The best walks and hikes around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead
4.6
(3320)
41,585
hikers
1,144
hikes
Hiking around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead offers a mix of urban green spaces, riverside paths, and access to nearby hills. The area is characterized by routes along the Water of Leith and connections to larger parks like the Pentland Hills Regional Park. These trails provide varied terrain, from flat canal towpaths to gentle hillside climbs with views over the city. The network of paths provides options for both short, easy walks and more demanding long-distance hikes.
Best hiking trails around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead
- The most popular hiking route is Water of Leith Walkway loop from Baberton, a 6.7 miles (10.8 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This route follows the river and offers a mostly flat path through woodland.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is BT Murrayfield Stadium – Lochrin Basin loop from Murrayfield Stadium, a moderate 5.7 miles (9.1 km) path. The trail combines waterside walking with urban exploration.
- Local hikers also love the Loganlea Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Kingsknowe, a 17.0 miles (27.4 km) trail leading through the Pentland Hills, often completed in about 7 hours 40 minutes.
- Hiking around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead is defined by riverside walkways, canal towpaths, and access to regional parks with rolling hills. The network of paths provides options for both short, easy walks and more demanding long-distance hikes.
- The routes in Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,700 reviews. More than 36,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
4.8
(13)
49
hikers
27.1km
07:34
510m
510m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
46
hikers
4.53km
01:09
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(2)
43
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.8
(4)
20
hikers
9.17km
02:22
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(3)
26
hikers
24.5km
06:20
130m
130m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Popular around Sighthill, Broomhouse And Parkhead
Tips from the Community
Free visit to the botanical garden.
1
0
A little bumpy underwheel, probably fine on bigger tyres but a slightly sloggy way to enter or exit Edinburgh. Better entering as its slightly downhill all the way from Balerno
0
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Beautiful walk in the middle of Edinburgh to relax.
0
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An excellent base for visiting Scotland's mystical capital city.
1
1
A lively place, with good pubs...
1
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No longer a real insider tip, it is still significantly quieter than in the New Town and especially in the Old Town. Plan some time, nothing happens in a hurry here, so many pretty little corners/buildings/bridges want to be explored! There is even a waterfall. An extremely picturesque district, partly with cobblestones
0
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A super nice tunnel that makes for a good photo stop. A great addition to your cycle journey through Edinburgh.
0
0
This is a super photo stop. The tunnel is beautifully decorated with striking murals and is illuminated too so it sheds a bit more light on the topic!
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Sighthill, Broomhouse and Parkhead?
Yes, there's a wide variety of options. You can explore over 1,100 different routes in the area, ranging from easy city park strolls to more challenging hill walks.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails are very well-regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of waterside paths, such as those along the Water of Leith, and the accessible hill trails with rewarding city views.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly hikes?
Absolutely. The area has over 600 easy-rated walks. A great option for beginners is the Hiking loop from Carrick Knowe. It's a short, flat walk that gives you a nice taste of the local green spaces without any difficult sections.
Can I take my dog on the trails?
Many trails in the area are perfect for dog walking. The Pentland Hills Regional Park is a popular choice, offering wide-open spaces. For a more sheltered walk, consider the paths through the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve, which offers a mix of woodland and riverside trails.
Are there any good circular walks?
Yes, circular routes are very common. For a route that combines art and nature, consider the Colinton Tunnel Murals – Slateford Aqueduct loop from Wester Hailes. This trail takes you along the Water of Leith and through the impressively decorated Colinton Tunnel.
Where can I find the best scenic views?
For fantastic panoramic views over Edinburgh, head to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. It's a local favorite for its rolling hills and stunning vistas. Another excellent spot is Corstorphine Hill, which offers a great viewpoint of the city skyline and is easily accessible.
Are there any family-friendly or kid-friendly walking routes?
The Water of Leith Walkway loop from Baberton is a great choice for a family outing. The path is mostly flat and follows the river, offering plenty of interest for children without being too strenuous.
What are some of the most beautiful natural spots to visit while hiking?
The area is rich with beautiful parks and nature reserves. The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve is highly regarded for its riverside valley and city views. For a peaceful waterside experience, the River Almond Walkway is another top-rated spot, known for its lush, tree-lined paths.
Are there any long-distance hikes for a full-day challenge?
Yes, if you're looking for a challenge, the Logan Burn Valley – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Kingsknowe is an excellent option. This difficult 27 km route takes you deep into the Pentland Hills and is a serious undertaking that rewards you with a true sense of wilderness.
Can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Many trails are accessible via public transport. For example, you can reach the start of many Water of Leith Walkway sections using local bus services that run through Wester Hailes, Baberton, and Slateford, making it easy to plan a hike without a car.
Are there any interesting historical or cultural sites along the hiking trails?
Yes, several routes feature interesting landmarks. The walk from Wester Hailes includes the historic Slateford Aqueduct, an impressive piece of engineering, as well as the vibrant, modern artwork of the Colinton Tunnel murals.
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