The best hikes from bus stations around Glencorse Reservoir

There are over 340 hiking routes around Glencorse Reservoir that are accessible by bus, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. This includes more than 150 easy routes and over 170 moderate trails.

Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails are suitable for beginners and families. For example, the Flotterstone Inn – View of Turnhouse Hill loop from Easter Howgate is an easy 3.4 km route. The region also offers the 'Glencorse View walk' which features a 'Mystery Trail' designed to engage children.

Absolutely. Many of the trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point, often conveniently located near bus stops. The View of Turnhouse Hill – Glencorse Reservoir Island loop from Easter Howgate is a great example of a circular route.

Generally, the trails around Glencorse Reservoir are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife. Please be mindful of local signage and regulations.

The trails offer diverse landscapes including expansive open moorland, undulating hills, and sweeping views of the reservoir. You'll encounter enchanting woodlands, picturesque streams like the Glencorse Burn, and during late summer, vibrant purple heather. Keep an eye out for the historical filter beds near Glencorse Burn, which are a haven for wildlife, and if water levels are high, the reservoir's outflow waterfall is a captivating sight.

The trails are enjoyable year-round, but late summer to mid-September is particularly vibrant when the hills are covered in purple heather. Spring offers fresh greenery, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Winter walks can be stunning, but always check weather conditions and trail accessibility.

Near the Flotterstone Inn, which is a common starting point for many trails and accessible by bus, you'll find practical amenities such as a car park, a coffee stand, and an information point. The Flotterstone Inn itself also offers refreshments.

Many trails provide stunning views of the reservoir. The View of Glencorse Reservoir – View of Turnhouse Hill loop from Easter Howgate offers extensive panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. The 'Glencorse View walk' also guides hikers to splendid views of the glen and reservoir.

Glencorse Reservoir offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and accessibility. It's an impressive feat of 19th-century engineering, and during very low water levels, the submerged ruins of the 13th-century chapel of St Catherine's become visible. Its convenient proximity to Edinburgh also makes it an easily accessible escape into nature.

The trails around Glencorse Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding Pentland Hills.

Yes, the area is rich in history. Beyond the historical filter beds, during periods of very low water, the submerged ruins of the 13th-century chapel of St Catherine's in the Hopes, complete with an old causeway and bell tower, can be seen. An optional detour also allows exploration of an Iron Age hill fort and souterrain located on Castle Law.

The terrain varies from relatively flat paths around the reservoir's edge to more undulating hills and open moorland. While many routes are easy with minimal elevation gain, some moderate trails, like the Glencorse Reservoir – View of Glencorse Reservoir loop from Easter Howgate, involve ascents of around 250 meters, offering more challenging sections and rewarding views.