The 11 Most Amazing Peaks in Midlothian

Midlothian's mountain peaks, primarily within the Pentland Hills, offer diverse landscapes and extensive hillwalking opportunities. Among the most popular are Scald Law Summit, the highest point in the Pentlands with expansive views, and Carnethy Hill, which stands at 573m and provides great views over the Pentlands, Edinburgh, and further across Scotland. Allermuir Hill is also highly regarded for its superb views towards Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

The difficulty of hiking Midlothian's peaks varies. Many routes are considered intermediate, such as the walk to the summit of Allermuir Hill, which traverses diverse landscapes from grassy slopes to more rugged sections. Peaks like Scald Law can be more challenging, especially due to windy conditions at the summit and potential snow in winter. Generally, paths are well-walked, but some sections can be rough.

You can find numerous hiking routes that incorporate Midlothian's peaks. Popular options include the Carnethy Hill & Scald Law loop from Flotterstone, a moderate 13 km hike. Another great choice is the Caerketton Hill & Allermuir Hill loop from Lothianburn, which is a moderate 5.7 km route. For a longer, more challenging option, consider the Scald Law, the Kips & Glencorse Reservoir loop from Flotterstone.

While many trails in Midlothian offer moderate challenges, the Pentland Hills Regional Park provides over 100km of signposted paths suitable for various abilities. Peaks like Caerketton Hill are easily accessible from Edinburgh and offer generally good paths, making them achievable in a few hours with tremendous views. The diverse landscapes and well-maintained paths make many areas enjoyable for families, though supervision is always recommended.

The mountain peaks in Midlothian can be visited year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is popular for longer days and generally clearer weather. However, it's important to be prepared for potentially windy conditions at summits like Scald Law, and in winter, there may be snow, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

The mountain peaks in Midlothian offer expansive and diverse views. From Scald Law, you can see across both near and distant hills. Carnethy Hill provides excellent panoramas over the Pentlands, Edinburgh, and further across Scotland. Allermuir Hill is renowned for superb views towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and on clear days, even Fife and the Scottish Highlands. Caerketton Hill offers a fantastic perspective over Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat.

Beyond hiking, the Midlothian area, particularly within the Pentland Hills Regional Park, offers opportunities for cycling and pony trails. You can find various running trails, including the challenging Pentland Skyline Race route. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are several MTB trails, such as the Green Cleugh Valley loop. The Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend also provides dry ski slopes, tubing, and an alpine coaster for year-round adventure.

Given the varied conditions, it's advisable to wear layers, including waterproof and windproof outer shells, as summits like Scald Law can be very windy. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the diverse terrain, which can range from grassy slopes to rugged, rocky sections. In winter, be prepared for snow and bring appropriate gear. Always carry water, snacks, and navigation tools.

Many of the Midlothian mountain peaks are relatively accessible from Edinburgh, making them popular for day trips. Caerketton Hill, for instance, is situated on the very edge of the Pentland Hills and offers a fantastic hike directly from the city, achievable in a few hours. Public transport options are available to various trailheads, and parking is often available near popular starting points for walks in the Pentland Hills.

The Pentland Hills, where most of Midlothian's peaks are located, are unique for their diverse landscape, extensive network of paths, and their geological history. Formed by ancient volcanic activity and shaped by glaciers, they offer a fascinating natural environment. Despite not being the highest in Scotland, they provide exceptional hillwalking opportunities, magnificent views, and an escape into nature with opportunities for wildlife spotting, all within easy reach of Edinburgh.

While peaks like Scald Law and Carnethy Hill are well-known, other hills offer rewarding experiences. Turnhouse Hill, often the first summit encountered from the northeast, provides great views east over Edinburgh. West Kip and East Kip form a pleasant ridge walk with good views towards Scald Law, often included in longer loops. These offer a slightly quieter experience while still providing stunning scenery.