Attractions and Places To See around Howgate - Top 20

Howgate serves as a gateway to the scenic Pentland Hills, offering a range of natural attractions. You can explore prominent summits like Scald Law Summit, the highest point in the range, and Carnethy Hill, both providing extensive views. The picturesque Glencorse Reservoir, nestled within the hills, is another notable natural feature.

Yes, the Pentland Hills offer several challenging hiking opportunities. Summits like Scald Law Summit and View from Allermuir Hill are categorized as intermediate to challenging, featuring diverse landscapes from grassy slopes to rugged, rocky sections. Trails to these peaks are well-walked but can be demanding, especially in windy conditions.

The Pentland Hills boast several excellent viewpoints. Scald Law Summit offers expansive views over the near and far hills. Carnethy Hill provides great vistas over the Pentlands, Edinburgh, and across Scotland. For superb panoramic views towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and even the Fife and Scottish Highlands on clear days, consider the View from Allermuir Hill. Additionally, Caerketton Hill offers excellent views over Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat.

While many trails in the Pentland Hills can be challenging, some areas offer more accessible options. The Glencorse Reservoir area is generally considered family-friendly, offering picturesque scenery and less strenuous paths. When planning, look for routes described as 'easy' or 'moderate' and check specific trail details for suitability.

Yes, Glencorse Reservoir is a highly recommended and picturesque spot. Nestled within the Pentland Hills, it offers beautiful views and a tranquil environment. Built in the 1820s, it still supplies drinking water to Edinburgh. You can enjoy walks around its shores and observe the impressive 23.5-meter-high dam.

Beyond hiking, the area around Howgate offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking and general cycling. For example, the Gravel biking around Howgate guide and the Cycling around Howgate guide list routes ranging from moderate to difficult, exploring the Pentland Hills and surrounding areas.

Yes, there are several running trails available near Howgate. The Running Trails around Howgate guide features routes like the 'Low Pond loop from Penicuik' and 'Spittal Hill – Green Law loop from Nine Mile Burn,' which are typically moderate in difficulty and offer scenic runs through the countryside.

The Pentland Hills are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for outdoor activities is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and trails are less likely to be icy or covered in deep snow. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide vibrant colors. Winter walks are possible but require appropriate gear due to potential snow and strong winds, especially on higher peaks.

Many trails in the Pentland Hills are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy walks with your canine companion. However, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Areas around Glencorse Reservoir and lower-level paths are often good choices for walks with dogs.

While Howgate itself is a small settlement, the Pentland Hills Regional Park is accessible by public transport from Edinburgh. Buses often serve key entry points like Flotterstone, which is a common starting point for many walks into the hills, including routes towards Glencorse Reservoir. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most current information on routes and timings.

While Howgate itself is small, nearby villages and towns, such as Flotterstone, offer options for refreshments. The Flotterstone Inn, for example, is a popular spot for walkers. For accommodation, you might find options in the surrounding areas or slightly further afield in towns like Penicuik or within Edinburgh, which is easily accessible from the Pentland Hills.

Scald Law Summit is the highest point in the Pentland Hills, making it a popular destination for hikers. Visitors appreciate its expansive views over the near and far hills, including the Lothians, Borders, and Fife. The trails leading to the summit are well-walked, making it accessible, though it can be very windy at the top.

From Allermuir Hill, you can expect magnificent panoramic views. It offers superb vistas towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and on clear days, you can even see the Fife and Scottish Highlands. It's considered one of the best viewpoints for appreciating the city and its surrounding natural landscape.

While popular peaks like Scald Law and Allermuir can attract many visitors, especially on weekends, you can find less crowded options by exploring some of the less-trafficked paths or visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays. The vastness of the Pentland Hills allows for many routes, so exploring different starting points or less prominent hills can lead to a more tranquil experience.