The best walks and hikes around Kirknewton

Yes, many trails in the area are great for walking with dogs. The paths within Almondell and Calderwood Country Park are particularly popular with dog walkers. When hiking in the Pentland Hills, be aware that livestock may be present, so it's important to keep your dog under control and on a lead where signposted.

The area offers several excellent circular routes. For a longer walk that includes historic viaducts, the Naysmyth Bridge – Camps Viaduct loop from Kirknewton is a great choice. It's a moderate 13.6 km trail that provides a good overview of the local landscape.

Definitely. For a shorter, accessible walk that's ideal for families, consider the Mandela Bridge – Naysmyth Bridge loop from East Calder. This easy 4.7 km route follows the river and is manageable for most fitness levels.

Kirknewton has a train station with services connecting to Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it a good base. Many trailheads, especially those for the Pentland Hills or Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, are accessible via local bus services from Kirknewton or nearby towns. It's best to check the latest timetables for services running towards Balerno for the Pentlands or East Calder for the country park.

Parking is available at several key locations. For walks in the Pentland Hills, the car parks at Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs are popular starting points. Almondell and Calderwood Country Park also has dedicated visitor car parks. For routes starting directly in the village, there is street parking available, but please park considerately.

Yes, after a walk you can find refreshments in the surrounding villages. While there are no pubs directly on the remote trails, finishing a walk in Kirknewton or nearby East Calder will give you access to local pubs and cafes for a post-hike meal or drink.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park offers classic Scottish scenery with rolling hills, expansive views, and serene reservoirs. Hikes here often involve climbs to summits like Scald Law or the Kips, rewarding you with panoramic vistas over Edinburgh and the Forth Valley. The terrain is a mix of grassy paths and well-defined hill tracks.

The trails in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park are generally less strenuous than those in the Pentlands. You can expect tranquil woodland paths that meander alongside the River Almond. The area is known for its rich wildlife, historic bridges, and the impressive Lin's Mill Aqueduct on the Union Canal.

There is a wide variety of trails to choose from, with over 300 routes mapped on komoot around Kirknewton. These range from easy riverside strolls to challenging full-day hikes in the hills, ensuring there's a walk for every ability level.

The hiking routes around Kirknewton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the beautiful scenery of the Pentland Hills and the peaceful, well-maintained paths within Almondell and Calderwood Country Park.

For a quieter experience, consider exploring the trails in Bellsquarry Wood. It's a local favourite for its network of flat trails and gentle hills, offering a more secluded walk away from the main crowds of the larger parks.

Several spots are highly popular with local hikers. Key destinations include:

• Pentland Hills Regional Park: A top-rated favourite offering challenging peaks and stunning views of Edinburgh.
• Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve: Praised for its beautiful riverside valley and city views from the hill.
• Almondell and Calderwood Country Park: A go-to for tranquil woodland and riverside walks suitable for all abilities.