attractions and Places To See around Damhead - Top 20

The area around Damhead offers several prominent natural landmarks and viewpoints. You can ascend Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano dominating Holyrood Park, for commanding views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. For expansive vistas over the Pentland Hills, consider hiking to Scald Law Summit, the highest point in the range, or Carnethy Hill, which also provides views across Scotland. Additionally, Corstorphine Hill Tower offers incredible views over the city from its elevated position.

Yes, Damhead provides convenient access to a wealth of historical sites. In Edinburgh, you can visit the grand Gothic medieval building of St Giles' Cathedral, a significant Presbyterian place of worship. Further afield, Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the historic John Knox House offer deep dives into Scotland's past. The Corstorphine Hill Tower itself is a man-made monument built in memory of Sir Walter Scott.

The region around Damhead is excellent for outdoor activities. For hiking, the Pentland Hills offer numerous trails, including routes to Scald Law Summit and Carnethy Hill. You can find various mountain biking trails, such as the 'Green Cleugh Valley' or 'Maidens Cleugh Climb' loops. Road cyclists can explore routes like 'Peebles to Eddleston Bike Path' or 'Frogstone Road Downhill'. For more relaxed cycling tours, options like the 'Water of Leith Walkway' or 'Portobello Promenade and Beach' loops are available. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on the MTB Trails around Damhead, Road Cycling Routes around Damhead, and Cycling around Damhead guide pages.

While the guide focuses on natural and historical sites, the broader Edinburgh area accessible from Damhead offers family-friendly options. St Giles' Cathedral is listed as family-friendly. Beyond the immediate highlights, attractions like Camera Obscura & World of Illusions provide interactive fun, and Inverleith Park features a playground. LOVE Gorgie Farm is another community farm where families can connect with animals.

The best time to visit viewpoints and summits largely depends on weather conditions. For places like Arthur's Seat, stable shoes are recommended due to uneven paths, and it can be windy/cold at the top, so dressing in layers is advisable. For Scald Law Summit, it's almost always windy, so be prepared. Winter visits to the Pentland Hills may involve snow, requiring careful preparation and equipment. For Corstorphine Hill Tower, mornings are suggested to avoid crowds.

When hiking to summits like Arthur's Seat or Scald Law Summit, expect uneven paths and potentially steep sections. Firm footwear is an advantage. It can be very windy and cold at the top, even on otherwise mild days, so bring something warm, a hat, and a scarf. Always carry water, and consider snacks for longer hikes. The reward is expansive, commanding views over the surrounding landscapes.

While some summits involve intermediate to challenging sections, there are easier options. For instance, the 'Glencorse Waterfall – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Roslin' is an easy MTB route that can also be enjoyed as a walk. The Pentland Hills offer various trails, and some routes to Arthur's Seat are suitable for 'little legs and future Munro baggers,' suggesting less strenuous paths are available. Always check route descriptions for difficulty levels.

Visitors particularly enjoy the commanding and expansive views from the summits, such as Arthur's Seat, Scald Law Summit, and Carnethy Hill. The historical significance and architectural beauty of sites like St Giles' Cathedral are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared over 800 photos and given more than 1200 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and rewarding experiences these locations offer.

Damhead's proximity to Edinburgh means many city attractions are accessible via public transport. For example, St Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile, easily reachable within Edinburgh. For the Pentland Hills and other natural sites, local bus services often connect to trailheads, though some may require a short walk from the nearest stop. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes.

While the main highlights are well-known, exploring the wider area can reveal hidden gems. For instance, the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve offers hillside walking trails and a riverside valley rich in nature, providing a quieter escape with city views. Muiravonside Country Park, though a bit further, is a 170-acre wooded park with a mini-farm and forested trails, offering a different kind of natural experience.

The trails in the Pentland Hills, particularly to summits like Scald Law Summit and Carnethy Hill, feature well-walked paths but can include rough sections. Expect varied terrain, from grassy slopes to rocky ascents. The elevation changes can be significant, offering intermediate to challenging experiences. During winter, snow can be present, making conditions more demanding.

The Corstorphine Hill Tower is situated at the top of Corstorphine Hill, which is a designated Local Nature Reserve. It's best to visit in the morning as the hill can become very busy after midday. The tower itself is irregularly opened to the public during summer months, offering incredible views from the top. When visiting, please respect the natural environment by not lighting fires, digging up plants, or disturbing wildlife.