The Pentland Hills Circular
The Pentland Hills Circular: A 16km Edinburgh Hill Walk
HikeList Score
The Pentland Hills Circular scored 77/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 55
- Balanced challenge 100
- Scenery & wildness 71
- Varied terrain 89
- Accommodation 74
- Food & support 75
- Path quality 92
- Season flexibility 89
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
The Pentland Hills Circular is a 16km, one-day loop in Pentland Hills Regional Park, just south of Edinburgh in Scotland. Starting at Flotterstone, it links the classic Pentland Five Peaks ridge with a return beside Glencorse and Loganlea reservoirs. Expect a moderate hill day: around 600m of ascent, steep grassy climbs, exposed summits and clearer valley tracks. It suits fit walkers who want a compact Scottish ridge walk without travelling far from the city.
Route Overview
The usual loop starts and finishes at Flotterstone, by the car park, toilets and visitor centre behind the Flotterstone Inn on the A702. From there, the route climbs onto the ridge over Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill and Scald Law, the highest point in the Pentlands at 579m, before continuing to East Kip and West Kip. The return drops towards Loganlea Reservoir and follows easier reservoir-side tracks past Loganlea and Glencorse Reservoir back to Flotterstone. It is a circular day walk rather than a thru-hike; for longer Scottish walking ideas, compare the Annandale Way or the coastal Arran Coastal Way.
Covenanters, reservoirs and Edinburgh’s hill country
The Pentlands are an Old Red Sandstone and Devonian volcanic range on Edinburgh’s doorstep, designated a Scottish Regional Park in 1986. In the 17th century, the glens sheltered Covenanters holding illegal open-air conventicles. The Pentland Rising ended near Flotterstone on 28 November 1666 at the Battle of Rullion Green, where government troops defeated a Covenanter force and more than 50 Covenanters were killed. The reservoirs came later, built to supply Edinburgh with water.
Notable highlights
- Scald Law (579m): The highest summit in the Pentland Hills, reached on the main ridge. In clear weather it gives wide views over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, the Lothians and towards the Borders.
- Pentland Five Peaks ridge: A switchback traverse linking Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill, Scald Law, East Kip and West Kip. It is the main physical challenge of the walk, with repeated climbs over distinct grassy tops.
- Glencorse and Loganlea reservoirs: These Victorian-era reservoirs bookend the ridge section and make the return gentler underfoot. The valley road beside them is also good for spotting waterfowl.
- Battle of Rullion Green: Fought near Flotterstone on 28 November 1666, this was the closing clash of the Pentland Rising. The Covenanters’ Grave and Martyrs’ Cross memorial recall the event.
- Carnethy porphyry geology: The hills are built from Devonian volcanic rock and Old Red Sandstone. Carnethy Hill is associated with distinctive Carnethy porphyry, displayed at the Flotterstone information centre.
Challenges to expect
The route is moderate but not flat: the Five Peaks ridge gives repeated steep ascents and exposed tops, with about 600m of total ascent. Hill paths and grassy tracks can be muddy after wet weather, while wind, low cloud, snow or ice can make the summits feel much harder. The reservoir return is easier, but carry normal hill kit and allow 5–6 hours.
HikeList Score
The Pentland Hills Circular scored 77/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 55
- Balanced challenge 100
- Scenery & wildness 71
- Varied terrain 89
- Accommodation 74
- Food & support 75
- Path quality 92
- Season flexibility 89
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
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- Moorland
- Ridgeline
- Reservoir Valleys
- Hill Paths
- Grassy Tracks
- Gravel Roads
- Surfaced Roads
- Hotels
- B&Bs
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Restrooms
- Campsites
- Picnic Areas
Start at Flotterstone and climb the Pentland Five Peaks ridge over Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill, Scald Law, East Kip and West Kip. Descend towards Loganlea Reservoir, then return on easier valley tracks past Loganlea and Glencorse Reservoir to Flotterstone.
