Pentland Hills
Proper hill walking half an hour from the city, with reservoirs, ridges and views to the Highlands.
The Pentlands rise just beyond the bypass and offer everything from a flat reservoir loop at Harlaw to the ridge walk over Scald Law. Buses from the centre reach Flotterstone and Hillend. It is a full day and a fair-weather one; the tops are exposed and the paths get boggy after rain.
When it works
Outdoors: pick a dry day. Best morning.
Good for dogs, groups and locals' favourite.
On these lists
- Things to do in Edinburgh when the sun is out
- Free things to do in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh this weekend
- Plan an afternoon in Edinburgh around it
Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in Edinburgh ranked for right now.