The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Bonnyrigg / Lasswade

There are 7 family-friendly hiking trails in the Bonnyrigg / Lasswade area featured in this guide. These routes are specifically chosen for their suitability for families, offering manageable distances and gentle paths.

The family-friendly hikes around Bonnyrigg / Lasswade are primarily easy to moderate. This guide features 2 easy routes and 5 moderate routes, ensuring there's something for various family fitness levels.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in this guide are circular, making them convenient for families. For example, the Dalhousie Castle loop from Bonnyrigg is an easy circular option, and the Newbattle Abbey College – Newbattle Abbey loop from Bonnyrigg offers a moderate circular experience.

The trails often pass by fascinating historical sites. You can explore the grounds around Dalhousie Castle, which is now a hotel, or discover the historic Newbattle Abbey. The Rosslyn Chapel – Gunpowder Mill Ruins loop also takes you past significant historical points.

Absolutely! The River North Esk is a central natural feature, offering picturesque walking paths along its banks. Roslin Glen is also highlighted as a lovely area for walking. While not directly on these routes, the region is a gateway to the scenic Pentland Hills, with Carnethy Hill offering extensive views.

Many paths along the River North Esk and in areas like Springfield Mill are described as gentle, which may be suitable for strollers. However, specific accessibility for wheelchairs can vary. We recommend checking individual route details on komoot for terrain information to ensure suitability.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many public footpaths in the Bonnyrigg / Lasswade area. However, it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas, and to clean up after them. Specific restrictions might apply in certain historical sites or private estates, so always look for local signage.

Bonnyrigg and Lasswade are well-connected by local bus services, making it possible to reach many trailheads without a car. The NCN 196 Cycle Route, accessible from various points in Bonnyrigg, also provides good connections for walkers. For detailed public transport information, we recommend checking local bus schedules.

Parking is generally available in and around Bonnyrigg and Lasswade, often near town centers or designated car parks close to popular walking areas. For specific routes, checking the starting point on komoot or local council websites (like Midlothian Council) can provide details on nearby parking facilities.

The komoot community highly rates the trails in this area, with an average score of 4.58 out of 5 stars from over 2,300 ratings. Hikers often praise the accessible nature of the paths, the beautiful riverside scenery, and the opportunity to combine outdoor activity with exploring local history.

The trails are enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild weather and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is also great for longer days, and even winter walks can be magical, though some paths might be muddy or icy.