Easy hikes and walks around Edinburgh
4.6
(2671)
35,860
hikers
1,218
hikes
Hiking around Edinburgh offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural landscapes. The city's volcanic origins contribute to prominent hills like Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill, providing elevated viewpoints. Expansive regional parks, such as the Pentland Hills, feature rolling terrain and reservoirs, while the Water of Leith Walkway offers a flat, urban river trail. This diverse geography provides a variety of easy hiking trails suitable for different preferences.
Best easy hiking trails around Edinburgh
- The most popular easy hiking route is Edinburgh Old Town tour, a 2.1 miles (3.3 km) trail that takes 53 minutes to complete, exploring the historic heart of the city.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Harlaw Reservoir & Threipmuir Reservoir loop — Pentland Hills, an easy 2.7 miles (4.4 km) path. This route navigates through the scenic reservoir landscape of the Pentland Hills.
- Local hikers also love the Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh Waverley, a 1.7 miles (2.8 km) trail leading through urban green space to Calton Hill, often completed in about 46 minutes.
- Hiking around Edinburgh is defined by its volcanic hills, urban river paths, and the rolling terrain of the Pentland Hills. The network offers options for various ability levels, with a focus on easy hiking trails.
- The routes in Edinburgh are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,600 reviews. More than 36,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Edinburgh's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.5
(13)
82
hikers
3.31km
00:53
40m
40m
Embark on an easy hike through the historic heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, where medieval architecture and winding cobblestone streets tell tales of centuries past. This captivating route, spanning 2.1 miles (3.3 km) with a gentle 131 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, takes you past iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and along the famous Royal Mile. You will experience historic urban landscapes and picturesque views, often catching glimpses of natural features like Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat.
Designed for all fitness levels, this tour typically takes around 53 minutes to complete. While the route is classified as easy, be prepared for some gentle hills, steps, and the occasional crowd, which can make walking a bit more demanding than expected. The paths are generally paved and well-maintained, guiding you through the city's ancient closes and wynds.
Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a deep dive into Scotland's rich history, from its Celtic origins to royal power plays. The trail showcases a unique blend of medieval buildings, contrasting with the nearby New Town's Georgian styles. It provides an immersive cultural experience, revealing the city's history, folklore, and vibrant atmosphere through its bustling streets and charming alleys.
4.5
(18)
184
hikers
4.42km
01:09
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(6)
32
hikers
4.44km
01:11
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
2.79km
00:46
50m
40m
Enjoy an easy 1.7-mile hike on Calton Hill from Edinburgh Waverley, offering panoramic city views and historic monuments.
4.0
(3)
4
hikers
3.75km
01:28
280m
280m
Hike the easy 2.3-mile Capital View Trail in Pentland Hills Regional Park, gaining 903 feet with views from Caerketton Hill.
5.0
(3)
18
hikers
3.68km
01:03
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Hike an easy 1.8-mile loop through Edinburgh's Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill, offering city views and natural beauty.
5.0
(2)
11
hikers
5.18km
01:22
50m
50m
Enjoy an easy 3.2-mile loop through the wooded Colinton and Craiglockhart Dells, featuring the Water of Leith, Union Canal, and Colinton Tun
2
hikers
3.55km
00:56
30m
30m
Explore the easy 2.2-mile Cammo Estate Local Nature Reserve loop, winding through woodlands, grasslands, and historical ruins near Edinburgh
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
2.82km
00:43
10m
10m
Explore the easy 1.8-mile Water of Leith Walkway: Leith Docks Loop, offering urban waterside views and sights like the Victoria Swing Bridge
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Popular around Edinburgh
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Tips from the Community
In the Stockbridge district, you'll find this photogenic cobblestone alley. The former stables of the New Town's stately homes have been converted into charming cottages. Ivy and roses climb, and flower boxes are everywhere—the whole thing creates a delightful, very romantic scene.
