The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Edinburgh
4.6
(2688)
35,849
hikers
1,088
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Edinburgh offer a diverse landscape shaped by ancient volcanic formations and rolling hills. The region features prominent natural landmarks such as Arthur's Seat and the Pentland Hills, providing elevated walks and panoramic city views. Numerous reservoirs, urban river paths like the Water of Leith Walkway, and coastal stretches along the Firth of Forth contribute to a varied terrain. This blend of urban proximity and natural features makes Edinburgh a unique destination for outdoor activities.
Best…
Last updated: April 30, 2026
4.7
(23)
341
hikers
8.29km
02:18
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(48)
305
hikers
16.3km
04:27
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(55)
285
hikers
9.80km
02:48
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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…
4.4
(20)
109
hikers
7.49km
02:00
80m
80m
The Water of Leith Walkway Loop offers a refreshing escape into nature right within Edinburgh. As you hike this moderate 4.7-mile (7.5 km) route, you'll follow the gentle flow of…
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Popular around Edinburgh
Family-friendly hikes in Pentland Hills
Family-friendly hikes around Pentland Hills Regional Park
Family-friendly hikes around Old Town
Family-friendly hikes around Balerno
Family-friendly hikes around Harlaw Reservoir
Family-friendly hikes around West End
Family-friendly hikes around Threipmuir Reservoir
Family-friendly hikes around Queensferry And District
Family-friendly hikes around Gorgie/Dalry
Family-friendly hikes around Southside
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Tips from the Community
No longer a real insider tip, it's still considerably quieter than the New Town and especially the Old Town. Plan some time; there's no rush here; so many pretty little corners/buildings/bridges are waiting to be explored! There's even a waterfall. An extremely picturesque neighborhood, partly cobblestoned.
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It's actually a well! It was once believed that the water here had healing powers and could cure arthritis and poor eyesight. Another fun fact: the well is mentioned in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Either way, it's a beautiful spot by the river and a little different, a place that not everyone knows about yet.
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Stunning views. Path gets very gravelly so care needed if you are less experienced off-road
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers a fantastic variety of outdoor experiences for families. You'll find over 1000 hiking routes in the region, with more than 600 specifically rated as easy, making them ideal for family outings.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes near Edinburgh?
The terrain around Edinburgh is quite diverse. You can find everything from gentle, paved paths suitable for strollers along the Edinburgh Old Town tour, to more undulating trails in the Pentland Hills, and even volcanic ascents like those around Arthur's Seat. Many family-friendly routes feature well-maintained paths through parks and along reservoirs.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, many family-friendly routes in Edinburgh are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Holyrood Park loop via Queen's Drive provides a wonderful circular walk around the iconic Arthur's Seat, while the Harlaw Reservoir & Threipmuir Reservoir loop offers a scenic circular path through the Pentland Hills.
What natural features or landmarks can we see on family hikes?
Edinburgh's family hikes are rich with natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can explore extinct volcanoes like Arthur's Seat, enjoy serene lochs such as Dunsapie Loch, or discover picturesque reservoirs like Threipmuir Reservoir. Many trails also offer stunning views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
Are there easy walks suitable for toddlers or strollers?
Absolutely. Many paths, especially those along the Water of Leith Walkway or around the city's parks, are relatively flat and well-surfaced, making them suitable for strollers. The Edinburgh Old Town tour is an easy urban walk with minimal elevation, perfect for families with young children or strollers.
What is the best time of year for family hikes in Edinburgh?
Spring and summer (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, Edinburgh's landscapes are beautiful year-round, and autumn brings vibrant colors, while winter can offer crisp, clear days, though some paths may be muddy or icy.
Are dogs allowed on family-friendly trails?
Many trails in and around Edinburgh are dog-friendly, especially in regional parks like the Pentland Hills. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in areas with livestock or wildlife, and to check specific park regulations before you go. Routes like the Bonaly Country Park loop are popular with dog walkers.
Where can we find parking or public transport access for these trails?
Many popular trailheads, especially in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, have dedicated parking areas. For trails closer to the city, such as Holyrood Park or the Water of Leith Walkway, public transport is often a convenient option. Edinburgh has an extensive bus network that can take you close to many starting points.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly hiking in Edinburgh?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of stunning natural scenery so close to the city, the variety of trails for all abilities, and the breathtaking panoramic views from elevated points like Arthur's Seat and Blackford Hill.
Are there any trails that offer views of the city skyline?
Yes, Edinburgh is famous for its elevated viewpoints. Trails around Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags, Calton Hill, and Blackford Hill all offer spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline, including iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth. The Holyrood Park loop is an excellent choice for these vistas.
Are there any longer family-friendly routes for a full day out?
For families looking for a longer adventure, routes like The Pentland Hills Reservoir loop from Threipmuir Reservoir offer a more extensive experience. This moderate 16 km route provides beautiful scenery and a good challenge for older children and active families, with plenty of space to explore.
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