The best traffic-free bike rides around Pentland Hills Regional Park

Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a wide selection of traffic-free touring cycling routes. You can find over 350 routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every cyclist looking to explore the park without vehicle interference.

The no-traffic routes in Pentland Hills Regional Park feature a diverse terrain. You'll primarily find firm gravel tracks and reservoir-side roads, which are generally smooth and offer steady progress. Some routes may include unpaved sections or varied surfaces, reflecting the park's mix of moorland, woodlands, and grasslands. While most are suitable for touring bikes, be prepared for some segments that might be more challenging.

Many traffic-free routes offer stunning views of the park's natural beauty. You can cycle past picturesque reservoirs like Glencorse Reservoir, Torduff Reservoir, and Threipmuir Reservoir. The routes also provide glimpses of the rolling Pentland Hills, with panoramic vistas across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth from higher points like the View from Allermuir Hill.

Yes, the Pentland Hills Regional Park has several family-friendly traffic-free cycling options, particularly around the reservoirs. These routes often feature gentler gradients and well-maintained paths, perfect for a leisurely ride with children. An easy example is the Threipmuir Reservoir – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop from Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve, which is just over 5 km long.

Absolutely. Many of the traffic-free touring cycling routes in Pentland Hills Regional Park are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, you can enjoy the Glencorse Reservoir – Loganlea Reservoir loop from Easter Howgate, which offers a scenic 10.6 km ride, or the shorter Torduff Reservoir – Torduff Reservoir loop from Colinton.

The best time to cycle the traffic-free routes is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the paths are less likely to be muddy or icy. While cycling is possible year-round, be mindful of seasonal conditions; some paths can become wet and challenging in winter. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park offers several car parks conveniently located near popular trailheads, providing good access to traffic-free cycling routes. Key visitor information points like Harlaw House and Flotterstone Lodge often have parking facilities. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times, especially on weekends, as spaces can fill up quickly.

The park's proximity to Edinburgh makes it highly accessible by public transport. Several bus routes from Edinburgh city center serve various entry points to the Pentland Hills, allowing you to reach trailheads without a car. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop near areas like Flotterstone, Balerno, or Colinton, which offer good access to the traffic-free cycling network.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the paths within Pentland Hills Regional Park. However, cyclists are advised that paths are shared with walkers, horse-riders, and other users. Please keep your dog under control, especially around livestock and other park visitors, and always clean up after your pet. Be aware of seasonal signage regarding lambing fields where dogs may need to be on a lead or restricted from certain areas.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Pentland Hills Regional Park, with an average score of 4.49 out of 5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the tranquility of the traffic-free routes, the stunning panoramic views, and the sense of escape from city life. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths around the reservoirs and the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels.