The best gravel rides around Glencorse Reservoir

There are over 40 gravel bike routes available around Glencorse Reservoir and the wider Pentland Hills area. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy loops to more challenging climbs, catering to various fitness levels.

The terrain around Glencorse Reservoir is quite varied. You'll encounter a mix of paved sections, unpaved paths, and compacted gravel. Some routes also feature loose rocky segments, especially in more challenging areas like the Green Cleugh valley. Routes often include rolling hills and diverse landscapes.

Yes, there are several easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Stables Bar Courtyard – Buck Stane loop from Fairmilehead is an easy 8.6 km trail. Many routes around the reservoirs, including parts of the Glencorse Reservoir – Loganlea Reservoir loop, feature mostly paved or smooth gravel surfaces suitable for all fitness levels.

For those seeking a greater challenge, the area offers difficult routes with significant elevation changes. The Penicuik Pond – Toxside Moss Gravel Track loop from Penicuik is a difficult 43.4 km path featuring challenging sections and scenic views through the Pentland Hills. Some routes may even require pushing your bike on certain segments.

While cycling around Glencorse Reservoir, you can enjoy incredibly picturesque waters meandering between colorful hills. Notable natural features include the Green Cleugh valley, framed by Black Hill and Hare Hill, and wooded streams like Glencorse Burn. Historically, the reservoir itself was constructed by James Jardine and designed by Thomas Telford. When water levels are low, you might even glimpse the ruins of the 13th-century chapel of St. Catherine's in the Hopes beneath the surface.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Glencorse Reservoir are designed as loops. Examples include the Gladhouse Reservoir Road – Gladhouse Reservoir loop from Penicuik and the Torduff Reservoir – Torduff Reservoir loop from Currie, which leads through the Pentland Hills and past reservoirs.

While specific parking locations are not detailed in the route descriptions, the area around Glencorse Reservoir and the Pentland Hills Regional Park generally offers various parking opportunities. It's advisable to check local signage or online maps for designated parking areas near popular trailheads, especially when starting from villages like Easter Howgate or Penicuik.

Glencorse Reservoir is located southwest of Edinburgh, making it accessible by public transport from the city. While direct routes to the reservoir's immediate vicinity might be limited, you can typically take buses from Edinburgh to nearby towns like Penicuik or Fairmilehead, which serve as starting points for many gravel bike routes in the Pentland Hills.

The Pentland Hills, including Glencorse Reservoir, offer diverse experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. In May, you might even spot the green hairstreak butterfly. While routes are generally accessible, winter conditions can introduce ice or snow, making some sections more challenging. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, there are cafes and pubs in the villages surrounding Glencorse Reservoir and the Pentland Hills. While specific establishments are not listed in the route data, you can find options in nearby communities like Penicuik, Fairmilehead, or Easter Howgate, perfect for a refreshment stop before or after your ride.

The gravel biking routes around Glencorse Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 19 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, picturesque reservoir views, and the mix of smooth gravel and more challenging sections. Many appreciate the variety of routes catering to different skill levels.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park, where Glencorse Reservoir is located, is generally dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock and wildlife. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which advises keeping dogs on a lead or close at heel in certain areas, particularly during lambing season or near nature reserves.

Absolutely! The Glencorse Reservoir area is part of a network of reservoirs in the Pentland Hills. Many popular cycling routes connect Glencorse with other picturesque reservoirs such as Threipmuir Reservoir and Harlaw Reservoir, often featuring easy gravel paths between them. For example, the Water of Leith Walkway – Threipmuir Reservoir loop from Curriehill is a moderate 21.4 km route that includes another reservoir.