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Free to walk through. Each step made from different coloured marble
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One of the most picturesque streets in Edinburgh's Old Town is Victoria Street. This street begins at the eastern end of the Grassmarket as West Bow, which was the original name for this historic thoroughfare. This route was originally the main route into Edinburgh for tourists arriving from the north, west or south-west of the city. The zigzagging of the hill made the route more accessible to horse-drawn vehicles that would not have been able to navigate the much narrower lanes or the Royal Mile. The buildings along the road indicate how the structures in the city spread upwards as the city colonised the full length of the hillside. One of these buildings (with a confectioner's shop at street level) is an original 16th century building, in the traditional 'built' style of pieces of gutter stone, with individual pieces of stone fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle. Most of the buildings along the road have been recently rebuilt or developed, but look for the dates 1616 and 1720 above some of the old doorways near the lower end of the street. https://www.edinburghexpert.com/blog/edinburghs-victoria-street-and-west-bow
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Victoria Street, a picturesque and winding cobbled lane, is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic thoroughfares. Named after Queen Victoria, it exudes a timeless charm that resonates with locals and visitors alike. With its colourful facades and unique shops, the street showcases Edinburgh’s architectural diversity and historical heritage. Victoria Street was designed by architect Thomas Hamilton, one of the leading lights in transforming the city with neoclassical buildings and influenced by ancient Greek architecture. However, it was stipulated that the buildings associated with the new street should be ‘old Flemish’ in style and take inspiration from the details of Heriot’s Hospital. https://ewh.org.uk/victoria-street/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are there around Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 740 routes available. These trails cater to various preferences, from urban strolls to scenic reservoir loops.
Which easy hikes offer the best views of Edinburgh?
For stunning panoramic views, consider the Calton Hill loop from Edinburgh Waverley, which provides iconic city vistas. Another excellent option is the Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill & the Hermitage of Braid loop, offering sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth. You can also find a fantastic View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth from various points.
Are there easy circular walks in Edinburgh?
Yes, many easy trails around Edinburgh are circular. A popular choice in the Pentland Hills is the Harlaw Reservoir & Threipmuir Reservoir loop. Within the city, the Corstorphine Hill loop from Clermiston offers a pleasant circular route through woodland.
What are some family-friendly easy walks in Edinburgh?
Many easy trails are suitable for families. The Cammo Estate Local Nature Reserve loop is a gentle option with varied landscapes. The Water of Leith Walkway, particularly sections like the Leith Docks Loop, offers flat paths ideal for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in Edinburgh?
Most easy hiking trails in Edinburgh and the surrounding regional parks are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock or wildlife. The Pentland Hills, with routes like the Capital View Trail, are particularly popular with dog walkers.
Are there easy hikes accessible by public transport from Edinburgh city centre?
Absolutely. Many easy trails are easily reachable by public transport. For example, the Pentland Hills are well-served by buses from the city centre. Urban routes like the Edinburgh Old Town tour and the Edinburgh New Town tour start directly from central locations.
What interesting landmarks or natural features can I see on easy hikes?
Edinburgh's easy hikes often feature a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks. Along the Water of Leith, you can discover charming Dean Village. In Holyrood Park, you'll find the dramatic Salisbury Crags and Dunsapie Loch. Calton Hill is home to the Nelson Monument, while Blackford Hill hosts the Royal Observatory. The Colinton and Craiglockhart Dells loop offers a peaceful escape along the Water of Leith.
What do other hikers enjoy most about easy hiking in Edinburgh?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,600 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the unique blend of urban accessibility and stunning natural landscapes, the diverse terrain from volcanic hills to tranquil river paths, and the rewarding views of the city and Firth of Forth.
Are there easy winter walks available in Edinburgh?
Yes, many easy trails remain accessible and enjoyable during winter, weather permitting. Paths around the reservoirs in the Pentland Hills, such as those near Threipmuir Reservoir, offer crisp winter scenery. Urban paths like the Water of Leith Walkway are also good options, though always check local conditions for ice or snow.
Are there any easy hikes with a pub or cafe nearby for refreshments?
Many easy hikes in Edinburgh offer convenient access to pubs and cafes. Trails within the city, such as those around the Old Town or New Town, are never far from refreshment options. Even routes in the Pentland Hills often have villages or visitor centres nearby where you can find a welcoming spot for a post-hike drink or meal.
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