The best city hikes and walks in Midlothian
4.5
(1672)
22,570
hikers
642
hikes
Urban hiking trails in Midlothian offer a variety of experiences, from coastal paths to riverside walks and suburban green spaces. The region features relatively low elevation gains, making many routes accessible for casual walks. These trails often follow waterways like the River Esk or hug the coastline, providing open views and a mix of paved and natural surfaces. The landscape is characterized by its proximity to the Firth of Forth and its blend of urban development with accessible natural corridors.
…Last updated: October 14, 2026
4.2
(5)
14
hikers
21.4km
05:43
210m
210m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
3.0
(3)
45
hikers
5.49km
01:24
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
32
hikers
9.16km
02:22
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
hikers
8.32km
02:09
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
23
hikers
15.4km
04:11
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Tips from the Community
Nice view of the city and the Firth of Forth when the weather is clear.
8
0
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier from 19th century Edinburgh. He became famous because, according to legend, he guarded the grave of his owner in Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen years. Bobby himself died on January 14, 1872. The story is still very well known in Scotland. Books and films have been made about it, and a statue of Greyfriars Bobby is a popular attraction in Edinburgh. (Wikipedia)
5
0
Quote: The origin of the name "Arthur's Seat" is unclear. Some see it as a reference to the legendary King Arthur. In 1912, John Milne published a book on Gaelic place names in which he derived the name from "Suidhe Ard-Thir," which translates roughly as "place on high ground." However, the word order here would be odd. Historian William Maitland put forward a different theory as early as the 18th century. According to him, the name would be "Àrd-na-Said," "height of arrows," a variant that was later modified to "Archer's Seat" and later "Arthur's Seat." (Source: https://www.myhighlands.de/arthurs-seat-edinburgh/ )
1
0
The gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with minor exceptions, but this can be checked on the website https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit Admission is free, you have several galleries to choose from: the national, modern 1 and 2, or the portrait gallery.
3
1
National Galleries of Scotland (formerly Scottish National Gallery) is the national art gallery of Scotland. It is located on The Mound in the centre of Edinburgh, close to Princes Street. The building was designed in the neoclassical style by William Henry Playfair and was first opened to the public in 1859. The gallery houses Scotland's national collection of fine art, encompassing Scottish and international art from the early Renaissance to the early 20th century. The National is run by National Galleries Scotland, a public body that also owns the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Due to architectural similarity, The National is often mistaken by visitors for the adjacent Royal Scottish Academy Building (RSA), a separate institution that works closely with The National.
3
0
The founders of the RSA also had a strong desire for Scotland to have its own National Gallery, and as they continued to expand and make demands on space at the Royal Institution, it was clear that new premises were required. So when a new gallery was designed and built in 1850, the Royal Scottish Academy, to which it moved with the newly established National Gallery of Scotland (today part of the National), hosting its exhibitions in the gallery, as well as having a columned hall, library and school of life in the building. https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/royal-scottish-academy-building
3
1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails can I find in Midlothian?
Midlothian offers a wide selection of urban hiking trails, with over 690 routes available for you to explore. These range from easy strolls to more moderate walks, ensuring there's something for every urban explorer.
What do other hikers enjoy about urban hiking in Midlothian?
The urban hiking trails in Midlothian are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to historical parklands, and the convenience of exploring nature within or close to urban settings.
Are there easy urban hiking routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Midlothian has a great selection of easy urban hikes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the The Jooglie Bridge loop from Musselburgh is an easy 5.3 km route, offering a pleasant walk along the River Esk. Another family-friendly option is the Company Bakery – Fisherrow Harbour loop from Musselburgh, which is just under 6 km and offers scenic views.
Are the urban hiking trails in Midlothian dog-friendly?
Many urban hiking trails in Midlothian are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a walk with your canine companion. Parks like Dalkeith Country Park and Vogrie Country Park, while not exclusively urban, offer accessible paths where dogs are welcome, often on a lead. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs.
Are there urban walks accessible by public transport?
Yes, several urban walks in Midlothian are well-served by public transport. Routes starting from towns like Musselburgh or Portobello, such as the Portobello Beach – Portobello Promenade loop from Newcraighall, are often easily reachable by bus from Edinburgh and surrounding areas, making them convenient for car-free exploration.
What kind of scenery can I expect on urban hikes in Midlothian?
Urban hikes in Midlothian offer a surprising variety of scenery. You can expect coastal views along the Firth of Forth, tranquil river paths like those along the River Esk, and historical parklands with mature woodlands. Some routes even offer distant views of the Pentland Hills or Edinburgh's iconic Arthur's Seat.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions along the urban trails?
Absolutely! Many urban trails in Midlothian pass by or offer views of notable landmarks. You might encounter historical sites like Roslin Castle, the impressive Newhailes House, or the industrial heritage of Mid-Lothian Mines Park. For natural beauty, some routes offer glimpses of the Glencorse Reservoir or the distant Scald Law Summit in the Pentland Hills.
What is the best time of year for urban hiking in Midlothian?
Urban hiking in Midlothian can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming flowers and fresh greenery, while autumn offers beautiful fall colors in the parklands. Summer provides longer daylight hours, and even winter walks can be invigorating, especially along coastal paths or through crisp, quiet woodlands. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there circular urban walks available?
Yes, many of the urban hiking routes in Midlothian are circular, allowing you to start and end your journey at the same point. Examples include the View of Arthur's Seat – Lower Slopes of Arthur's Seat loop from Portobello, which offers a varied urban and natural experience, and the Newhailes House – Brunstane Path loop from Musselburgh.
How long do urban hikes typically take in Midlothian?
The duration of urban hikes in Midlothian varies greatly depending on the route's distance and your pace. Many easy routes, like the 5 km The Jooglie Bridge loop, can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Longer, moderate routes, such as the 9 km Portobello Beach – Portobello Promenade loop, might take 2.5 to 3 hours or more.
Are there less crowded urban trails for a peaceful walk?
While popular spots can get busy, Midlothian offers many quieter urban trails, especially during off-peak hours or in lesser-known parks. Exploring areas like Vogrie Country Park or the less frequented sections of river paths can provide a more peaceful experience away from the crowds.
Most popular routes in Midlothian
Most popular attractions in Midlothian
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Check out more Hikes throughout Midlothian below and find the perfect route in your destination.
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
