The best hikes from bus stations in Pentland Hills

There are over 60 hiking trails in the Pentland Hills that you can easily reach from bus stations. These routes cater to various fitness levels, from easy strolls to more challenging hillwalking adventures.

Yes, the Pentland Hills offer several easy and family-friendly options accessible by bus. For a gentle walk with scenic views, consider the View of Turnhouse Hill – Glencorse Reservoir Island loop from Easter Howgate. This route is relatively flat and perfect for a relaxed outing. The Harlaw Reservoir & Threipmuir Reservoir loop is another popular choice for those seeking a relaxed outing or family-friendly walk, often accessible via local bus services.

The Pentland Hills feature diverse terrain, from grassy slopes and well-maintained paths around reservoirs to more rugged sections on higher peaks. You'll encounter rolling hills, moorland, and heathland. Many paths are well-established, but some routes, especially those climbing to summits, can be steeper and rockier, reflecting the region's ancient volcanic geology.

Yes, for a route featuring a waterfall, consider the North Esk Reservoir – Waterfall and Old Mill loop from Nine Mile Burn. This moderate hike offers the chance to see a waterfall and explore an old mill. The Pentland Hills also boast several serene reservoirs like Harlaw, Threemuir, Glencorse, and Loganlea, which are prominent natural features along many trails.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider routes that ascend to the higher peaks. The View of Glencorse Reservoir – View from Allermuir Hill loop from Fairmilehead offers superb vistas towards Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. For the most expansive views, the challenging Carnethy Hill – Scald Law Summit loop from Fairmilehead will take you to the highest points, including Scald Law Summit and Carnethy Hill, providing views over the surrounding hills and beyond.

Many of the bus-accessible trails in the Pentland Hills are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same bus stop or a nearby one. For example, the View of Glencorse Reservoir – View of Turnhouse Hill loop from Easter Howgate is a moderate circular hike that offers varied scenery.

Along bus-accessible routes, you can encounter several notable landmarks. The reservoirs themselves, such as Glencorse Reservoir, are picturesque points of interest. Higher up, you'll find prominent peaks like View from Allermuir Hill and Caerketton Hill, which serve as excellent viewpoints.

The Pentland Hills are enjoyable year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring brings wildflowers, while summer provides longer daylight hours and generally milder weather. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage. Winter hikes are possible, but require appropriate gear for potentially cold, wet, or icy conditions, especially on higher ground. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to every bus stop might be limited, many villages and towns surrounding the Pentland Hills, which serve as bus hubs, offer amenities for hikers. For example, areas like Balerno, Flotterstone, and Nine Mile Burn often have local establishments where you can grab refreshments before or after your hike.

The Pentland Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the stunning panoramic views from the summits, and the accessibility of many trails from Edinburgh via public transport. The variety of routes, from gentle reservoir walks to challenging hill climbs, is also frequently highlighted.