North Esk Reservoir – Harperrig Reservoir loop from Cairns Castle

Hiking trails & Routes

North Esk Reservoir – Harperrig Reservoir loop from Cairns Castle

Hard

4.5

(2)

hikers

North Esk Reservoir – Harperrig Reservoir loop from Cairns Castle

07:44

26.2km

690m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Pentland Hills Regional Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.87 km

East Cairn Hill

Highlight • Natural Monument

East Cairn Hill at 561m is 1m lower than West Cairn Hill which is 1.5km away to the southwest. The views from the cairn are great, across the southern Pentland Hills and north to the Forth valley.

Tip by

9.93 km

North Esk Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

North Esk Reservoir is an easy 5k walk from Carlops village. You can park your car in the village and choose one of the two main paths or do a …

Tip by

11.1 km

The Mount

Peak

13.3 km

Mount Maw Summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

Mount Maw is a prominent summit with a trig point at 535 m. The southern aspect of the summit means you get amazing views south over the Southern Uplands and around the rest of the Pentland Hills.

Tip by

15.9 km

Baddingshill Farm Stone Walls

Highlight • Natural

Baddingshill farm is an open gate towards Baddingshill Reservoir and along Thieves Road to Pentlands Hills.

Tip by

17.0 km

Baddinsgill Reservoir is a charming little reservoir that rests peacefully in a picturesque valley along Thieves' Road, within the Pentland Hills.

It's the perfect location to catch your breath and enjoy a picnic amongst some of Scotland's finest scenery.

Tip by

20.9 km

Cauldstane Slap

Highlight • Mountain Pass

24.4 km

Harperrig Reservoir

Highlight • Natural

Harperrig Reservoir was created in 1860 as part of a scheme to create a safe and reliable supply of drinking water for Edinburgh. The dam was raised in 1890 to …

Tip by

25.7 km