The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Glencorse Reservoir

The Glencorse Reservoir area offers a wide variety of family-friendly hiking options. You'll find over 170 easy routes and nearly 200 moderate trails, providing plenty of choices for families with different fitness levels and preferences.

The area around Glencorse Reservoir is ideal for families due to its diverse and accessible landscapes. You'll find a mix of gentle paths through woodlands, open moorland, and trails alongside the Glencorse Burn. Many routes offer stunning views without overly challenging ascents, and there are even specific features like a 'Mystery Trail' designed for children near the Flotterstone Information Centre.

Yes, there are many easy options perfect for beginners or families with young children. For example, the Flotterstone Inn – View of Turnhouse Hill loop from Glencorse Reservoir is an easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trail that offers lovely views and is typically completed in under an hour. Another great choice is the Castlelaw Fort and Earth House – Castlelaw Hill loop from Castlelaw, which is 4.5 km and also rated easy.

Absolutely! Many of the trails around Glencorse Reservoir are designed as circular routes, allowing you to experience varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the View of Turnhouse Hill – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Bell's Hill, a moderate 4.6-mile (7.4 km) path, or the View from Harbour Hill – Glencorse Reservoir loop from Castlelaw, which is a moderate 8.5 km route.

Convenient parking is available at the Flotterstone Inn, which serves as a popular starting point for many trails. This location also often has a coffee stand and an information point, making it a great base for your family's adventure.

Yes, Glencorse Reservoir is accessible by public transport, particularly from Edinburgh. Buses regularly serve the area, with stops often located near popular trailheads like Flotterstone, making it a viable option for families without a car.

Hikers can expect breathtaking views across the reservoir itself, complemented by the dramatic backdrop of the Pentland Hills. From higher points, such as those along the View of Turnhouse Hill – Glencorse Reservoir loop, you can enjoy panoramic vistas extending towards Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and even as far as Fife and the Scottish Highlands on clear days.

Yes, many trails around Glencorse Reservoir are dog-friendly. It's a popular spot for dog walkers. However, please ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around livestock and wildlife, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The area is rich in wildlife, offering exciting spotting opportunities for families. Keep an eye out for herons, green woodpeckers, and pipistrelle bats. Roe deer are also common, and you might even see cormorants around the reservoir or green hairstreak butterflies, particularly near the old filter beds by Glencorse Burn.

Yes, the Flotterstone Inn is a key amenity in the area, offering parking and often a coffee stand. It's a great place to grab a refreshment before or after your hike. The Flotterstone Information Centre is also nearby, providing useful resources for visitors.

Glencorse Reservoir offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Late summer is particularly stunning when the heather blooms in vibrant purple across the hills. Spring brings fresh greenery and new wildlife, while autumn offers rich colours. Even in winter, the landscape can be dramatic, though some paths may be muddy or icy, so appropriate gear is essential.

The Glencorse Reservoir area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views, the variety of terrain suitable for all ages, and the peaceful atmosphere. The well-maintained paths and the accessibility from Edinburgh are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects.

Yes, the Glencorse Reservoir itself has historical significance, having been constructed between 1820 and 1824. Beneath its surface lies the submerged St. Catherine's Chapel, an intriguing historical feature. Additionally, the Castlelaw Fort and Earth House loop takes you past ancient sites, adding an educational element to your family's hike.